UAE And Turkish Foreign Ministers Aim To Strengthen Bilateral Ties And Regional Peace

In a significant diplomatic engagement, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently hosted Hakan Fidan, his counterpart from the Republic of Türkiye, for a working dinner in Abu Dhabi. The meeting underscored the urgent discussions on the volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the escalating tensions and the dire need for a sustainable ceasefire and enhanced humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip.

The two diplomats delved into the critical state of affairs, with Sheikh Abdullah emphasizing the necessity of ramping up regional and international efforts to secure a ceasefire and ensure the safety of civilians. The conversation highlighted the adverse impact of rising tension, extremism, and violence on global peace and security. Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullah called for strengthened collaboration to guarantee continuous and sufficient humanitarian aid for those affected in the Gaza Strip, aiming to alleviate the hardships faced by the Palestinian people.

Amidst these pressing concerns, the ministers also explored the flourishing friendship and strategic partnership between their nations. They discussed various avenues for development and reviewed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic, commercial, and investment areas.

A notable point of discussion was the remarkable surge in non-oil trade between the UAE and Türkiye, which witnessed a 103.7% increase in 2023. This growth propelled Türkiye to become one of the fastest-growing trading partners of the Emirates, accounting for 5.1% of the UAE's total foreign trade. Sheikh Abdullah attributed this significant leap to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between both countries on March 3, 2023, which came into effect on September 1st of the same year.

Sheikh Abdullah lauded this development as a testament to the fruitful cooperation and partnership between the UAE and Türkiye. He expressed optimism about forging advanced and prosperous cooperation paths that would bolster efforts towards achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth for both nations.

This meeting not only highlighted the shared concerns over regional stability but also showcased the deepening economic ties between the UAE and Türkiye. As both countries navigate through these challenging times, their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and working together on humanitarian issues remains a priority.

With inputs from WAM