British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi to discuss escalating regional tensions.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing an official statement from the British government, that the meeting focused on security challenges and bilateral cooperation. During the discussions, Starmer expressed his solidarity with the people of the UAE and offered his condolences regarding those killed as a result of Iranian bombardments.
The two leaders condemned Iran's attacks on civilian infrastructure in the region, labeling such actions as unacceptable. Starmer also welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran, urging all parties to uphold the agreement and cooperate to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East. Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the critical importance of restoring the free flow of goods through the Strait of Hormuz to protect global supply chains. Beyond security, the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation between the United Kingdom and the UAE in the fields of innovation, trade, and investment.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical instability in the Persian Gulf, a region vital to global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important oil transit chokepoints, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes. Diplomatic efforts by the UK and its Gulf partners are seen as essential for maintaining maritime security and economic stability amid ongoing regional conflicts.
