UAE foreign minister meets UK counterpart amid regional tensions

United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss regional developments, including what the UAE described as Iranian missile attacks targeting the country and other nations, state news agency WAM reported.

According to WAM, the meeting focused on broader developments in the Middle East and the repercussions of the attacks on regional and international security and stability.

The two sides also discussed the impact on international navigation, energy supplies and the global economy, WAM said.

WAM said Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s solidarity with the UAE and supported measures the country may take to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of citizens, residents and visitors.

Sheikh Abdullah thanked Cooper for the visit, saying it reflected the close relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom, according to WAM.

He also said the visit demonstrated Britain’s solidarity with the UAE following what he described as Iranian aggression.

Sheikh Abdullah further confirmed that all residents and visitors in the UAE were safe, according to the report.

Cooper also reviewed recent regional developments, particularly following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

The officials discussed the importance of strengthening international efforts aimed at reinforcing security and stability and increasing opportunities for sustainable peace in the region, according to WAM.

They also reviewed issues of mutual interest related to UAE-UK relations and ways to further develop bilateral ties in support of shared interests and prosperity for both countries, the report said.

The meeting was attended by UAE Minister of State Lana Zaki Nusseibeh.