United Arab Emirates – Meeting between Jean-Noel Barrot and his Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting in Abu Dhabi with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

The two ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East. They highlighted the need to consolidate the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon and make headway on a lasting political settlement guaranteeing regional peace and stability.

The Minister reiterated France’s very strong condemnation of the unacceptable attacks that Iran has carried out on its neighbours, and first and foremost, on the United Arab Emirates. He reaffirmed France’s unwavering solidarity with the United Arab Emirates under our bilateral defence agreement, and our willingness to participate in their defence, should conditions again call for it.

The Minister reaffirmed France’s commitment to de-escalation and a diplomatic solution. He called for the unconditional, unrestricted and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and reiterated France’s willingness to contribute – when conditions allow and together with its partners – to guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the strait, as part of the Franco-British initiative.

The Minister emphasized that a diplomatic solution was essential in order to guarantee that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons and to address the threats posed by its ballistic and drone programmes and its destabilization activities.

The two ministers also discussed the consequences of the war in the region, particularly in Lebanon, and the need to support the authorities against the forces challenging the State’s sovereignty. The Minister stressed that the ceasefire in Lebanon must be fully observed by the parties.

Finally, they reaffirmed their desire to continue their close coordination in order to contribute to regional stability and the ongoing diplomatic efforts.