Economic cooperation and supporting Gaza are the two big themes of diplomacy in the UAE this morning:
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed economic cooperation, particularly on renewables, investment, and food security with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, reports Wam. The two heads of state also reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent the spread of a wider war in the region, Wam said.
Sheikh Mohamed also talked cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putinyesterday, Wam reports. Putin separately thanked the president for the UAE’s role in brokering the latest prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed UNRWA’s role in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini yesterday. The UAE recently allocated USD 5 mn to support UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza after various countries suspended their funding for the UN agency.
Lord Ahmad also discussed Gaza with FM, Al Hashimy: UK Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Ahmad met with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy yesterday to discuss “ending the Gaza war” and “building sustainable peace through delivering the two state solution,” the minister said on X.
The UAE has completed the second phase of its desalination plant in Gaza, which comes as part of the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation to supply 600k gallons of clean water to displaced Gazans and the residents of Rafah, Sky News Arabia reports (watch, runtime: 2:25).