UAE urges comprehensive, permanent peace in region

This came during talks held yesterday between the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is on a state visit to the UAE.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan were present at the meeting, which was held at Al Bateen Palace.

Shaikh Khalifa warmly welcomed the Iranian President and expressed the hope that the visit would further boost bilateral ties between the two countries in the interest of their peoples.

Bilateral ties

They discussed ways to boost bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economy and trade in order to open wider avenues of joint cooperation.

They also exchanged views on a number of issues and developments in the Middle East region.

The UAE President reiterated the importance of achieving national reconciliation among Iraqis and protecting the unity and stability in Iraq. He stressed the need to revive the peace process to achieve the legitimate national objectives of the Palestinian people, most importantly the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

Causes of tension

Shaikh Khalifa also reiterated the UAE's commitment to achieving a just, permanent and comprehensive peace, security and stability in the Middle East by getting rid of all the causes of the tension, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region.

He called for support for the development efforts in the interest of the region and its peoples.

He also reiterated the need for the international community to take into serious consideration, in all its related resolutions, the collective interest of the all the countries and peoples in the region for the sake of security, peace and tranquility, sustainable development and progress.