Saqr Ghobash meets European Parliament President

The meeting was preceded by an official welcome from Metsola to Ghobash and the accompanying delegation during the European Parliament’s plenary session in the presence of members, a gesture reflecting the UAE’s distinguished standing within European institutions and the growing trajectory of parliamentary cooperation. Several FNC members attended the meeting.

Metsola also expressed the parliament’s appreciation for the visit and its solidarity with the UAE amid the current regional circumstances.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and to develop mechanisms for institutional dialogue that serve the shared interests of the UAE and the European Union, while enhancing coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The talks also addressed the latest regional developments and the repercussions of the recent escalation in the region for regional and international security and stability, with both sides affirming the importance of parliamentary partnership in supporting security and in consolidating shared principles and values.

Ghobash stressed that the growing relations between the UAE and EU member states receive the support and attention of the UAE leadership, headed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, given their strategic importance.

He noted that parliamentary cooperation is an important pillar in strengthening political understanding, stressing that the security of the Arabian Gulf region is no longer a limited regional matter but has become an integral part of the European and international security system, given the close connection between Gulf stability, global energy security, supply chain safety, and international trade.

He added that any threat to Gulf security or to vital maritime corridors would have direct repercussions for European markets and the global economy.

Ghobash emphasised the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and restoring full and permanent freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions, explaining that international maritime security is a direct European and global interest, aimed at protecting the European economy from the repercussions of escalation.

He also praised the European Parliament and the European Union’s supportive stance towards the UAE and countries in the region in confronting Iranian attacks, as well as the European side’s expressions of solidarity and rejection of attacks on state sovereignty and civilian infrastructure.

Roberta Metsola emphasised the importance of UAE-European relations and the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing political understanding, supporting regional stability, and addressing global challenges.

She recalled her previous visit to the UAE, which gave her the opportunity to observe the country’s experience in development, stability, and openness, and stressed the importance of continuing direct consultations amid rapidly evolving challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Saqr Ghobash extended an official invitation to Metsola to visit the UAE to continue parliamentary dialogue and to launch a new phase of cooperation based on regular engagement.