WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
US President Donald Trump has pledged to strengthen US ties with the United Arab Emirates and announced deals with the Gulf state worth more than $200 billion. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence.
After meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the White House said Trump announced the deals, which include a $14.5 billion investment by Etihad Airways to purchase 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, which will be equipped with GE Aerospace engines.
The US Department of Commerce said the US and the UAE had reached an agreement to establish a framework for the “US-UAE Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Partnership,” and Trump and Sheikh Mohammed attended the unveiling of a new 5-gigawatt AI campus, which is expected to be the largest of its kind outside the United States.
According to the sources, the agreements will give the Emirates expanded access to advanced US artificial intelligence chips, after previously facing restrictions due to Washington’s concerns that China could acquire the technology.
Trump arrived in the UAE as part of a tour of wealthy Gulf states after welcoming Doha’s announcement in Qatar to invest $10 billion in a US military base.
“I have no doubt that our relationship will only grow and get better,” Trump said during a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
"Your wonderful brother was in Washington a few weeks ago and he told us about your generous announcement of $1.4 trillion," Trump added, referring to the UAE's plan to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade.
Trump was referring to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed's brother, who is the UAE's national security adviser and chairman of two major sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi.
The US president was met at Abu Dhabi airport by Sheikh Mohammed, and together they toured the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose white minarets and domes gleam in the afternoon light.
"It's beautiful," Trump told reporters inside the mosque, adding that it was closed to visitors that day.
"The first time they've closed it. In honor of the United States. Better than in honor of me. Let's make it in honor of the country. It's a great recognition."
The White House statement said Trump secured $200 billion in new deals between the US and the UAE, as well as accelerating the implementation of the previously announced $1.4 trillion in investments.
It said Emirates Global Aluminum will invest $4 billion in the development of a primary aluminum production project in Oklahoma. Also, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum and EOG Resources will expand oil and gas production in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), totaling $60 billion.
Sheikh Mohammed told Trump that the UAE wants to continue and further strengthen this friendship, for the benefit of both countries and their peoples, adding: "Your presence here today, Your Excellency, Mr. President, confirms that this desire is mutual."
