Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit the United Arab Emirates for discussions centered on regional security concerns, including the ongoing war involving Iran and developments in Gaza and Lebanon. This visit marks Fidan’s second trip to the UAE since March, highlighting the importance of these talks in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation on pressing regional issues.
The discussions between Türkiye and the UAE are expected to cover a range of topics, including preparations for the next meeting of the Türkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council. Fidan is likely to emphasize the need for enhanced regional cooperation to address conflicts and minimize external intervention. Critical to these discussions will be the maintenance of freedom of navigation through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, both vital routes for regional and international trade.
Another focal point of the talks will be the situation in Gaza, particularly regarding the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan. Humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts are also expected to be discussed, as both countries are founding members of the Board of Peace and aim to coordinate their activities in this regard.
The talks will likely extend to efforts to maintain ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon, with a shared goal of bolstering regional stability. This aligns with the strategic partnership that Türkiye and the UAE have maintained since 2023, evidenced by the inaugural leaders’ meeting of their High-Level Strategic Council in Ankara in July 2025.
Economic ties also underscore the relationship between the two nations, with bilateral trade reaching $19.346 billion in 2025, making the UAE Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the Gulf. This economic interdependence provides a robust platform for further cooperation on security and diplomatic fronts.