Ghobash, EU Parliament president discuss stronger UAE–EU ties

June 23, 2025 / 8:07 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), held official talks with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, at the FNC headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The discussions centered on enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the FNC and the European Parliament and coordinating on issues of mutual interest at both regional and international levels.

Shared commitment to peace and stability

Both parties reaffirmed their strategic partnership and mutual dedication to fostering regional and global peace and stability. They highlighted the essential role of parliaments in promoting dialogue and supporting the interests of nations and peoples.

Emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy

The meeting underscored the need for peaceful resolutions to current global crises and emphasized the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing governmental efforts and enabling constructive dialogue.

Attendance and diplomatic representation

The meeting was attended by several FNC members, along with Mohammed Ismail Al Sahlawi, the UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.

Ghobash welcomes historic visit

At the start of the talks, Saqr Ghobash welcomed Roberta Metsola and her delegation, commending the deepening ties between the UAE and the European Union. He noted that this visit, the first by a European Parliament President to the UAE and the Gulf region, marks a milestone in bilateral parliamentary relations.

UAE Leadership supports stronger EU ties

Ghobash emphasized that UAE–EU relations receive strong backing from the UAE’s leadership, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Metsola praises UAE’s global role

Roberta Metsola expressed her appreciation for the UAE’s hospitality and praised the country’s international reputation as a beacon of peaceful coexistence and stability. She noted the rapid growth in UAE–EU economic ties as a sign of deep mutual trust and shared strategic vision.

Recognition of the UAE’s regional contributions

Metsola also acknowledged the UAE’s critical role in enhancing regional security and promoting peace, commending its ongoing efforts to support cooperation and diplomatic engagement on multiple fronts.