ABU DHABI — The president of the United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that his country would continue to support global energy security as a main driver of global economic growth.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in his first televised address since becoming president in May, also said the UAE would extend a "hand of friendship" to all countries that share values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

His speech coincided with the start of a visit by US President Joe Biden to the region that includes a meeting with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday on the first leg of the trip.

"We will... continue to consolidate our nation’s position as a reliable energy provider, and support global energy security as a fundamental driver of global economic growth and development," Sheikh Mohammed said.

The economy of the UAE, a trade and tourism hub, was "thriving and continues to grow at an impressive rate", he said, adding that a key strategic focus was to diversify it further.

The Emirati leader stressed that the UAE would not tolerate anything that affects its security and would work to strengthen positive dialogue towards stability and prosperity for all. — Agencies