LONDON: US President Joe Biden spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East region, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders “welcomed the recent hostage deal and humanitarian pause, which has enabled a surge in assistance to the people of Gaza,” it added.

“President Biden reiterated the steadfast US commitment to peace and security in the Middle East region,” the statement also said.

Biden and Sheikh Mohammed also affirmed the strong bilateral ties between their two countries, and the US president expressed appreciation to the Emirates for organizing the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. 

Biden asked Vice President Kamala Harris to attend the COP28 Leaders Summit on his behalf “to showcase US global leadership on climate at home and abroad and to help galvanize increased global ambition at this critical event.”

The American delegation will also include Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and dozens of senior US officials representing more than 20 departments and agencies.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to discuss “the pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has allowed for the release of hostages and an increase in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza,” the State Department said on Wednesday. 

Blinken reiterated the US “commitment to working with Kuwait and regional partners toward the formation of viable, prosperous Palestinian state” and “reaffirmed the friendship and strategic partnership between Kuwait and the United States.”