Abu dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, co-chaired the seventh session of the UAE-Qatar Joint Higher Committee at the Zayed National Museum.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stated that the session's convening demonstrates the ties between the two countries. His Highness highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed addressed the circumstances in the region caused by Iranian attacks on civilian facilities, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. His Highness emphasized that increased coordination between the two countries is necessary to tackle challenges impacting maritime security and the global economy.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also discussed the growth in non-oil bilateral trade, which reached US$13 billion in 2025. He expressed the UAE's aim to further strengthen strategic connectivity and economic integration, especially in the energy, oil, and gas sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stated that the meeting provides a framework for enhancing relations. He pointed out that security and geopolitical challenges from the Strait of Hormuz crisis and Iranian attacks require unified positions and enhanced diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability.
The committee's activities included signing agreements and memoranda of understanding on investment protection, agriculture, food security, and municipal cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Doha.
In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the committee, both sides condemned Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in the UAE, reiterating the UAE's right to respond.