US in constant coordination with UAE and Saudi Arabia on Bab-el-Mandeb: Massad Boulos

Dubai: Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, said the United States is in constant, direct coordination with the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the security situation around Bab-el-Mandeb and the wider Red Sea, in a wide-ranging session at the Arab Media Summit. During the session moderated by Nadim Koteich of IMI Media Group, Boulos pointed to direct contact between US President Trump and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside daily military coordination with regional leaders. "Whatever is said or written to the contrary, time will reveal President Trump's wisdom and his ability to take historic positions, and we will see the results on the ground very soon," he said. Boulos said safety of navigation in the Red Sea is a very important issue for the United States, with a dedicated Red Sea plan coordinated alongside allies and partners. While declining to announce specific military steps, he said positive developments had already begun. Speaking about the broader regional picture, Boulos said he has personally met with 18 Arab heads of state over the past year and a half and remains in constant contact with foreign ministers across the Gulf and Egypt. On Sudan, Boulos reaffirmed US commitment to the roadmap with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the Berlin Declaration. "This is the world's largest humanitarian catastrophe, with more than 35 million people in need of aid.".” On Libya, Boulos confirmed the US has been working with other states for speedy implementation of the 4+4 Agreement aimed at advancing the country’s political process and paving the way for national elections. The agreement, negotiated under the guidance of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) officially outlines a timeline to restructure the board of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months. "We are in daily coordination with our special representative Stephanie Koury, who is doing excellent work. Our initiative has been approved, and this matter was passed by the Libyan parliament with a parliamentary majority. This is truly a very important step," he added.