Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, hosted ambassadors from European countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss regional and international developments, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE and Europe.
During the meeting, she reviewed the outcomes of the recent extraordinary session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha.
She emphasized the UAE’s solidarity and support for Qatar in its fight against Israeli aggression. Additionally, she welcomed widespread European backing for the joint initiative between Saudi Arabia and France aimed at increasing recognition of Palestine.
Minister Nusseibeh stated, “The future of Palestine remains the cornerstone of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Despite the significant challenges we face, we are committed to the vision of establishing two independent states: Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and fully integrated into their common environment.”
She also expressed gratitude for the substantial majority that the New York Declaration received in the United Nations General Assembly, including the near-unified European support for the resolution, which underscores the importance of the two-state solution while calling for the exclusion of Hamas from any arrangements regarding the governance of Gaza. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, she renewed the UAE’s warning against policies adopted by extremist elements that could undermine the agreement’s foundations and spirit.
Furthermore, Minister Nusseibeh addressed the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, drawing attention to the recent joint statement issued by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United States, which welcomed the renewed international commitment to an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection, and a clear timeline for transitioning to an independent civilian government. She reiterated the UAE’s commitment to closely cooperate with regional and international partners to enhance dialogue and rally support for initiatives aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis and paving the way for sustainable peace.
She underscored the necessity of achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, contributing to alleviating human suffering. Additionally, she highlighted the ongoing mediation efforts by the UAE, particularly regarding the exchange of over 4,600 prisoners of war between the involved parties. Minister Nusseibeh stressed the mutual importance of free trade between the UAE and the European Union.
She praised the continuous progress in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU, as well as similar agreements being executed or in progress with non-EU countries. She urged European nations to contribute to creating the necessary political momentum to expedite the completion of trade talks, yielding immediate and tangible economic benefits for both the peoples of the UAE and Europe.