UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, Turkish FM discuss strengthening bilateral relations; regional de-escalation efforts

Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 10 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, for a working dinner in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, the two top diplomats discussed the dangerous developments in the Middle East region and the efforts of the international community to reach a sustainable ceasefire and strengthen the humanitarian response to the needs of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of intensifying efforts at the regional and international levels to reach a ceasefire and protect the security and safety of all civilians, noting that the escalating tension, extremism, and violence in the region threaten international peace and security.

He further emphasised the critical importance of close collaboration to ensure uninterrupted and ample humanitarian assistance for civilians in the Gaza Strip, while redoubling efforts to mitigate the suffering of the brotherly people of Palestine.

In a related context, the two ministers discussed the relations of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, focusing on the diverse development opportunities available for their peoples. The two sides also reviewed bilateral cooperation in all fields, including economic, commercial, and investment fields.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the steady growth in the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries, which increased by 103.7 per cent in 2023, with Turkey’s share in the UAE’s total foreign trade rising to 5.1 per cent to become the fastest growing among the Emirates’ top 10 trading partners.

“This significant development in non-oil trade exchange is the result of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed by the two countries on March 3, 2023, which entered into force on September 1st of the same year,” Sheikh Abdullah said, stressing on the importance of continuing joint work to further strengthen relations of cooperation and partnership in all fields.

He also affirmed that the two countries enjoy strong and growing relations and are looking forward to establishing advanced and prosperous paths of cooperation that support their efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth.