Head of State discusses developments in the region with European Council President

The President of the State, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God bless him, discussed with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, various aspects of relations between the UAE, the European Union and its Member States, as well as ways to develop them at all levels and expand their horizons in order to enhance common interests and bring benefits and growth to both sides.

This took place yesterday during the reception at the Beach Palace of His Royal Highness Charles Michel, the President of the country, who welcomed him, stressing the depth of relations between the UAE and the EU and the desire to strengthen them in ways that support their mutual interests and serve peace and development at the regional and global levels.

The meeting discussed the GCC and EU summits scheduled to be held in Brussels next October, and the importance of this summit in promoting the development of bilateral relations, especially in the economic and development fields, and laying the foundation for the further high-quality development of these relations in the coming years.

Their Highnesses and the President of the European Council also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, in particular developments in the Middle East, and stressed in this context the importance of reaching an agreement on an urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would provide adequate humanitarian support to its inhabitants and alleviate their suffering, in addition to efforts to reduce tensions in the West Bank and advance the path towards a permanent and stable peace based on a two-State solution.

The two sides stressed the danger of escalating tensions in the region and the importance of international action to contain tensions and prevent the escalation of conflicts, which threaten regional security and stability.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the UAE supports all efforts aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip and promoting the cause of stability and peace in the region, and is keen to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and other relevant parties to step up efforts to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and support regional stability.

Charles Michel, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and praised the UAE’s stance in support of the joint Gulf-European action, its influential humanitarian role in the Gaza Strip and its stance in maintaining stability and peace in the Middle East, stressing the EU’s eagerness to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the UAE on various common issues.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Office for Special Affairs, and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Advisor to the Presidential Office for Special Affairs, as well as a number of sheikhs and officials.

Some EU officials also attended the meeting.