European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has spoken of a “new chapter of EU-UAE relations” defined by peace and prosperity in an address to the Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi.
Ms Metsola, on the first official visit to the Gulf region by a sitting European Parliament president, called for a diplomatic solution to the regional crisis during the landmark UAE–European meeting hosted by FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash. “Very few times in living memories has the world felt so unpredictable,” Ms Metsola said.
Her visit marks a significant step forward in the growing diplomatic and strategic relations between UAE and European Union, especially as discussions advance on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
High on the agenda is the 18th regular meeting of parliamentary heads from the Gulf Co-operation Council, with Ms Metsola joining the discussions to explore new opportunities for collaboration between the GCC and the EU.
Having received an official invitation from the FNC, her visit also comes at a pivotal moment in UAE–EU relations and only days after Washington joined Israel in attacking nuclear sites in Iran, as the war in Gaza continues to rage.
Supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, Ms Metsola said on Monday: “We continue to push for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering [in Gaza] … and the return of hostages.”
The first EU-GCC summit, held in Brussels last year, was “a real turning point”, Ms Metsola said, concluding her speech with a sense of hope regarding the growing EU-UAE partnership, “which has never mattered more”. She added: “The UAE is always looking to the future”.
For his part, Mr Ghobash reflected on the deepening partnership between the UAE and Europe in his opening speech.
As part of her broader visit, Ms Metsola is expected to take part in meetings aimed at exchanging expertise and exploring co-ordination across regional and international parliamentary forums.
This follows recent talks at FNC headquarters between Mr Ghobash and Pasquale Tridico, chairman of the European Parliament’s tax subcommittee, which focused on enhancing collaboration and sharing policy insights.
Monday’s gathering brought together senior UAE ministers, EU diplomats and senior officials for an open dialogue focused on enhancing parliamentary co-operation and fostering alignment on key regional and global issues.
The biog
Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.
It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.
They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.
BRIEF SCORES:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London