UAE President, Egyptian FM Discuss Bilateral Ties

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. (WAM)
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UAE President, Egyptian FM Discuss Bilateral Ties

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received in Abu Dhabi on Sunday Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty conveyed to Sheikh Mohamed the greetings of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, along with his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the UAE, reported the UAE state news agency WAM.

The two officials discussed the close relations between the UAE and Egypt, along with various aspects of cooperation and collaboration aimed at advancing their mutual interests.

They highlighted their shared aspirations for development and prosperity within the framework of the strategic relationship between the two nations, encompassing economic, developmental, political, and other key areas.

The meeting covered a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the latest developments in the Middle East. The discussion focused primarily on efforts to immediately halt the conflict in Gaza and address the worsening humanitarian situation by ensuring the safe and unobstructed delivery of essential aid to the area’s residents.

Sheikh Mohamed and Abdelatty stressed the importance of concerted international efforts to prevent further escalation and avoid the consequences of additional crises that could threaten regional stability.

They reiterated the need to push for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, which they agreed is the key to enhancing security and stability in the region.

They renewed their commitment to continuing close consultation and coordination between their nations, emphasizing the importance of bolstering joint Arab action to effectively address the challenges and crises facing the region.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; and Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Ali Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs at the Presidential Court.



GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon are pushing the two-state solution to the forefront of the agenda for the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union (GCC-EU) Summit in Brussels next Wednesday.
The summit is expected to back the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, recently launched by Saudi Arabia.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, said the EU and Gulf countries are united in their call for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he also expected a strong, unified position on establishing a Palestinian state during this first-of-its-kind summit.
Farnaud highlighted the EU’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid, while reaffirming the EU’s alignment with Arab and Gulf nations on the two-state solution.
Recognition of Palestine ‘Just a Matter of Time’
On the topic of recognizing a Palestinian state, Farnaud revealed that many EU member states have reached an initial agreement, and it's “only a matter of time” before more countries officially recognize Palestine.
Some have already done so, while others are deciding the right timing.
He praised the Saudi-led Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, launched in September, which includes Arab, Islamic, Norwegian, and EU support.
The initiative was well received internationally, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell commending Saudi Arabia’s efforts during a recent UN meeting on Gaza.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the two-state solution “the only reliable path to peace in the Middle East” and stressed the need to establish a Palestinian state now.
Economic Partnership, Cooperation
On the economic front, Farnaud said the summit will build on previous meetings to strengthen long-term partnerships between the EU and the Gulf. The leaders will discuss economic, investment, and trade cooperation, with trade in goods alone between the two regions reaching €170 billion.
Key Issues on the Summit Agenda
The summit will also address security, regional stability, and ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Red Sea. Both sides are committed to finding diplomatic solutions to these issues.
Free Trade, Visa Cooperation
Farnaud confirmed the EU’s commitment to reaching a free trade agreement with Gulf countries, while noting that some technical issues remain. He also expressed interest in advancing talks on a potential visa waiver between the Schengen area and Gulf nations.
The summit will be the first of its kind between the GCC and the EU. Farnaud recently held positive discussions with Saudi officials to finalize preparations and set priorities for the meeting.