UAE Hosts I2U2 Business Forum To Discuss Investment Opportunities With US, India, Israel Officials

The United Arab Emirates is all set to host the first vice-ministerial meeting of the I2U2 in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The meeting, which will be participated in by delegations from the UAE, US, Israel and India, will run until Wednesday, and will center around investment opportunities and other key issues concerning the four nations, particularly in the areas of food security and energy.

Leading the US delegation will be the US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez, who will also represent the superpower at the business forum. A statement issued by the US reveals that Fernandez will discuss key issues with representatives from the UAE ahead of the 28^th Session of the Conference of the Parties (CoP28) of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC).

"In Abu Dhabi, Undersecretary Fernandez will represent the United States at the I2U2 Business Forum, hosted by the UAE; it is the first vice-ministerial meeting since the grouping was jointly announced by President Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Lapid, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Indian Prime Minister Modi," the statement reads.

"During the forum, partner countries will discuss opportunities to advance regional cooperation and investment opportunities to build partnerships that address some of the region's most pressing issues, including management of the energy crisis and food insecurity," the statement adds.

Among the issues to be tackled include the bilateral climate and clean energy cooperation and food security. Delegates will also discuss matters of the economy as the UAE prepares to host this year's climate change conference in November.

The statement also reveals that Undersecretary Fernandez will be joined by Special Envoy for Global Food Security Dr. Cary Fowler to discuss at the I2U2 US food security priorities with India, UAE and Israel senior officials.

In September 2022, the I2U2 also met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Meeting to discuss their economic partnership and review projects that would benefit the region. The meeting was attended by Fernandez, India's Ministry of External Affairs Economic Relations Secretary Dammu Ravi, UAE Minister of State Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, and Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Alon Ushpiz.