Abu Dhabi, Qatar talk bilateral ties: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed ramping up cooperation in key strategic sectors yesterday, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. During his visit to Qatar, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince also discussed strengthening UAE-Qatar relations with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a separate statement.

UAE rejects attacks on Lebanon, Gaza…: State Minister Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Sudan during his speech at the UN General Assembly, calling on the warring Sudanese factions to engage in peaceful dialogue and for the resumption of access to aid in both Gaza and Sudan, as well as respect of international laws. In a separate statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the developments in Lebanon and their potential impacts on regional stability. This comes a day after the UAE committedUSD 100 mn in relief aid to Lebanon.

…and renews calls for return of seized Islands: The minister also renewed the UAE’s demands to Iran to end its occupation of the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands, which have been occupied since 1971 in what the UAE says is a violation of the UN Charter. The minister asked Iran to respond to calls to resolve this issue through direct negotiations, or through a formal dispute with the International Court of Justice.

PLUS: The UAE and Switzerland held their latest financial dialogue yesterday, focusing on ramping up bilateral cooperation in financial and economic fields, including macroeconomic developments, international taxation, and digital finance trends, Wam reports. The two sides explored strengthening collaboration between government bodies and private sector players to enhance financial and economic partnerships.

Tags: