The UAE has a proactive strategic vision to deal with geopolitical challenges and crises

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, met with Bernd Lange, Chairman of the International Trade Committee in the European Parliament, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, 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 Communications, and Tariq Ahmed Al Marzouqi, Assistant Secretary General for Council Presidency Affairs. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Muhammad Ismail Al Sahlawi, the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen economic and trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, and reviewed opportunities for developing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy, technology, the digital economy and supply chains, in addition to exchanging views on a number of international economic issues and geopolitical challenges that affect the global economy.

Saqr Ghobash stressed that the United Arab Emirates views the European Union as an important economic and strategic partner, pointing out the importance of working to develop economic relations between the two sides towards a free trade agreement and a comprehensive strategic partnership, which contributes to enhancing economic stability and opening broader horizons for cooperation, investment and sustainable development, not only for the UAE and the European Union, but for the entire region.

He pointed out that the UAE represents a strategic economic and trade gateway linking Europe, Asia and Africa, with its advanced infrastructure, ports, airports, free zones and global logistical networks, making it a reliable partner in supporting international trade, supply chains and linking global markets.

Saqr Ghobash pointed out that the sovereign economic decisions taken by the UAE during the past years, including the re-evaluation of some international economic frameworks and blocs related to the energy sector, came from a strategic national vision aimed at protecting the country’s economic interests and enhancing its flexibility and ability to adapt to global changes, in a way that supports the sustainability of economic growth and energy security in the long term.

The meeting also discussed the brutal Iranian attacks on the UAE, the Gulf states, and Jordan, and the escalation of tensions and undermining regional stability they caused, in addition to the practices of the Iranian regime and its attempts to impose control over the Strait of Hormuz and threaten the security of maritime navigation, which directly affects global energy supplies, international trade movement, and major supply chains.

He stressed that the UAE has a proactive strategic vision to deal with geopolitical challenges and crises, including securing energy export and global trade routes, pointing to the strategic importance of the Emirate of Fujairah and the eastern region of the country as a vital gateway overlooking the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and the strategic location it represents that enhances the continuity of trade and energy movement away from any threats that may target the Strait of Hormuz.

Saqr Ghobash also stressed that the security of sea lanes and freedom of international navigation, especially in the Gulf and Red Sea region, represent a shared international responsibility, given the strategic importance these lanes represent for the global economy, energy security, and the stability of international markets.

He pointed out that targeting the Barakah peaceful nuclear energy plant represents a serious violation of international laws and norms, and a direct threat to the security of vital civilian installations, energy security and regional stability, stressing the need to protect civilian installations and strategic infrastructure from any threats or attacks.

He explained that the UAE is a reliable partner in energy security today, and in supporting green transition efforts and clean energy in the future, through its investments and projects in the fields of renewable energy, hydrogen and clean technology, stressing the importance of building a balanced approach that combines security of supply and accelerating the transition towards a green economy.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence and digital trade, and stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the Federal National Council and the European Parliament in a way that contributes to supporting economic, trade and investment relations between the two sides, and opens new horizons for building a more comprehensive partnership in the fields of energy, technology, food security, supply chains and investment in emerging markets.