Joint UAE-German Declaration Emphasizes Necessity of Preventing Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Countering All Threats Posed by Iran

The joint UAE-German announcement emphasized the importance of the visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in response to an invitation from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which comes at a pivotal moment for both countries and the international system. The two sides affirmed the growing importance of reliable partners with aligned visions and stressed their shared commitment and resolve to safeguard the international order amid increasing regional and geopolitical volatility.

According to the joint statement, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the official visit reaffirmed that the UAE-German partnership is based on a shared commitment to enhancing peace, security, and economic prosperity, developing future technologies, and achieving sustainable development.

During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a framework for strategic dialogue aimed at consolidating the strategic partnership established in 2004. The strategic dialogue will guide efforts to enhance cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including international and regional security, defense, trade and investment, energy and climate, emerging technologies, digitalization, the economy, transport, environment, culture, and education, ensuring tangible outcomes that serve mutual interests.

Both sides emphasized that the strategic dialogue represents a long-term investment in bilateral relations and provides an institutional framework to translate this vision into sustainable and concrete cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in trade and investment and expanding cooperation in priority sectors.

In line with this commitment, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Friedrich Merz welcomed the signing of a joint statement of intent on the establishment of the UAE-German Investment Council, as a platform to enhance investments and support cooperation between the public and private sectors. Both sides also welcomed the outcomes of the UAE-German Business Forum and the resumption of work by the Joint Economic Commission, reaffirming their support for enhancing economic cooperation, investments, and joint projects.

The two leaders specifically welcomed the signing of 30 memoranda of understanding and agreements between UAE and German companies, with a total value exceeding 9.66 billion euros, reflecting the growing close cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.

Both sides also welcomed the announcement of a UAE investment package totaling 40 billion euros in Germany, reflecting the shared aspirations of the two countries to deepen their strategic partnership and the UAE’s confidence in Germany as a leading destination for investment, innovation, and industrial growth. This package is expected to enhance industrial competitiveness, drive technological leadership, and support long-term economic growth in Germany. It also includes investments in advanced digital infrastructure, including the development of new, state-of-the-art data centers with a capacity of approximately 1 gigawatt.

Germany affirmed its commitment to creating suitable conditions for the implementation of these projects. In addition to this package valued at 40 billion euros, the two presidents welcomed plans aimed at implementing further investments and partnerships between UAE and German companies, including initiatives involving Covestro, RWE, ADNOC, and Masdar. These initiatives are built on a solid foundation of existing UAE investments in Germany, including the approximately 15 billion euro investment by XRG in Covestro, underscoring the growing depth and ambition of economic relations between the two countries.

Both sides welcomed the continuous growth in non-oil bilateral trade, which reached 13.5 billion euros in 2025, an increase exceeding 14% compared to 2024. Cumulative investment flows between the two countries surpassed 8.6 billion euros in the period between 2021 and 2025. Both sides also welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. The UAE is currently negotiating with the EU, the world’s largest single market, on the terms of a free trade agreement. The UAE and Germany reaffirmed their support for reaching a comprehensive and ambitious agreement in the trade sector. Enhancing bilateral trade relations between the UAE and the EU through a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement will contribute to economic benefits for both sides.

Both sides emphasized that enhancing cooperation in defense and defense technology constitutes a fundamental pillar of bilateral relations. They welcomed the signing of a letter of intent on exploring defense cooperation avenues, supported by the holding of a high-level roundtable on defense, as well as the signing of a letter of intent on police and security cooperation. The two sides agreed to elevate cooperation toward a broader strategic partnership.

The two presidents renewed their affirmation of their firm and enduring partnership in the energy sector, based on trust and a shared commitment to enhancing energy security and the resilience of energy systems. Building on the long-standing UAE-German partnership in energy, both sides stressed the strategic value of close cooperation amid increasing volatility in global energy markets. They welcomed the continuation of robust cooperation across various energy sectors and emphasized the importance of the UAE-German partnership in supporting secure, diversified, and affordable energy supplies for the economies of both countries and for Europe more broadly. They also expressed their shared desire to deepen cooperation through partnerships between leading companies from both sides.

