The independence of decision-making and the primacy of national interests are firm constants for the UAE in its international relations

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker 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 Saqr Ghobash’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 Vice President of the European Parliament Antonella Sperna, and members of the committee.

Saqr Ghobash said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 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.

Saqr Ghobash 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, 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.

Saqr Ghobash 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, Saqr Ghobash 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, the President of the Federal National Council stressed 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 reduced escalation, noting that the balanced UAE position allowed the state to play concrete humanitarian and political roles, especially in facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Regarding Sudan, Saqr Ghobash 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 a comprehensive national state based on citizenship and the rule of law.

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, Saqr Ghobash 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.

He said, in light of a world characterized by turmoil, declining confidence, and the escalation of 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 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 Communication, Afra Rashid Al-Basti, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Council Presidency Affairs, Tariq Ahmed Al-Marzouqi. In the presence of the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union, Mohammed Ismail Al-Sahlawi.