Doha News: Qatar and UAE agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, food security and transport connectivity, while signing several agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at strengthening economic integration and bilateral partnership.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan co-chaired the seventh session of the Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, reaffirming the strong fraternal ties and strategic partnership between the two Gulf nations.

During the meeting, and according to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the session carried “significant importance in advancing relations between the two countries and their peoples across various fields in a manner that serves mutual interests”.

He noted that the growing cooperation between Qatar and the UAE enjoys the full support and guidance of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Qatari Prime Minister praised the efforts of the preparatory committee and working teams for developing a roadmap aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, adding that the latest meeting builds on previous sessions focused on enhancing cooperation, reviewing achievements, and maximising opportunities between the two countries.

He said the discussions also provided an opportunity to exchange views on shared visions and positions amid what he described as a highly sensitive regional and international environment.

Addressing regional developments, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the rapid changes and exceptional events affecting the Gulf region, pointing to the challenges arising from the Strait of Hormuz crisis and “Iran’s aggressive military attacks on regional states”, which he said had created unprecedented security and geopolitical challenges impacting regional stability and freedom of navigation.

He emphasised that “the sensitivity of the current stage requires intensified consultation, unified positions, and strengthened joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate risks,” while stressing the importance of deeper integration across sectors to promote security, stability, and prosperity for both countries and the wider region.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement agreed outcomes in a manner that strengthens the partnership and fulfils the aspirations of both nations.

For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the convening of the seventh session reflected the “deep-rooted and strong fraternal ties” between the two countries and their shared commitment to close cooperation.

He reaffirmed the UAE’s aspiration to enhance strategic connectivity and economic integration, particularly in vital sectors such as oil, gas, and energy, with the aim of reinforcing mutual interests, strengthening supply chain resilience, and opening new avenues for cooperation and investment.

He also expressed hope that the outcomes of the session would deliver tangible results that further consolidate bilateral partnership and joint progress.

The meeting witnessed broad participation from senior officials from both countries, with discussions covering cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, energy, education, culture, environment, health, sports, Islamic affairs, industry, and transport. At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee.

Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were also signed during the session, including an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement signed on behalf of Qatar by Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and on behalf of the UAE by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

An agreement on agriculture and food security was signed by Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, while another memorandum of understanding focused on cooperation between Doha Municipality and the UAE Department of Municipalities and Transport.

On the sidelines of the session, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah also held a bilateral meeting to discuss regional developments and ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Qatari Prime Minister reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones, reaffirming Qatar’s “full solidarity and support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

In response, Sheikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation to Qatar and Sheikh Mohammed for the State of Qatar’s solidarity with the UAE following the Iranian attacks.