On Monday, the UAE’s National Security Adviser, Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan has paid an official visit to Iran. Tahnoun bin Zayed’s visit came upon the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Ali Shamkhani.
The two security officials discussed improving relations between their countries and regional issues, Iranian media reported.
Following the meeting, Shamkhani said, “Stability and security can only be established through continuous dialogue and cooperation between the regional countries.” Shamkhani also noted that “improving economic, trade and investment ties are the main priorities of Iran’s foreign policy.”
Stressing the importance of reducing current tensions in the region, the Iranian official also emphasized that dialogue should be prioritized instead of military means to resolve issues.
For his part, Tahnoun bin Zayed expressed his pleasure in improving relations between his country and Iran by saying, “developing warm and brotherly relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran is one of the UAE’s priorities.”
Within the scope of the visit, Tahnoun bin Zayed and his accompanying delegation were received by Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi. According to Emirati media, the two exchanged views on ways of consolidating bilateral ties and discussed a wide range of issues of common interest during the meeting.
UAE’s official visit to Tehran came days after the new round of nuclear negotiation between Iran and P4+1 countries adjourned without a breakthrough.
Last month, the diplomatic advisor of the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, stated that his country was taking steps to ease tension with Iran as part of a policy choice, which prioritizes diplomacy instead of confrontation.
Posting a message on his Twitter account upon Tahnoun bin Zayed’s visit, Gargash said, “it comes as a continuation of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen bridges of communication and cooperation in the region which would serve the national interests.”
