Abu Dhabi, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, discussed ways to enhance cooperation and joint action between the two countries. They also discussed regional developments in light of the military escalation in the region.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
This came during the UAE President’s meeting with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, who is on a working visit to the UAE. The meeting addressed various avenues of cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and development sectors. They also discussed opportunities to enhance this cooperation to serve the development priorities and shared interests of both countries.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening the bilateral partnership to contribute to greater development and prosperity for their friendly nations.
Condemnation of Iranian attacks
The meeting addressed the evolving situation in the Middle East amidst escalating military operations. Both sides discussed the serious repercussions of this situation on regional and international security and stability.
In this context, the Ethiopian Prime Minister condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several other brotherly nations in the region. He considered these attacks a violation of state sovereignty and international law. He also affirmed his country’s solidarity with the UAE in all measures it takes to protect its security, territorial integrity, and citizens.
Call for de-escalation
For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his gratitude to the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his country’s supportive stance towards the UAE.
His Highness also offered his sincere condolences to the Ethiopian government and people for the victims of the floods and landslides caused by torrential rains in southern Ethiopia. He affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Ethiopia during this difficult time.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the urgent need for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region. They also emphasized the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve outstanding issues, thereby contributing to the preservation of regional security and stability.