The two presidents welcomed the expansion of long-term strategic cooperation across the full energy value chain, including traditional and emerging energy resources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy sources, and hydrogen.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing contribution of leading bilateral projects implemented by major UAE and German companies, which enhance supply security and energy system resilience and support industrial competitiveness.

The two presidents welcomed the continued development of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international cooperation on energy efficiency as a key enabler of the global energy transition.

In addition, as founding members of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), both sides reaffirmed the importance of the agency’s role in driving the global energy transition and welcomed the continuation of their close cooperation.

Germany also welcomed the UAE’s leading role in advancing efforts to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, as well as its leadership in launching the Oil and Gas Methane Reduction Pledge during COP28.

The two sides further emphasized the importance of strengthening industrial cooperation—particularly in advanced industries and manufacturing—as a fundamental pillar for achieving long-term, mutually beneficial economic growth.

In this regard, both sides stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between companies from the two countries through investment, innovation, and joint development, with the aim of enhancing industrial capacities, raising competitiveness, and supporting resilient supply chains capable of meeting future demands.

Regarding sensitive technologies, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, enhancing the exchange of expertise, investments, and research and development, including joint development in these vital sectors.

In line with the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering role in advanced technologies, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Friedrich Merz welcomed the joint declaration of intent on cooperation in data storage and information systems through the establishment of digital embassies. This collaboration will introduce a new model of technological diplomacy by providing a secure and resilient digital infrastructure, and strengthening the foundations of trusted digital cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of food security and sustainable agriculture, highlighting opportunities to leverage the UAE’s pioneering capabilities in developing innovative, technology-based food systems, alongside Germany’s advanced technological and industrial capacities. They also pointed to the potential to enhance bilateral cooperation in modern agriculture and agricultural value chains, including agricultural technologies and key products such as fertilizers.

With regard to both countries’ commitment to supporting sustainability, the two sides praised the preparations for the “UN Water Conference 2026,” which the UAE will host in partnership with the Republic of Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. They affirmed its pivotal role in fostering partnerships, mobilizing investments, and driving innovative and practical solutions on a large scale, emphasizing its importance as a platform to enhance global water efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6. The two sides also welcomed the signing of a joint declaration of intent on cooperation in the environmental field.

The UAE welcomed Germany’s assumption of the co-presidency of the Interactive Dialogue on “Water in Multilateral Processes,” and affirmed the importance of this dialogue in promoting a comprehensive, multilateral, and practical approach to addressing global water challenges.

It was confirmed that the UAE and Germany enjoy strong and well-established relations in civil aviation, supported by extensive air connectivity, continuous growth in economic, trade, and tourism ties, and growing links between the peoples of the two countries. Based on these relations, the German side agreed to add a fifth point to the air routes schedule, enabling one of the UAE’s national carriers to operate an agreed number of flights to this fifth point, in addition to the four existing points in Germany, while maintaining the current number of flights to these four points for that carrier.

The two sides welcomed the signing of additional agreements during the visit, including the agreement facilitating entry for UAE citizens through German airports via the EasyPASS system, and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters. They expressed their expectation to complete the remaining agreements under negotiation, including the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

Cultural cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with the two presidents agreeing to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries through cooperation in the fields of culture, literature, heritage, and creative industries. Mutual appreciation for the cultural, historical, and academic achievements of both countries was reaffirmed through the signing of a comprehensive memorandum of understanding on enhancing cultural cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.

They emphasized their commitment to contributing to peace, stability, and security in the Middle East region, stressing the necessity of enhancing diplomacy and dialogue. His Highness expressed his sincere appreciation for Germany’s steadfast support and solidarity with the United Arab Emirates in the face of Iranian aggression, commending its stance, which embodies the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries. For his part, Merz conveyed Germany’s firm position and solidarity with the UAE and its other partners in the region.

