A senior US congressional delegation, led by Congressman Josh Gottheimer, visited the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and the Philippines to enhance security relationships and convey a unified message urging Iran to cease threatening its neighbors. In the UAE, Gottheimer engaged in discussions with top officials on regional security, artificial intelligence, energy collaboration, and addressing common threats.
During the visit to Abu Dhabi, Gottheimer met with key figures such as Deputy Ruler and National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Expressing gratitude for the hospitality received, Gottheimer commended the UAE’s stance against Iran and its deepening ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The discussions in the UAE centered on the conflict with Iran, regional security issues, artificial intelligence, and energy security cooperation. Both sides also addressed concerns regarding the rise of antisemitism and extremism, reaffirming their joint commitment to combatting hate and extremist ideologies.
The delegation proceeded to Thailand and the Philippines, engaging with senior officials to deliberate on security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Talks emphasized the importance of bolstering regional security and countering disruptive influences from various global actors, including China, North Korea, and Iran.
Highlighting the US’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, Gottheimer, a member of the House intelligence panel, stressed the significance of collaboration with allies on security, technology, and energy matters. The United States and the UAE share a robust strategic partnership encompassing security, trade, energy, and counterterrorism cooperation, with the UAE playing a pivotal role in the Abraham Accords.
