H.H. Sheikh Abdullah speaks with Blinken

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

The two parties discussed regional development, most notably the situation in Syria and Lebanon.

They emphasised the importance of strengthening regional and international efforts to support peace and establish stability in the region. 

Abdullah bin Zayed & @SecBlinken discuss during a phone call regional developments, including #Syria and #Lebanon . pic.twitter.com/93nbCynzRE

— OFM (@OFMUAE) December 10, 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released a statement condemning Israel's seizure of the Golan Heights buffer zone. 

It said the occupation of the area is a direct violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement signed between Israel and Syria.

"The UAE underscored its categorial rejection of such practices which threaten further escalation, exacerbate tensions in the region, and hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability," the MoFA said. 

Israeli forces pushed further into Syria, reaching around 25 kilometres from Syria's capital Damascus, as of Tuesday.

Official sources have not disclosed if the officials discussed Israel's occupation of the area.