Both sides strongly condemned Iran’s aggressive attacks on the UAE and other countries in the region, including attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, which constitute a blatant violation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a serious breach of international law, including the UN Charter. They also condemned Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the threats and attacks it launched against commercial vessels and cargo ships. They underscored the importance of adhering to international law, including the right of innocent passage through international straits, relying on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026. In this regard, both sides called on Iran to refrain from any action or threat aimed at closing, obstructing, or impeding the right of innocent passage through the Strait of Hormuz in any form, or targeting commercial and cargo ships in the strait and its surrounding areas, referencing the decisions and outcomes of the Council and committees of the International Maritime Organization.

Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapons, and the need to counter and contain all threats posed by Iran, including its ballistic missile program, drone systems, and other related technologies, as well as its use and support of proxies and non-state actors in the region and elsewhere.

The two presidents renewed their shared commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, through a negotiated process, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living in peace and security alongside Israel, within the June 4, 1967 borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Both sides stressed the importance of advancing the implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip and its roadmap, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 of 2025, for the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the reunification of the occupied Palestinian territories under the administration of a reformed Palestinian Authority.

The two sides called on Israel to honor its commitments under the Sharm el-Sheikh Protocol, and both sides urged Hamas to halt all its military operations, calling on all parties to create the necessary conditions to achieve peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis, as well as for the entire Middle East region. In this regard, the two presidents expressed their firm rejection of any unilateral measures aimed at altering the status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories, changing the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, or taking any steps intended to effect regional and demographic changes, including the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians.

The two presidents reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to supporting the realization of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts to support a negotiated settlement and to mitigate humanitarian consequences. The two presidents also strongly condemned the escalating attacks in Ukraine, which have resulted in increased civilian casualties and injuries, as well as the destruction of critical infrastructure.

The two sides agreed on the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which would help facilitate grain exports and ensure global food security. Germany expressed its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for its efforts in facilitating talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The two sides agreed to provide joint, urgent humanitarian and developmental assistance to the Ukrainian people during the upcoming winter, focusing on strengthening critical infrastructure to serve the most vulnerable communities, supporting children, youth, and families, and ensuring food security.

Both sides also expressed their hope to explore ways to establish a comprehensive joint partnership focused on recovery and development initiatives, to be announced in conjunction with the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2027. The two presidents welcomed the recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, facilitated through mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates, bringing the total number of prisoners exchanged since the start of the war to 7,997.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation to support Ukraine’s recovery across various sectors. Germany welcomed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine, highlighting its role in achieving long-term stability and reconstruction in Ukraine.

The two presidents also strongly condemned attacks targeting civilians, humanitarian workers, and humanitarian convoys in Sudan. They called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately halt all military operations that endanger civilian lives, including drone attacks and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their call for an immediate, unconditional humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive, transparent political transition led by civilians, reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people, free from the dominance or influence of any party to the conflict or any entity contributing to inciting violence and instability across the region.

Both sides stressed the necessity of imposing a comprehensive arms embargo covering all of Sudan’s territory. The two presidents also praised international and regional efforts, including those of the Quartet and the Quintet, as well as the outcomes of the Sudan Conference held in Berlin.

The two presidents expressed their solidarity with Lebanon, reaffirming their commitment to its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

They also expressed their support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to confine weapons under state authority, and for all initiatives aimed at supporting the prosperity, stability, and well-being of the Lebanese people. The two sides welcomed the three-party framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and expressed hope that the agreement would constitute a positive step toward enhancing regional security and stability. The two presidents stressed the importance of the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 of 2006, and the necessity of ensuring the safety and security of personnel of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). They further emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and affirmed the need for all parties to respect international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and to refrain from taking any steps that could threaten regional security and stability. The two sides expressed their hope to continue making concrete and measurable commitments toward comprehensive governance, as a pivotal step in supporting Syria’s long-term stability and recovery.