The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday thanked the US for approving an arms sale worth $23 billion.
The development came a day after the US Senate rejected efforts to block the sale of arms, which includes some 50 F-35 fighter jets, at least 18 Reaper drones and other precision weapons, Gulf News reported.
In a statement, Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the US said: “The UAE deeply appreciates the consideration of all Senators in today’s vote. Continued US support enable the UAE to take on more of the burden for our collective security ours, yours and our partners.
“It improves US-UAE inter-operability and allows us to be more effective together. It makes us all safer, be more tolerant and future-oriented.
“The UAE is charting a new positive path for the Middle East. We are committed to regional de-escalation and dialogue.”
Last month, US President Donald Trump’s administration notified Congress of the intended $23 billion arms sale to UAE.
Administration officials have reiterated that the arms sale, particularly the transfer of the coveted F-35 fighter jets, was an acknowledgement of the broader diplomatic initiatives between the two nations.
–IANS
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