NNA - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the UAE on Wednesday for the latest stop on a Middle East tour in which efforts to end wars in Gaza and Ukraine have been top of the agenda.

The former Florida senator, who was appointed to Donald Trump's administration last month, will be a key figure in guiding US foreign policy, particularly in supporting a global quest to bring about peace in Europe and the Middle East.

Mr Rubio was welcomed in Abu Dhabi by Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the UAE, and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation.

His visit to the Emirates comes a week after he spoke to President Sheikh Mohamed by phone to discuss the Israel-Gaza war.

The UAE leader underlined the need to maintain security and stability in the region, based on a two-state solution.--agencies

==============R.H.