Iran, UAE discuss Mideast developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has stressed the importance of promoting relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in all fields.

In a meeting between Salehi and UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday, the two sides exchanged views on the latest regional developments, including the situation in crisis-hit Bahrain.

The top Iranian diplomat and UAE premier also discuss ways to expand relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi as well as Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities, IRNA reported.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed were also present in the meeting.

Iranian and UAE foreign ministers are scheduled to hold talks later Sunday.

Salehi arrived in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday on a formal day-long visit to hold talks with the officials of the Persian Gulf country on the latest events in the region.

Last week, Salehi made a one-day trip to Qatar, where he discussed regional developments and bilateral ties with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Crown Prince Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani.

Salehi also visited the Omani capital of Muscat last Wednesday for a formal day-long visit to discuss regional developments and mutual relations with senior Omani officials, including Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Saidon.

The UAE is a member state of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council and the fourth largest oil producer of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).