United Arab Emirates Strengthens Diplomatic Ties And Humanitarian Efforts At Munich Security Conference

Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the European Union, led the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation at the Munich Security Conference. This annual event brings together global leaders to discuss international peace and security amidst challenging times. Nusseibeh emphasised the urgent need for regional de-escalation and highlighted efforts to uphold the Gaza ceasefire while supporting a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.

During over 35 bilateral meetings and speaking engagements, Nusseibeh addressed regional stability in Lebanon and Syria as crucial for lasting peace. She also discussed Sudan's humanitarian crisis, urging support for a ceasefire initiative by the UAE, Ethiopia, AU, and IGAD during Ramadan. The UAE pledged an additional US$200 million in aid to Sudan, announced in Addis Ababa on 14th February 2025.

In her role as Envoy to the EU, Nusseibeh engaged with European Parliament members and senior EU officials. Discussions focused on enhancing EU-UAE ties, particularly in free trade, vital for economic growth in Europe and MENA. She participated in a panel by the Observer Research Foundation alongside notable figures like Finland's President Alexander Stubb and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Nusseibeh underscored investing in existing and new partnerships during this panel discussion. She described the UAE as an economic hub due to its diplomatic agility. Highlighting over 20 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements recently concluded by the UAE, she encouraged countries to seize partnership opportunities amid shifting geo-economic dynamics.

Nusseibeh stated: "When established relationships, including with great powers, fail to deliver returns on the investments we have made over the years, we are looking to diversify our portfolio, our economic bridges, our defense and security partnerships," adding that this approach was "not transactional, but clear-eyed and pragmatic about the world as it is today."

The UAE delegation included Ahmed Alattar, Ambassador to Germany; Mohamed al Sahlawi, Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU; and Muath Alwari, Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their participation underscored UAE's commitment to fostering international cooperation through strategic dialogues.

With inputs from WAM