Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for discussions centered on regional security, with a focus on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and developments in Gaza and Lebanon. This visit marks Fidan’s second trip to the UAE since March and is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional challenges.
The talks are anticipated to cover preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Türkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council, highlighting the importance of enhanced regional cooperation to mitigate conflicts and reduce external interference. A key topic on the agenda will be the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the crucial Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital for regional and international trade.
In addition to security concerns, the discussions will likely focus on developments in Gaza, including the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction efforts. As both countries are founding members of the Board of Peace, they are expected to coordinate efforts to support its activities and ensure stability in the region.
Efforts to maintain ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon will also be a significant point of discussion, with both Türkiye and the UAE committed to supporting regional stability. The two countries have been strategic partners since 2023, and their cooperation has been reflected in the first leaders’ meeting of their High-Level Strategic Council held in Ankara in July 2025.
Bilateral trade between Türkiye and the UAE reached $19.346 billion in 2025, underscoring the UAE’s status as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the Gulf. This economic partnership further strengthens the strategic ties between the two nations, providing a solid foundation for their cooperative efforts in addressing regional issues.