The United Arab Emirates reiterated its commitment to resolving conflicts through reasoned dialogue and diplomacy during its address at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council Summit in Baghdad.
Below is the speech of the UAE at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council Summit held on May 17, 2025, in Baghdad:
His Excellency Dr. Abdul-Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, Chair of the 34th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council Summit,
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League,
Distinguished attendees,
Peace be upon you.
First and foremost, we express our gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Abdul-Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, for his warm hospitality and leadership during the 34th session of the Arab League Summit. We also extend our appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, for his commendable efforts during the 33rd session, and to His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the staff of the General Secretariat for their diligent preparations for this summit.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
Our Arab region, and the Middle East in particular, is experiencing a critical phase of instability and rapid changes that threaten regional and international peace and security. This necessitates enhanced coordination and collaboration among our nations to maintain regional stability and security while ensuring sustainable development for our peoples.
We are closely monitoring the troubling consequences of ongoing escalation, violence, and confrontations, and their impact on regional and global stability.
Guided by its unwavering approach, the UAE believes that prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes and conflicts, while fostering partnerships and cooperation, as well as promoting solidarity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, is essential for addressing crises effectively through rational dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
In light of these circumstances, we emphasize the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation and solidarity to confront the challenges facing our region, work towards ending extremism, rising tensions, and violence, activate diplomacy and dialogue in conflict resolution, strengthen the foundations and authority of sovereign Arab states, and focus on achieving stability, growth, and development.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, the core principle of the UAE’s foreign policy is the pursuit of stability and prosperity both regionally and globally and promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts, with a particular focus on humanitarian issues. Consequently, we are dedicated to addressing existing tensions in the region. In this context, the UAE is committed to achieving a peaceful resolution regarding the three occupied Emirati islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, either through bilateral negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice, as per international law principles and norms.
In light of the ongoing violence and Israeli attacks in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, we reiterate our condemnation of these acts and strongly reject any provocative statements and actions targeting Palestinians. We call upon the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to halt the continuous Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, which constitute a blatant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter, along with relevant international resolutions.
Additionally, we firmly oppose any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands, which is a gross violation of international law and an unacceptable transgression that threatens the stability and sovereignty of our brothers in Egypt and Jordan and incites Arab and Muslim public opinion, thereby exacerbating instability and tension in the region.
Given the current situation, reverting to the pre-October 7, 2023 status quo is neither feasible nor acceptable. We must advance a process that ensures a responsible and sustainable solution not only for the future of Gaza but for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, providing a political horizon based on a two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel.
Stability and reconstruction in Gaza cannot be achieved without linking it to this political perspective. Displacing Gaza’s population is unacceptable. The region also needs a competent and responsible Palestinian national authority to maintain security, stability, and the rule of law.
We will spare no effort in supporting our Palestinian brothers and leveraging any diplomatic initiative to alleviate their suffering. The UAE’s efforts align with its long-standing commitment to promoting peace and justice and protecting the rights of the Palestinian people.
The UAE will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to support peace and coexistence by achieving lasting political solutions to conflicts in the region through dialogue and understanding. While simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, we will ensure life-saving supplies reach Gaza through all possible means. In this context, we commend the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States in seeking a consensus to cease hostilities in Gaza, secure the release of abductees, and facilitate humanitarian assistance in preparation for a sustainable political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, regarding Sudan, the UAE expresses deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation, severe food and health insecurity, which has reached famine levels in numerous areas of Sudan. We call for the immediate, secure, and sustainable removal of obstacles to delivering essential humanitarian assistance to the most affected regions, including across borders and conflict lines.
Our concerns extend to the implications of the ongoing civil war between Sudanese parties, which erupted in April 2023, posing serious risks to security and stability not only in Sudan but also in neighboring countries and the broader Horn of Africa and Sahel regions.
While the UAE sadly and incredulously observes misleading narratives and false claims from the Port Sudan authority against the UAE’s humanitarian and neutral role in the Sudanese crisis, we firmly reject these allegations as irresponsible and devoid of objectivity. They attempt to divert attention from the authority’s accountability for the violations and dire humanitarian conditions faced by the Sudanese people and evade responsibility for the persistent refusal to engage sincerely in pathways for a political resolution and respond to regional and international initiatives calling for a ceasefire and a return to negotiation for a peaceful resolution of Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
Escaping internal failures by fabricating disputes and exporting crises abroad does not change reality. It further exacerbates civilian suffering, hinders international relief efforts, and isolates Sudan from regional and international engagement.
The International Court of Justice ruling on May 5, 2025, dismissed the case brought by the Port Sudan authority against the UAE, removing it from the court’s docket and terminating all related proceedings. This clearly affirms that the case lacks any validity and is based on falsehood. Therefore, the ruling decisively rejects attempts by the Port Sudan authority to use the court to disseminate misleading information and redirect attention from its responsibility in the conflict.
Furthermore, the final report of the United Nations expert team on Sudan, released on April 17, 2025, refuted any allegations against the UAE regarding involvement in the Sudanese conflict.
The UAE’s position has consistently advocated for ending the conflict and supporting the Sudanese people through humanitarian assistance and ongoing diplomatic efforts to enhance security and stability, functioning as a crucial player in all regional and international initiatives aimed at a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict, enabling a civilian government independent from military control, steering Sudan towards safety and stability.
Regarding the announcement by the so-called Sudanese Security and Defense Council to sever relations with the UAE and label it as an aggressor, the UAE asserts that it does not recognize this declaration as the Port Sudan authority lacks legitimacy and does not represent the Sudanese people. This announcement emerged just a day after the International Court of Justice’s rejection of the authority’s claim against the UAE.
In light of all these developments in the current situation in Sudan, the UAE will remain committed to calling for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities among the warring Sudanese parties. There is no military solution to the conflict. We will continue to support peaceful resolutions and work with all relevant stakeholders to assist in resuming the political process to ensure a lasting settlement and a national consensus for establishing a transitional civilian government free from military control, ensuring a stable, secure future for Sudan, preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity while not interfering in its internal affairs.
The UAE has made extensive efforts to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, providing all forms of support and assistance to our Sudanese brothers. Over the past decade, the UAE has contributed more than 3.5 billion USD in aid to the Sudanese people, demonstrating its commitment to assisting those in need during crises. Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in 2023, the UAE has provided over 600 million USD in direct humanitarian aid and through UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations.
It is time for decisive action to halt the killing and build Sudan’s future on solid foundations of peace, justice, and independent civil leadership free from military dominance, and those who seek to prolong the war at the expense of their own people.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
In line with the UAE’s principles and rules of foreign policy seeking political solutions to crises in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, and Somalia, we reaffirm the significant role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its efforts to reach a political process in Yemen that serves the interests of the Yemeni people. We also recognize the efforts of the United Nations and other international partners towards achieving a political solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace, stability, and development. We emphasize the responsibility of the international community to maintain security and freedom of navigation in the high seas and vital maritime straits within the framework of international laws and norms, reiterating our solidarity with the Yemeni people and enhancing humanitarian responses to their needs while supporting their legitimate aspirations for stability and a dignified life.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, we welcomed His Excellency Ahmed Al-Shara’s assumption of the presidency, expressing hope that the Syrian government’s efforts in this critical stage will succeed in meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people. We are pleased with the successful visit of President Ahmed Al-Shara to the UAE and reiterate our support for all efforts to achieve the hopes of the Syrian people for security, stability, peaceful coexistence, and development. We look forward to advancing relations between our brotherly countries to satisfy the aspirations of their peoples and serve common interests.
In Lebanon, we reiterate our welcome of His Excellency Joseph Aoun’s election as President and the formation of the government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, which is a decisive step towards strengthening the role of the national state and its institutions, contributing to fulfilling the aspirations of the Lebanese people towards progress and prosperity. We appreciate the successful visit of President Joseph Aoun to the UAE, which solidified our mutual determination to develop relations to meet the aspirations of our two brotherly nations and serve our common interests.
On the Libyan issue, we reiterate our call for a peaceful resolution to the Libyan crisis, preserving Libya’s security, stability, and unity while fulfilling the aspirations of the Libyan people for development, stability, and prosperity.
In Somalia, we continue to support the Federal Government in combating terrorism and securing its national sovereignty while calling for no interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring security and stability in the Horn of Africa and advocating for peaceful solutions through diplomacy to resolve any disagreements among its nations.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
As we convene this summit on Iraqi soil, we express our full solidarity with Iraq in facing the challenges it encounters, appreciating Iraq’s continuous efforts to regain its positive role in the Arab and wider regional environment. We look forward to a stable and prosperous Iraq and support all that ensures its security, stability, territorial integrity, and independence without interference in its internal affairs. We are committed to strengthening and deepening the cooperative and partnership relations between our brotherly nations to secure security, stability, progress, and development in the region and uphold the fraternal ties among all its countries, maintaining the continuity of solidarity and affection among its peoples, respecting their sovereignty and independence, and ensuring the unity of their territories without interference in their internal matters.
In its ongoing commitment to peace and justice, the UAE is tirelessly working to combat terrorism and extremism by firmly supporting the promotion of values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different religions, sects, and beliefs.
Countering extremism and hate speech, while simultaneously promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, are fundamental traits deeply embedded in the UAE’s approach and policy. We continue to spread and enhance these values for the betterment of humanity, building prosperity, and strengthening bonds of solidarity and coexistence on a regional and international scale.
In this context, during this year, the UAE has continued its pivotal role in advocating moderation and promoting a culture of tolerance and openness worldwide. In February, it hosted the Global Conference on Tolerance and Human Fraternity to formulate a comprehensive vision that includes participation from various religions, sects, and intellectual leaders based on the principles of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, establishing a foundation that reinforces values of tolerance and human brotherhood in religious and societal discourse globally.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
The declaration by His Highness the President of the UAE proclaiming 2025 as the Year of Community embodies our success and progress, reflecting that our national heritage is founded on deep-rooted Islamic values and rich Arab traditions that reinforce the family’s central role in society, enhance youth leadership, prioritize the empowerment of women, and safeguard children’s rights and future. It also highlights the creative energy of our people committed to the core values of the UAE and economic and technological advancement. Efforts and innovative ideas contribute to building a strong and sustainable economy, as development cannot be imported but must arise from a dedicated, educated populace striving for their nation’s future and capable of competing in the global market, with regional and international cooperation being crucial for knowledge growth and addressing national and global challenges.
