UAE, Iraq stress importance of stability across region

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday received Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, who delivered an official invitation from Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid to attend the Arab Summit scheduled to take place in Baghdad on 17 May.

During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed and the Iraqi Foreign Minister discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them to serve the mutual interests of both countries and their peoples. The talks also covered a number of regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern, with both sides emphasising the importance of fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the region for the benefit of all. Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the depth of UAE-Iraq relations and expressed his wishes for continued stability, development, and prosperity for Iraq and its people.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohamed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State along with a number of sheikhs, ministers, officials, and members of the Iraqi delegation.

In February this year, President Sheikh Mohamed and Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid discussed fraternal ties and opportunities to enhance cooperation between the UAE and Iraq in efforts to serve mutual interests and promote development and prosperity for their peoples.

This came as Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Iraqi President at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during his official visit to the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed extended a warm welcome to his guest, describing the UAE as his second home.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic, investment, and development sectors, as well as in renewable energy. They also explored opportunities to expand these areas of collaboration further.

The discussions covered a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East.

Both leaders emphasised the need for a clear path towards a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts that support the aspirations of the region’s peoples for security, stability, and development.

Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the strength of UAE-Iraq relations and the UAE’s consistent approach in supporting Iraq’s stability, as well as its people’s aspirations for progress and prosperity.

He expressed the shared commitment of both countries to exploring new avenues of cooperation, particularly in development sectors. His Highness also underscored the UAE’s keenness to strengthen collaboration and coordination with Iraq to serve mutual interests and enhance regional stability and security, especially in light of ongoing developments in the region.

The Iraqi President, in turn, expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed for his warm hospitality.

He commended the UAE’s steadfast support for the Iraqi people and wished the country continued progress and prosperity.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid also reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the UAE in ways that serve their shared interests and benefit their peoples and the wider region.

In December 2024, Sheikh Mohamed received a phone call from Mohammed Shiaa’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq.

During the call, they discussed fraternal relations between the UAE and Iraq and opportunities to develop cooperation in all fields to serve mutual interests and achieve the aspirations of their peoples for growth and prosperity.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, stressing the importance of peacefully resolving conflicts and crises in the Middle East and supporting efforts to achieve stability and prosperity for the region’s peoples.

WAM