US President Donald Trump is about to begin his Middle East tour. Before this, the US State Department has approved a big arms package. Approval has been given to sell arms worth $1.4 billion to the United Arab Emirates.
As per the approval, the UAE will purchase 6 CH-47F Chinook helicopters at a cost of $1.32 billion. The UAE will also spend around $130 million for parts and other maintenance services for F-16 fighter jets. The Foreign Ministry also talked about the benefits of this package. According to the Foreign Ministry, these sales will help promote America’s foreign policy and national security objectives.
Along with this, UAE’s defense capabilities will also increase. This agreement is expected to strengthen military cooperation and trust between the two countries. This weapons package is part of further strengthening the connection between the two countries. The UAE is already a major buyer of US weapons, and this deal will further enhance its military capabilities.
The US President will reach Saudi Arabia today on 13 May in the first phase of his Gulf tour. After this he will go to Qatar and UAE. Trump will be eyeing business deals with these Gulf countries, during his three-nation tour he can discuss economic and diplomatic issues.