Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly United Arab Emirates HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chaired the seventh session of the Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee, held Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.
In his remarks, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the meeting carries significant importance in advancing relations between the two countries and their peoples across various fields in a manner that serves mutual interests.
His Excellency underscored that this cooperation enjoys the full support and guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His Excellency commended the preparatory committee and all working teams for their efforts in organizing the session and developing a roadmap to further strengthen bilateral ties.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that today's meeting builds on previous sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation, reviewing achievements, and leveraging available opportunities between the two countries. It also provided a platform to exchange views on shared visions and positions amid a highly sensitive regional and international environment.
He highlighted the rapid developments and exceptional events in the Gulf region, pointing to the challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz crisis and what he described as Iran's aggressive military attacks on regional states, which have created unprecedented security and geopolitical challenges affecting regional stability and freedom of navigation.
HE the Prime Minister emphasized that the sensitivity of the current stage requires intensified consultation, unified positions, and strengthened joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate risks. He stressed the need for deeper integration across sectors to overcome challenges and promote security, stability, and prosperity for both countries and the wider region.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement agreed outcomes in a way that strengthens the partnership and fulfills the aspirations of both nations.
For his part, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the convening of the seventh session reflects the deep-rooted and strong fraternal ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to close cooperation.
He affirmed the UAE's aspiration to enhance strategic connectivity and economic integration, particularly in vital sectors such as oil, gas, and energy, to reinforce mutual interests, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open new avenues for cooperation and investment.
His Highness expressed hope that the outcomes of this session would yield tangible results that further consolidate the partnership and joint progress.
The meeting witnessed broad participation from senior officials of both countries. Discussions covered ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, education, culture, environment, health, sports, Islamic affairs, industry, transport, and other areas of mutual interest.
At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee.
The two sides also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, including an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and on behalf of the UAE by HE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini.
A memorandum of understanding on agriculture and food security was also signed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on behalf of Qatar, and HE UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi.
An MoU on cooperation between the Doha Municipality at Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and the UAE Department of Municipalities and Transport was also signed. It was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and on behalf of the United Arab Emirates by HE Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.
In the same context, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates held a bilateral meeting to discuss the strong fraternal relations and explore ways to further enhance cooperation, in addition to addressing regional developments.
During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar's condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones, reaffirming Qatar's full solidarity and support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
For his part, HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates expressed his thanks and appreciation to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the State of Qatar's full solidarity with the UAE in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks.
