EU praises UAE as a trusted partner in boosting trade and global stability - Salam alaikum
Salam alaikum. The relationship between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates is more than just close - it’s strategic, a senior EU leader said after his first official visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with President Sheikh Mohammed. He praised the UAE’s role in strengthening trade ties with the EU and contributing to wider security and stability.
They discussed the landmark trade agreement launched in April, and both sides stressed the importance of continuing talks to put the deal into practice. A Free Trade Agreement would make business smoother between the UAE and the EU’s single market - a step that shows real commitment to deepen cooperation, he said.
The UAE has been making comprehensive economic partnership deals in recent years to grow trade. A deal with the EU would be one of the biggest since the UAE’s agreement with India in 2022. While such deals can take several years to implement, the UAE hopes negotiations can be wrapped up faster.
Several negotiation rounds have already taken place and more are planned soon. The agreements are expected to deepen current trade and open up new commercial opportunities - the EU is the UAE’s second-largest trade partner, with tens of billions in non-oil trade last year.
Sectors likely to benefit most include artificial intelligence, security cooperation, research and education, and renewable energy. The EU leader said the partnership lets each side use its strengths: the UAE as a dynamic Gulf hub and the EU as a large single market and technology leader.
Beyond trade, he emphasized the need to build wider cooperation in a multipolar world facing fragmentation and uncertainty. The EU has been working to expand ties in the Gulf after earlier talks were paused years ago, and it still seeks a stronger partnership with Gulf states as reliable partners in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Regional conflicts featured heavily in discussions, especially the recent war in Gaza and its impact across the region. Attacks on commercial vessels and instability in the Red Sea were noted as symptoms of broader regional tensions. The EU leader said addressing these problems requires a broad strategy that includes diplomacy, sanctions where needed, and practical efforts on the ground.
He also praised Egypt’s role in mediation efforts and welcomed the UAE’s important humanitarian assistance to Gaza - delivering food, medical aid, and evacuating patients in need of treatment. The humanitarian situation remains dire and aid must reach those in need without obstruction. The EU said it stands ready to support peace efforts and future reconstruction and governance in Gaza.
The EU continues to push for a lasting peace based on a two-state solution and says it can contribute expertise to international efforts for stability in the Middle East. The leader also underlined continued EU support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
Personal note: the person quoted is from Ireland, lives with his wife and two daughters in the UAE, and enjoys reading fiction in his spare time.
May Allah grant peace and stability to the region and make efforts for relief and justice successful. Wa alaikum assalam.
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