Sheikh Tahnoun meets Jake Sullivan and Barack Obama in Washington

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser, has met his US equivalent Jake Sullivan and former US president Barack Obama in Washington.

In a post on X, Sheikh Tahnoun, who is also Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, said the two men “discussed the strategic relations between the UAE and the US and exchanged insights on issues of mutual interest”.

They also explored ways to enhance co-operation to address common challenges and promote stability and peace in the Middle East, Wam reported.

His visit to the US comes amid a renewed push by Washington to bring about a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.

Sheikh Tahnoun stressed the importance of co-operation between the UAE and the US, along with other Arab states in helping to secure an immediate ceasefire and to greatly increase the flow of humanitarian aid, the UAE Embassy in Washington said.

He said the Emirates and the US had worked closely with global aid organisations to expand deliveries into Gaza.

Sheikh Tahnoun held a series of meetings with senior figures in Washington during his three-day trip, which has now concluded.

He took part in key discussions with Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce, Kurt Campbell, US Deputy Secretary of State, Brett McGurk, White House Co-ordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Middle East Policy, Dan Shapiro.

Sheikh Tahnoun said he also had talks with Mr Obama.

“We had a productive discussion with Barack Obama on joint efforts to advance global education initiatives by leveraging technology to transform educational systems, fostering scientific progress and providing lasting benefits for future generations,” Sheikh Tahnoun said in another post.

Mr Obama's charitable organisation, the Obama Foundation, is focused on activating "people around the world to more powerfully participate, through scholarships, leadership training and more”.

Sheikh Tahnoun also held talks with Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella and explored "ways to strengthen collaboration in cutting-edge technology and the latest advancements in AI".

In his post, he said discussions focused on "our commitment to fostering global partnerships in advanced technology sectors and leveraging its potential to transform industries and enhance quality of life".

Sheikh Tahnoun's Emirati delegation in the US included Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.