The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held separate meetings with eight counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Those included Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla of Cuba, Margus Tsahkna of Estonia, Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania, Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, Alexandra Hill Tinoco of El Salvador, Olivier Nduhungirehe of Rwanda, Luminita Odobescu of Romania and Radoslaw Sikorski of Poland. The discussions reviewed ways to strengthen ties in sectors ranging from economy and trade to culture, food security and advanced technology.
According to the ministry’s statement, the talks also covered agenda items before the 79th session of the General Assembly, which this year operates under the theme of leaving no one behind while advancing peace, sustainable development and human dignity. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed each minister and emphasised the UAE’s interest in deepening partnerships that deliver mutual benefits across development priorities. The meetings further addressed recent regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
A ministry release noted that Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s commitment to multilateral cooperation through the United Nations, a stance the country has maintained since joining the organisation in 1971. The discussions on renewable energy, artificial intelligence and climate action reflected priorities that align with both the UN’s sustainable development goals and the UAE’s national agenda. Such engagements allow the UAE to build bridges with nations from Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.
Senior UAE officials joined Sheikh Abdullah for the series of meetings, among them Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohamed Abushahab. Their participation illustrated the breadth of issues under review, extending from economic collaboration to humanitarian concerns. The ministry indicated that similar talks have taken place throughout the General Assembly session, which runs from September 10 to 30.
The UAE has used the annual gathering to advance its foreign policy objectives, which include support for international stability and sustainable growth. OECD figures place the UAE among the leading donors of official development assistance relative to national income, a record that complements its diplomatic outreach at forums such as the General Assembly. These bilateral conversations therefore form part of a consistent pattern of engagement on global challenges.
Further meetings during the same week covered additional partnerships in education, health and investment, the ministry added in related statements. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the role of international organisations in tackling issues from food security to climate change, areas where the UAE has invested heavily both domestically and through overseas projects. The cumulative discussions underscore the country’s approach to diplomacy that combines bilateral outreach with multilateral coordination.
