New Delhi: The vice ministers of I2U2 countries – Israel, India, the United States and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday focused on potential partnerships in the fields of food security, energy, water, space, transport, health, and technology.
The I2U2 business forum, held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together senior private and public sector representatives from the four countries to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the business communities.
During the business forum, the I2U2 leadership discussed opportunities to advance multi-regional cooperation and investment opportunities to address some of the region's most pressing issues, including management of the energy crisis and food insecurity, US State Department said in a statement.
"Public and private-sector representatives gathered to strategize on how to best promote prosperity across the region. Our commitment to overcome collective challenges and deepen coordination with I2U2 continues to serve as a regional model to support investments and initiatives to improve sustainability and resilience in key sectors," the statement said.
UAE Minister of State Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh hosted the forum, which was attended by Director General of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ronen Levi and, India's Economic Relations Secretary Dammu Ravi, while the US delegation was led by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W Fernandez.
"Our commitment to overcome collective challenges and deepen coordination with I2U2 continues to serve as a regional model to support investments and initiatives to improve sustainability and resilience in key sectors," US said.
The US said that it is working closely with other I2U2 counterparts to explore additional projects to tackle food insecurity and advance space cooperation – areas that will require all of the member countries to share expertise, adapt to climate challenges, and invest in innovative technology, according to the statement.
It is the first vice-ministerial meeting since the grouping was announced jointly by President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Lapid, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.