UAE stresses diplomacy, security rights at GCC-EU meeting

The UAE took part in an extraordinary GCC-EU Foreign Ministers videoconference on Thursday to address Iranian aggression against GCC states.

The meeting was co-chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State, thanked European partners for their condemnations of Iran’s unprovoked attacks and for their strong solidarity.

She stressed that the UAE remains committed to diplomacy while reserving its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Nusseibeh highlighted the scale of the attacks, noting the UAE successfully defended against over 1,000 Iranian drones and missiles, primarily targeting civilian infrastructure. She condemned the violations of UAE sovereignty, international law and humanitarian law.

She also underlined the UAE’s priority to protect everyone in the country, including citizens, residents and foreign nationals, and briefed on extensive efforts to help European transit passengers return home safely.

The Minister stressed the importance of strengthened GCC-EU coordination and concluded: “We stand for peaceful coexistence and a Middle East where regional integration creates opportunities, not destruction.”

The meeting concluded with a Joint Communique reaffirming GCC-EU cooperation to promote stability, protect freedom of navigation, and safeguard global supply chains and energy security.