The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently participated in a crucial meeting alongside the foreign ministers of European Union (EU) member states, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States in Brussels.
UAE Advocates Ceasefire and Aid Delivery
The meeting focused on discussions regarding the peace process in the Middle East and ways to enhance cooperation between the EU and Arab nations to reach a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Represented by Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the European Union, the UAE emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, unconditional release of hostages, adherence to international law, and a renewed commitment from Israel and the reformed Palestinian Authority to the two-state solution.
Her Excellency highlighted the significant humanitarian aid provided by the UAE to Gaza, stating that the UAE stands as the largest bilateral donor of aid to the region. Since the start of the conflict, the UAE has delivered over 32 thousand tons of essential supplies, including food and medical assistance, to alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by the crisis. Additionally, the UAE has undertaken efforts to provide medical treatment and safe drinking water to those in need.
Enhancing EU-Arab Cooperation
Despite these efforts, Her Excellency stressed that more must be done to overcome obstacles in delivering aid directly through border crossings. She called for the immediate lifting of restrictions hindering aid delivery and urged for expedited procedures to facilitate the examination and distribution of aid.
During bilateral meetings held as part of the visit, Her Excellency discussed increasing coordination between the EU and Arab partners with a shared commitment to peace and security in the region. Meetings included discussions with senior officials from Germany, the United Nations, and Canada.
Accompanying Her Excellency on the visit were His Excellency Mohammed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union, and Luxembourg, and Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Neyadi, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions underscored the collective determination to address the crisis in Gaza and work towards sustainable peace in the region through collaborative efforts between nations.
