UAE Strengthens Ties at Extraordinary EU–GCC Foreign Ministers Meeting

The United Arab Emirates engaged in a significant virtual meeting on March 5, 2026, alongside Foreign Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU). The discussions focused on escalating Iranian aggression towards GCC states and the implications for regional stability.

Meeting Leadership

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current series of GCC Ministerial Council meetings, and Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who also serves as Vice-President of the European Commission.

UAE’s Stance on Iranian Aggression

Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to European partners for their condemnation of Iran’s recent assaults. She characterized these actions as unjustifiable and unlawful while highlighting the UAE’s successful defense against over 1,000 drone and missile attacks primarily targeting civilian infrastructure.

Nusseibeh strongly denounced violations against UAE sovereignty and international law. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone within its borders, including citizens, residents, and visitors, notably a considerable number of European nationals.

Humanitarian Efforts and Diplomatic Engagement

During the meeting, Nusseibeh provided insights into the UAE’s efforts to assist foreign nationals amid ongoing crises, which received acknowledgment from several European Foreign Ministers. They expressed appreciation for the effective coordination that facilitated the safe transit of passengers returning to their home countries, particularly from Europe.

Nusseibeh highlighted the UAE’s continuous diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to dialogue. However, she stated that the UAE retains its right to self-defense as stipulated in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the necessity to protect its sovereignty and those within its territory.

Advocating for Regional Stability

Nusseibeh stressed the critical need for enhanced EU-GCC cooperation in addressing the current crisis. She articulated a broader vision for the region’s future, underscoring a commitment to peaceful coexistence and advocating for regional economic integration that promotes opportunities rather than conflict.

In her concluding remarks, she stated, “What we are witnessing today is a struggle between two irreconcilable visions for the future of the region. We in the UAE, along with our GCC partners, stand on the side of peaceful coexistence.”

Joint Communique

Following the meeting, the ministers released a Joint Communique, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing collaboration between the GCC and the EU. The declaration underscored the importance of promoting stability, protecting freedom of navigation, and ensuring the integrity of global supply chains and energy security.

This meeting represents a pivotal moment in UAE-EU relations, reflecting a shared commitment to address security challenges in the Middle East and reinforce cooperative frameworks among allied nations.

For additional context on UAE’s foreign relations, refer to this article on recent UAE-African cooperation initiatives.

Published on 2026-03-05 19:43:00 • By Editorial Desk • Category: UAE,/22312099265/Emirates247/UAE