Gulf News, Sunday, August 30,
2015
UAE, Germany
strengthen peace efforts
Abdullah Bin Zayed and German
counterpart discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Berlin: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and Frank-Walter
Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister, met in Berlin to reinforce the importance
of supporting regional and international peace, security and stability efforts
in the region to confront current challenges, particularly terrorism, and
address the emergence of organisations seeking to impose themselves as an
alternative to state and national legitimacy.
Shaikh Abdullah said he hopes the future will witness more cooperation in
various sectors, to better serve future ambitions, especially in the areas of
development of economy, investment and energy.
The two ministers also discussed joint efforts between the UAE and Germany in
Afghanistan, especially in the military, security, economic, development and
humanitarian fields. During the meeting both parties reviewed a number of issues
of common concern in several areas, including coordination and consultation on a
number of regional issues, particularly the Arab coalition initiative, Operation
Restoring Hope, for security and stability in Yemen.
Shaikh Abdullah praised the role of Saudi Arabia in the leadership of the
coalition.
Shaikh Abdullah commended the insightful outlook of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz
of Saudi Arabia in dealing with the situation in Yemen as required by the
circumstances to defend the people of Yemen and to ensure the border security of
Saudi Arabia. He re-affirmed this is a continuation of the firm stance of Saudi
Arabia to support the brotherly people of Yemen, adding that Saudi Arabia has
always sought and continues to make a great effort to ensure the stability of
Yemen on both political and economic levels, to achieve the aspirations of the
people of Yemen and their security, stability and sustainable development in all
aspects of life.
Shaikh Abdullah noted the relief and humanitarian role played by the UAE and
Saudi Arabia which have been sending several aircraft and ships loaded with
relief materials and medical supplies to Aden immediately after the announcement
of the liberalisation of Aden.
Shaikh Abdullah and Steinmeier reviewed the latest developments in Syria and
Libya, stressing the importance of efforts by the UN special envoy to Libya,
Bernardino Leon, in addition to the importance of supporting the Libyan dialogue
to form a “government of national concord” to achieve stability, to meet the
aspirations of the Libyan people and to safeguard the country’s territorial
unity.
The German Foreign Minister re-affirmed the importance of the strong relations
between his country and the UAE, stressing the keenness of the two countries on
the development of mechanisms for joint action in various political, economic
and investment aspects.