Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Qerqash, the diplomatic adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates, stated that his country has regional concerns regarding Iran, but confrontation is not the optimal way to move forward. Qerqash added in statements to "Reuters" that "the UAE sees dialogue and economic cooperation as part of confidence-building measures with Iran," but "it will take time." He continued: "Even if talks with Iran yield positive results, they will not address all concerns regarding Tehran's policies."
He noted that "the UAE will soon send a delegation to Iran as part of efforts to improve relations with Tehran and will keep its Gulf allies informed of developments." Regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UAE, he stated that "a number of agreements will be signed during the French president's visit to Dubai on Friday." He added: "Our relationship with France will be more comprehensive following the French president's visit."
About the recent crisis sparked by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi, which led the UAE to withdraw its diplomats and citizens from Lebanon, Qerqash confirmed that "the UAE will not prevent Lebanese people from traveling there." He noted that "the UAE will continue its humanitarian support for Lebanon and does not want Lebanese citizens to face further suffering due to the ongoing political and economic crisis in their country."
Lebanese Minister of Information George Kordahi issued statements that harmed Saudi and UAE efforts in supporting legitimacy in Yemen while defending the terrorist Houthi militias. Last Wednesday, the UAE's diplomatic adviser had talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri. The meeting between Qerqash and Bagheri, who visited the UAE, was attended by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State. The discussion focused on the relations between the UAE and Iran, with both sides emphasizing the importance of enhancing them based on good neighborliness and mutual respect.
This is part of shared interests and efforts to achieve greater stability and prosperity in the region and to develop economic and trade relations between the two neighboring countries. The meeting also addressed regional and international developments of mutual interest.
