Abu Dhabi: 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 meeting focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the Federal National Council and the European Parliament, with discussions centered on coordination in regional and international parliamentary platforms.
According to Emirates News Agency, both parties highlighted their commitment to a strategic partnership, emphasizing their shared dedication to promoting regional and global peace and stability. They underscored the vital role parliaments play in fostering dialogue and advancing national and international interests, stressing the need for peaceful solutions to global crises and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in facilitating constructive dialogue.
The meeting was attended by several Federal National Council members and Mohammed Ismail Al Sahlawi, the UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union. At the outset, Saqr Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, acknowledging the growing ties between the UAE and the European Union. He noted that this visit marks a significant milestone, being the first by a European Parliament President to the Gulf region, representing a qualitative leap in parliamentary relations with the EU.
Ghobash remarked on the visit's timing, pointing to the critical international stage and the need for responsible parliamentary approaches that prioritize human dignity, stability, and sustainable development. He highlighted the UAE's leadership's full support for the growing relations with European Union member states, underscoring the strategic importance of these ties.
For her part, Roberta Metsola expressed her appreciation for the UAE's hospitality and praised its international standing as a model of peaceful coexistence and stability. She affirmed that the growth in economic relations between the EU and the UAE reflects deep mutual trust and a commitment to advancing economic interests and strengthening institutional ties. Metsola also recognized the UAE's pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability, appreciating its efforts to uphold peace and cooperation values.