Saqr Ghobash: The UAE proceeds in its international relations from well-established principles, foremost among which are the independence of national decision-making and the primacy of national interests.

Strasbourg, May 21 / WAM / His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, President of the Federal National Council, stressed the importance of establishing a regular strategic parliamentary dialogue between the United Arab Emirates and the European Parliament, which contributes to enhancing mutual understanding, expanding areas of cooperation, and building more mature approaches to regional and international issues of common interest.

This came during His Excellency’s speech during the tenth session between the Federal National Council and the Committee on Relations with the Arabian Peninsula in the European Parliament, in the presence of His Excellency Antonella Sperna, Vice President of the European Parliament, and members of the committee.

His Excellency said that the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, attaches great importance to parliamentary dialogue with European partners, as it is one of the essential paths to deepening political, economic and security cooperation, stressing that the UAE has established over the past decades a balanced model of partnership with the European Union based on common interests, mutual respect, and openness to cooperation in the fields of energy, technology, investment and sustainable development.

He explained that the UAE’s international relations are based on well-established principles, foremost among which are the independence of national decision-making, the primacy of national interests, and openness to multiple partnerships. He pointed out that true strategic dialogue takes place between partners, each of whom possesses his independent vision and ability to contribute responsibly to protecting international stability.

His Excellency noted that the current international challenges force a transition from traditional dialogue to a regular institutional dialogue based on clear mechanisms that include regional security, energy security, freedom of navigation, technological cooperation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, stressing that the European Parliament constitutes a pivotal platform for this dialogue.

Regarding the regional security axis, His Excellency Saqr Ghobash stressed that the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region have become directly linked to the stability of the global economy, energy security, the safety of supply chains, and freedom of international navigation, stressing the need for a clear position regarding Iranian behavior in the region, especially with regard to interference in the affairs of states and support for armed militias.

He noted that what the UAE and the countries of the region demand from Iran is to adhere to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, respect the sovereignty of states, not interfere in their internal affairs, stop supporting armed groups, and adhere to good neighbourliness.

His Excellency warned of the seriousness of the threat to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the Strait represents one of the vital arteries of the global economy, and that any threat to navigation in it directly reflects on energy markets and international trade. He called for a clear European position that confirms that freedom of navigation is a collective international responsibility.

Regarding the Barakah peaceful nuclear energy plant, His Excellency stressed that any attack targeting peaceful nuclear facilities represents a serious violation of international law and the International Atomic Energy Agency agreements, noting that the Barakah plant is a peaceful project subject to the highest standards of transparency and international oversight, and aims to support sustainable development and diversify energy sources.

Regarding international affairs, His Excellency the President of the Federal National Council affirmed that the UAE’s position on the war in Ukraine is based on respect for the principles of international law, the sovereignty of states and the integrity of their territories, with a continuous call for peaceful solutions and reduction of escalation, noting that the balanced UAE position allowed the state to play concrete humanitarian and political roles, especially in facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Regarding Sudan, His Excellency stressed that the priority must be to protect civilians, ceasefire, ensure the arrival of humanitarian aid, and support a political path that leads to a stable civil state, stressing that Sudan needs a comprehensive social contract that establishes an inclusive national state based on citizenship and the rule of law.

His Excellency Saqr Ghobash stressed that the Palestinian issue will remain at the core of the Arab, Islamic and humanitarian concerns of the UAE, reiterating the state’s firm position in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is the establishment of their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with approved international references.

He explained that the Abrahamic Agreement represents, from the perspective of the UAE, a path to open new channels of influence and support opportunities for peace and stability, and is not a substitute for Palestinian rights or the two-state solution, stressing the UAE’s categorical rejection of targeting civilians, and its support for the unhindered access of humanitarian aid.

At the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency stressed that the UAE is a responsible partner that seeks to build serious partnerships with Europe in the fields of security, energy, technology and economics, stressing that establishing a regular and institutional strategic dialogue between the UAE and its European partners represents a necessity and a shared responsibility.

His Excellency said, in light of a world characterized by turmoil, declining confidence, and escalating wars and crises, the need has become greater for rational partners capable of building bridges, reducing escalation, defending international law, and working for a more stable and prosperous future for future generations.

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

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