Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) convened a special "UAE-European" session today, chaired by its Speaker, Saqr Ghobash, as part of the second term of the 18th legislative chapter. The session was held at the Zayed Hall at the Council's headquarters in Abu Dhabi and witnessed the presence of Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, alongside several ministers, senior officials, and ambassadors of European Union member states accredited to the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session opened with a welcome speech by Saqr Ghobash, in which he extended a warm greeting to Roberta Metsola and her accompanying delegation. He also welcomed Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, and Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also in attendance were EU ambassadors, European business leaders who have established companies and ventures in the UAE, members of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the Emirates Youth Councils, and the Children's Parliament. In his remarks, Ghobash expressed gratitude for Metsola's visit, emphasising that such engagements reaffirm the UAE's belief in constructive dialogue, openness to the world, and the values of human tolerance as pathways to peace and prosperity.
Ghobash highlighted the importance of the visit, noting that it signals a deepening of parliamentary cooperation between the FNC and the European Parliament. He mentioned that this visit marks the beginning of a broader path for future joint initiatives on critical global concerns, including peace, sustainable development, climate safety, and the protection of societies from extremist and hate-driven rhetoric.
Saqr Ghobash also addressed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community to advocate for an immediate de-escalation and work toward a ceasefire. He stressed the UAE's consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue must prevail as the only means to resolve disputes, promoting stability, prosperity, and justice.
In her address to the FNC, Roberta Metsola emphasized that relations between the European Union and the UAE have entered a new phase of renewed partnership. She commended the UAE as a global model for coexistence and progress and highlighted the strong economic ties between the two sides. Metsola noted that the European Union is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, with mutual investments totaling 328 billion pounds.
The President of the European Parliament affirmed that the partnership between the European Union and the UAE is entering a new phase of strategic cooperation. With genuine political will and mutual understanding, this relationship is well-positioned to advance toward broader horizons of peace, development, and prosperity.