Germany's foreign minister discusses Libya and Lebanon on UAE visit

Heiko Maas arrived in Abu Dhabi after visiting Libya where Germany has been trying to broker a ceasefire

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Heiko Maas, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussed Libya during the latter's visit to Abu DhaShow more

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Heiko Maas, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussed strategic ties and ways of strengthening co-operation in trade, education and food security.

Sheikh Abdullah received the German diplomat in Abu Dhabi  on Tuesday and the pair discussed the latest regional and international developments, including the situation in Libya and Lebanon. Mr Maas recently visited both countries.

They discussed the Covid-19 measures taken by the UAE, and Germany and underlined the importance of exchanging expertise and supporting the global efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine, as well as their co-operation within the framework of international organisations, state-run Wam news reported.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of Mr Maas, stressing the strategic ties between the UAE and Germany and their mutual keenness to enhance their co-operation.

Mr Maas praised the friendship and strategic ties between the two countries and reiterated Germany’s support for the peace accord between the UAE and Israel.

Sheikh Abdullah thanked Mr Maas and reaffirmed Germany’s key role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Mr Mass was in Abu Dhabi after a visit to Tripoli on Monday where the German foreign minister said Libya faced a "deceptive calm" since fighting stalled in June around the coastal city of Sirte.

The German government has tried to broker a ceasefire and a return to UN talks to end fighting in Libya, hosting several rounds of meetings between the warring sides.

For the past 14 months, militias that back the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord have been fighting the Libyan National Army of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.