Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates, emphasized that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict “is not only a result of, but serves extremists and warmongers efforts”. Nothing can justify targeting tens of thousands of civilians, or “besieging, starving and forcibly displacing hundreds of thousands; nor can anything excuse the pursuit of unacceptable expansionist ambitions, including the threat of annexing the West Bank”, she stressed.  Similarly, there is no justification for the taking of hostages or the targeting of civilians in conflict.  Noting Israel’s treacherous and reprehensible attack against Qatar was a flagrant violation of its territorial integrity, and the security of the Arabian Gulf region, she recalled that her Government remains the largest donor of aid to Gaza.

Citing the dispute of the three occupied Emirati islands in the Arabian Gulf — Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa — she noted the issue remains at the forefront of national priorities.  She called on Iran to end its occupation of the islands, and to respond to repeated calls to resolve this dispute through direct negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice.  She voiced full support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.  Further, “the brutal scene unfolding in Gaza is not the only crisis engulfing our region, as in Sudan, people “are experiencing immense human suffering and famine”, she said, voicing support for the Sudanese people, and their aspirations to end the civil war and its profound humanitarian consequences.

Regarding economy and development, her Government has doubled foreign investments in various projects, expanding partnerships with the Global South, including in Africa, where investments reflect “our belief in the importance of openness and engagement to achieve shared development prosperity and stability”. On AI, she voiced support for countries in building technological capacities, while respecting their national values and priorities.  The United Arab Emirates is accelerating investments in international climate action, supporting innovative solutions to achieve an orderly and responsible energy transition and promote clean energy.  In preparing to host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with Senegal, her Government will strengthen international cooperation on the issue and stimulate investment in innovation.