Saqr Ghobash discusses with Mitsola the strengthening of the UAE-European parliamentary dialogue and the repercussions of the situation in the Middle East

The Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, held an official session of discussions with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mizzola, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in the city of Strasbourg, as part of the official visit carried out by the Federal National Council delegation. This session was preceded by an official welcome from Roberta Mizzola to the President of the National Council and the accompanying delegation during the plenary session of the European Parliament in front of the members, in a step that reflects the distinguished position of the United Arab Emirates in the European institutions and the continuous growth in the path of parliamentary cooperation, expressing the Parliament’s appreciation for this visit and its solidarity with The UAE in light of the current conditions.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation relations and develop institutional dialogue mechanisms to serve the common interests of the UAE and the European Union, and enhance coordination towards regional and international issues of common interest. The discussions also addressed the latest developments in regional situations and the repercussions of the recent escalation in the region on regional and international security and stability, stressing the importance of parliamentary partnership to support security and consolidate common principles and values.

Saqr Ghobash stressed that the growing relations between the UAE and the European Union countries are receiving the attention and care of the wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” due to their strategic importance. He said that parliamentary cooperation is an important tributary to enhancing political understanding. He stressed at the same time that the security of the Arabian Gulf region is no longer a limited regional matter, but rather has become an integral part of the European and international security system due to the close interrelation between the stability of the Gulf. Global energy security, the safety of supply chains, and the movement of international trade, and that any threat to the security of the Gulf or vital sea lanes will have direct repercussions on European markets and the global economy.

Saqr Ghobash stressed the importance of protecting the sea lanes and restoring complete and permanent freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions, explaining that the security of international navigation is a direct European and international interest to protect the European economy from the repercussions of escalation, and he appreciated the position of the European Parliament and the European Union in support of the UAE and the countries of the region in confronting the Iranian attacks, and the solidarity expressed by the European side and rejection of targeting the sovereignty of countries and their civil infrastructure.

For her part, Roberta Mizzola stressed the importance of UAE-European relations, and the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting political understanding, supporting regional stability, and confronting global challenges, recalling her previous visit to the UAE and the opportunity it provided for direct insight into the country’s experience in the areas of development, stability and openness. She stressed the importance of continuing direct consultation in light of the accelerating challenges. Saqr Ghobash concluded the meeting by issuing an official invitation to Her Excellency to visit the UAE to continue the parliamentary dialogue and begin a new phase of cooperation based on regular communication.

The discussion session was attended by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Sarah Muhammad Falaknaz, Dr. Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, and Mira Sultan Al Suwaidi, members of the Federal National Council, the Secretary General, Dr. Omar Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, the Assistant Secretary General for Parliamentary Communications, Afra Rashid Al Basti, the Assistant Secretary General for Council Presidency Affairs, Tariq Ahmed Al Marzouqi, and the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union, Muhammad Ismail. Al-Sahlawi.