President Sheikh Mohamed meets top Iran security official

Two sides discuss stability in region

President Sheikh Mohamed meets Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. All photos: UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed at the meeting with Mr Shamkhani in Abu Dhabi

Members of the Iranian delegation at the meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed

Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, private affairs adviser in the Presidential Court, and Ali Al Shamsi, secretary general of the UAE Supreme Council for National Security, at the meeting

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, UAE National Security Adviser, at Al Shati Palace

President Sheikh Mohamed met one of Iran's top security officials in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The UAE leader held talks with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, at Al Shati Palace.

“Their talks covered regional and international issues of mutual concern, and the importance of working to support peace and co-operation in the region to enable progress and prosperity for its people,” state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, were also present at the meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also met the Iranian delegation on Thursday.

He received Mr Shamkhani at Zabeel Palace in Dubai, where they reviewed bilateral relations and future co-operation between both countries.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President; and Talal Al Falasi, director general of Dubai’s State Security Department.

Earlier, Sheikh Tahnoun and Mr Shamkhani discussed relations between the two countries in the political, economic and trade fields.

They spoke of the need for stability and prosperity in the region, state news agency Wam reported.

Mr Shamkhani's visit comes days after Tehran and Riyadh reached a China-brokered deal to re-establish relations and reopen embassies within two months after years of hostility.

Following the storming of the Saudi embassy by hardline protesters in Tehran over Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, the UAE downgraded its diplomatic ties with Iran after Saudi Arabia severed links with Tehran in 2016.

Sheikh Tahnoun visited Tehran in December 2021 and met President Ebrahim Raisi as well as Mr Shamkhani.

In January, an Iranian delegation held talks with UAE officials in Abu Dhabi on economic co-operation between the two nations.

During the visit, Minister of State Khalifa Al Marar met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mahdi Safari and other members of the delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian visited the Emirates in May 2022 to offer his condolences on the death of the late President, Sheikh Khalifa.

“Opening a new page in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The strengthening of ties with our neighbours disappoints regional enemies,” Mr Amirabdollahian said on Twitter at the time.

Mr Raisi also sent his condolences to UAE leaders on the death of Sheikh Khalifa and congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on his election as President.

He said he hoped relations between the countries could grow in all fields.