Remarks Prior to a Meeting With President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates

President Biden. Well, Sheikh Mohamed, welcome back to Washington.

President Mohamed bin Zayed. Thank you, sir.

President Biden. You've been a good friend. Our countries have a strategic partnership rooted in decades—literally decades—of close cooperation and friendship. And I welcome the chance to open a new chapter here.

We—U.A.E. is a nation of trailblazers, always looking—always looking—to the future, always making big bets. And that's something our countries have in common and our people have in common.

In fact, it's a cornerstone of our growing cooperation in AI, in clean energy, in space, and investing in infrastructure to connect regions. And, for many years, our forces also stood shoulder to shoulder in the same most difficult places.

Today we honor that legacy and carry our relationship forward, as U.A.B.—U.A.E. is going to become a major defense partner of the United States, joining only one other country: India.

We also will discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and a number of regional issues. I've been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon. My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we're working to deescalate in a way that allows people to return to their homes safely.

Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain committed to the U.A.E.'s security. And I look forward to our discussion; it's going to cover a lot of areas.

So, again, welcome. Sheikh?

President Mohamed bin Zayed. Thank you, Mr. President.

[At this point, President Mohamed bin Zayed spoke in Arabic, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter as follows.]

Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet with you once again, and I would like to thank you for the warm reception. And I look forward to continuously discussing our relationship between the two nations.

And I would like to reaffirm that the United Arab Emirates has a firm and unwavering commitment to work with the United States of America for the sake of deepening the strategic partnership between our two nations.

Once again, Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet you, and I would like to extend to you and the American people the best of wishes.

President Biden. Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

[Several reporters began speaking at once.]

Q. Mr. President—[inaudible]—on Lebanon justified? Mr. President, is Israel starting this war?