UAE president meets Turkish foreign minister to discuss bilateral ties

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Abu Dhabi on Monday, WAM reported. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between their countries.

What did the UAE president and Turkish foreign minister discuss?

They discussed areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen ties in a manner that serves mutual interests. The meeting also covered regional and international issues, with a focus on developments in the Middle East and efforts to promote security, stability and lasting peace.

What messages did the two leaders exchange?

Fidan conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also passed on the president's best wishes for the UAE's continued prosperity and progress.

Sheikh Mohamed asked Fidan to pass on his regards to Erdoğan. He also expressed hopes for continued prosperity and development for Türkiye and its people.

Why do the Turkey-UAE talks matter now?

The talks come amid the wider Middle East war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The UAE has strengthened its ties with the United States and Israel since coming under attack during the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the UAE on Sunday, a day before the meeting with Fidan.

What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on Aug. 7. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said an attack on any member would be regarded as an attack on all.

Yemen's Houthis have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia. The three countries' foreign ministers met under the pact and condemned attacks targeting Mecca and other civilian sites. They also affirmed Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself.

On Sept. 25, the defense chiefs of the three countries met in Riyadh. They reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense and the immediate implementation of the agreement.

Who attended the meeting with the Turkish foreign minister?

Several senior Emirati officials attended the meeting:

• 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
• Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior
• Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Authority for People of Determination
• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
• Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence

A number of sheikhs and officials also attended.