US and UAE discuss progress on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor

Washington: US President Joe Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met at the White House on Monday to review the progress of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), emphasising its potential to revolutionise global connectivity.

Launched during the 2023 G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, the IMEC project aims to establish a seamless ship-to-rail link connecting India with Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Greece. This ambitious corridor is expected to enhance economic growth and increase international trade efficiency.

In a joint statement, Biden and Zayed highlighted the transformative nature of the project, stating that it will drive economic expansion, improve operational efficiencies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster greater integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The two leaders underscored the corridor's potential to bring about a new era of global connectivity, facilitating international trade, clean energy distribution, and reliable electricity access. They also emphasised the corridor's role in strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across the regions.
The joint statement further stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to advance a circular economy and promote sustainable practices, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation in resource efficiency and environmentally responsible growth.

Welcoming President Zayed, Biden praised the UAE as a forward-thinking nation that shares a common vision with the US. He highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, space exploration, and regional infrastructure development.
During the meeting, Biden also announced plans to designate the UAE as a major defense partner of the United States, making it the second country after India to receive this status, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.