The United Arab Emirates emphasized the importance of rallying greater international support to stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, demanding an immediate halt and the provision of urgent humanitarian aid without obstacles. It also called for stopping the deterioration in the West Bank and Jerusalem, confronting illegal Israeli practices, and curbing the expansion of settlers and extremists.

State Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar said in his speech during the opening session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level, chaired by the UAE, that the UAE participated in the Two-State Solution conference held in New York under the presidency of Saudi Arabia and France, and joined the declaration issued by it, affirming that the resulting document represents a roadmap towards realizing an independent Palestinian state.

He added that French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of his intention to recognize the State of Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly next month constitutes an important incentive to support the just and comprehensive peace process and to end a tragic chapter in Middle Eastern history. He called for intensifying international pressure to return to the negotiation table between the Palestinians, led by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and Israel to reach a just and sustainable solution.

Regarding the three UAE islands occupied by Iran—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—Al Marar reiterated the UAE’s commitment to resolving the issue through direct bilateral negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.

In his speech, he addressed regional political files, confirming the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support Sudan in addressing the consequences of the civil war and returning it to the path of democratic transition. He renewed the UAE’s supportive stance towards the Syrian people’s efforts within the framework of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

He called on the international community to bear its responsibilities in supporting the Yemeni people and alleviating their suffering. The UAE welcomed the Lebanese government’s decision to confine weapons to the state, considering this step as reinforcing internal stability.

Al Marar affirmed that humanitarian work occupies a central position in the UAE’s foreign policy, pointing out that combating extremism and terrorism and promoting values of tolerance are fundamental features of the UAE approach, serving all humanity. He stressed the importance of unifying the narrative of peace, renouncing violence, and supporting regional stability through humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

He emphasized the importance of maximizing joint Arab economic efforts and prioritizing diplomacy in resolving disputes among Arab countries, noting that the meeting is held at a critical moment in the region that requires enhancing joint Arab cooperation.

He touched on developing partnerships in climate, energy, artificial intelligence, and education, affirming that the UAE has adopted an advanced approach in green economy and clean energy, which enhances sustainable development.

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar:

• Humanitarian work occupies a central position in the UAE’s foreign policy.