UAE calls for peaceful solutions to crises at the UN - Sarmad
The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of disputes in its address to the United Nations General Assembly, calling for an end to the war in Sudan, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the protection of freedom of navigation.
The UAE reiterated its demand for the resolution of the issue concerning the three Emirati islands through direct negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice, while emphasizing its continued investments in human capital and innovation.
Khalifa bin Shahin Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated in the UAE’s speech at the UN General Assembly that the region and the world are undergoing a phase characterized by accelerating transformations and growing challenges and divisions.
**The UAE Adheres to a Policy of De-escalation and Peaceful Solutions**
The UAE stressed its rejection of “the unlawful use of force or threat thereof, or recourse to coercion,” and the necessity of respecting state sovereignty, good neighborliness, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
The UAE stated that its steadfast approach is based on de-escalation, bridge-building, enhancing diplomacy and dialogue, and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
The UAE added in its address that it seeks to open new horizons for peace, development, and prosperity for its people, as well as for the peoples of the region and the world.
“The UAE stands tall with a clear vision to transform challenges into opportunities and translate aspirations into achievements,” it said.
**The Three Emirati Islands**
The UAE reiterated its position on Iran’s unacceptable occupation of the three Emirati islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—affirming its consistent commitment to seeking a peaceful settlement of the dispute through direct negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.
**Gaza and the West Bank**
The UAE also reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the Palestinian people, stressing the need to advance toward “a serious political horizon leading to a just and permanent settlement of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution,” and the establishment of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
It called for the full implementation of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza and the roadmap emanating from it, noting that the UAE was among the first supporters of the framework established by the international community to end the war in the Strip.
The UAE confirmed its continued role as the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Gaza, alongside its humanitarian and development projects in the West Bank.
It highlighted the necessity of halting dangerous Israeli escalation in the West Bank and settlement practices, condemning Israel’s attempts to impose “new historical and legal facts.”
It also called for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under a capable Palestinian authority, after reform, to assume its responsibilities and monopolize weapons.
**Sudan: End the War and Establish a Civilian Government**
Regarding the Sudan file, the UAE stressed the need to end the humanitarian catastrophe and reach an “unconditional permanent ceasefire that puts an end to the civil war.”
It called for launching a comprehensive and credible political process led by civilians, leading to the formation of an independent civilian government separate from the warring parties and extremist groups.
It emphasized that neither party to the conflict should have a role in the new civilian government, and that the Sudanese people alone should decide their country’s future.
It urged the international community to pressure the leaders of the Port Sudan authority and the Rapid Support Forces, as the parties to the conflict, to engage seriously in international initiatives.
**The UAE as an Active Partner in Supporting Peace**
The United Arab Emirates announced that it had completed 26 mediation operations to exchange approximately 8,000 prisoners between Ukraine and Russia and facilitate their return to their homelands and families, reaffirming its commitment to advancing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law.
It reiterated its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara and its backing of a sustainable political solution to the issue based on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative.
It stated that it had been present to support Syria and Lebanon on their path toward a secure and stable future, and that it continues to support sincere efforts to achieve peace, particularly in Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Haiti.
Freedom of Navigation and Water Scarcity
In its address, the UAE also emphasized the principles of freedom of navigation and the right of transit, as well as the necessity of ensuring and protecting the safe flow of supply chains, trade, and energy.
It stressed its commitment to turning the challenge of water scarcity into an opportunity for innovation and joint international action.
Humanity and Innovation
Regarding artificial intelligence, the UAE highlighted its continued expansion of investments in AI, emerging technologies, healthcare, and education, as well as its efforts to empower human capital and build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
It also announced its commitment to transforming the challenge of water scarcity into an opportunity for innovation and collaborative international action.
The UAE model has proven its resilience and ability to deliver tangible results through investments in national strength pillars, while maintaining a moderate approach, rejecting violence and extremism, and promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
It further emphasized that “crises must be addressed at their roots rather than merely managed,” expressing its hope that the new UN Secretary-General will use his good offices to activate preventive and mediation tools before crises emerge.
