Sheikh Abdullah calls for dialogue in separate talks with India, Pakistan ministers

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has stressed that dialogue remains the most effective path to achieving peace during separate calls with his counterparts in India and Pakistan.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the attack on tourists in India's Jammu and Kashmir territory left 26 people dead. India announced a raft of measures to downgrade its ties with Pakistan, while Pakistan closed its air space for Indian airlines in retaliation.

During the calls with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s firm rejection of terrorism and its commitment to supporting regional stability and peaceful conflict resolution.

Sheikh Abdullah also expressed confidence in both countries' commitment to promoting security and shielding the region from factors of tension.

The talks also focused on enhancing the UAE’s strategic and longstanding ties with both nations, national news agency Wam reported.

During talks with Dr Jaishankar, Sheikh Abdullah also extended his condolences over the attack.