Today, the UAE stands as a global partner in building a future centered on advanced technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence, aligned with its ambitious vision for progress and leadership in these domains. The UAE has achieved a leading position among the top ten countries globally regarding the number of AI companies per million people, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index issued by the International Financial Forum. This achievement embodies the state’s strategic vision to solidify its status as a global powerhouse in the field of artificial intelligence.
In this vein, as part of the UAE’s long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different world requiring advanced skills, on May 4, 2025, the government adopted a curriculum to introduce artificial intelligence education at all stages of public education in the UAE, commencing in the next academic year, aiming to teach our youth a profound understanding of AI, instilling an awareness of the ethics of this emerging technology and its connections to society and life.
The UAE has also made notable progress within its new foreign trade strategy aimed at expanding its network of trading partners globally, opening new markets for exports, cementing its position as a global trade hub and a thriving environment for investment, industry, and technologies. Throughout 2024, the UAE has maintained its upward trajectory in global competitiveness reports, securing leading positions in key indicators and achieving the top global rank in 223 indicators, compared to 215 in 2023. Additionally, it ranked among the top five countries worldwide in 444 indicators, up from 406 in 2023, demonstrating a tangible realization of ongoing updates in the legislative framework and proactive initiatives that support the economic and investment environment, the rule of law, the utilization of advanced technology, and enhancing various sectors’ performances, ultimately improving the quality of life for all its citizens and residents.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
The UAE applies a proactive and integrated approach to support green investments and build a sustainable economy by launching numerous prominent initiatives and national strategies, such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In support of its environmental commitments, the UAE initiated “Federal Law No. 11 of 2024 on Reducing the Effects of Climate Change,” entering into effect on May 30, 2025, aimed at implementing effective emissions management, ensuring the country’s active participation in international efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change towards achieving climate neutrality.
Within its economic diversification strategy, diversifying alternative and renewable energy sources is of paramount importance. The UAE’s energy mix is now exemplary, not only in the region but also globally. We have successfully established a peaceful nuclear energy sector, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant contributing about 25% to the national electricity grid, and similarly, we have excelled in the solar energy sector, launching massive solar power plants throughout the country while developing wind energy technologies, enabling innovative uses of wind energy and transferring this experience to friendly and sister countries. Alongside diversifying energy sources, the UAE emphasizes improving energy efficiency and minimizing waste through innovative means, including technically and managerially enhancing the electrical grid efficiency.
To address the water scarcity crisis, the UAE launched the “Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative” in 2024, aiming to raise awareness about the water scarcity crisis’s seriousness and develop innovative technological solutions to tackle it, while seeking to increase investments aimed at overcoming this challenge and ensuring clean and sustainable water access for all.
While 90% of the population in our Arab region suffers from water scarcity, this initiative is timely in contributing towards enhancing water security, which is paramount for ensuring sustainable development. The UAE will also host the “Water Conference” in 2026 in partnership with the Republic of Senegal to bolster international cooperation in addressing water scarcity issues.
There is no doubt that enhancing water security is closely linked and critical to promoting sustainable food security. Hence, the UAE has adopted the “National Food Security Strategy 2051,” aiming to make the UAE the global leader in the global food security index by 2051, developing sustainable local production through technology across the entire value chain, and creating a comprehensive national agricultural production system alongside building strategic partnerships regionally and internationally to bolster food security and supply chains.
The UAE has proven its capability to become a role model in financing environmental initiatives, ranking first in the region and second globally in the volume of sustainability bonds issued, reflecting its unwavering commitment to enhancing sustainability as a core component of its green growth strategy.
The national space sector embodies the UAE’s vision for the future, having made significant strides in space projects and developed exceptional capabilities, quickly establishing its status regionally and internationally. The UAE’s investment in the space sector has reached 40 billion dirhams over the past years, with a 14.8% increase in research and development spending on space exploration in comparison to 2023. The annual growth rate of companies operating in this sector in the country reached 29%, while private sector financing and investment in space accounted for 44.3%, indicating the growing role of the private sector in the space industry.
The world is set to explore the moon’s south pole through the “Emirates Gateway,” which will serve as a pathway for astronauts and scientists in space exploration, scheduled for launch in 2030, stemming from the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 initiated in March 2019 aimed at forming effective local and global partnerships and investments in the space industry and enhancing local capabilities in research, development, and manufacturing for space technologies.
Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,
The UAE places a significant emphasis on humanitarian work and developmental assistance in its foreign policy and international efforts. In honoring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a federal decree on October 27, 2024, to establish the “Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation,” preserving the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing humanitarian and developmental efforts of the state’s figures.
In conclusion, we renew our gratitude and appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of this session and the advancement of Arab cooperation. We look forward to overcoming the challenges facing the region and seizing opportunities for our Arab peoples to enjoy security, stability, a dignified life, and prosperity.
And peace be upon you.