Abdullah bin Zayed urges urgent end to Gaza war in meeting with Israeli PM

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York.

The meeting reviewed the latest regional developments and the efforts of the international community to end the war in the Gaza Strip. His Highness stressed the urgent need to bring an end to the bloody conflict in Gaza, reach a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, prevent further loss of life, and put an end to the crisis and the tragic conditions faced by civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The UAE top diplomat reaffirmed the UAE’s support for international efforts aimed at securing the release of all hostages and detainees, while emphasising the importance of concerted global action to confront extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to safeguard the lives of all civilians.

He further noted that the dire humanitarian situation of civilians in Gaza requires the mobilisation of all possible efforts to ensure the unimpeded and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid.

Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, as well as all peoples of the region, for lasting security and stability.

He underlined the importance of upholding the values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity in the region to help realise the aspirations of its peoples for security, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Sheikh Abdullah also held separate meetings with several foreign ministers, including Cho Hyun, South Korea's Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, Foreign Minister of Cyprus, and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India.

The discussions covered issues on the UNGA80 agenda and cooperation within international organisations, as well as prospects for bilateral cooperation and partnerships in sectors including economy, trade, investment, education, food security, health, culture, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, renewable energy and climate.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the country's commitment to building relations and sustainable partnerships with friendly and brotherly nations, based on trust, mutual respect and constructive cooperation.

The Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

Additionally, His Highness discussed with Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields.