In a move aimed at enhancing regional stability and security, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for discussions centered on pressing Middle Eastern issues, including conflicts involving Iran and developments in Gaza and Lebanon. This visit, marking Fidan’s second trip to the UAE since March, underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries to foster cooperation in the region.
The talks will likely cover the preparation for the upcoming Türkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council meeting, a platform for strategic dialogue that highlights the nations’ commitment to partnership. The discussions are expected to emphasize the importance of regional cooperation to address conflicts and minimize external interference, with a specific focus on maintaining the freedom of navigation through critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital for both regional and international trade.
A key topic on the agenda will be the situation in Gaza, particularly the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan, alongside humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Both Türkiye and the UAE are founding members of the Board of Peace, and their collaboration is anticipated to extend to these activities. The talks will also likely address efforts to uphold ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, bolstering regional stability.
Since establishing a Strategic Partnership in 2023, Türkiye and the UAE have worked closely, with the first leaders’ meeting of their High-Level Strategic Council taking place in Ankara in July 2025. This partnership has fostered significant economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching $19.346 billion in 2025, making the UAE Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the Gulf region.
The upcoming visit by Foreign Minister Fidan is a testament to the strategic importance both nations place on their relationship and their shared commitment to addressing some of the most critical security challenges facing the Middle East today.