Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Advances UAE Diplomacy at UN General Assembly in New York
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs held high-level bilateral meetings with counterparts from Estonia, Australia and Ghana, discussing strengthened partnerships and global cooperation on pressing international challenges.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has undertaken a series of significant diplomatic engagements in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meetings underscore the UAE’s proactive approach to advancing international partnerships and addressing global priorities.
During his time at UNGA81, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah conducted separate meetings with Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia; Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana. These discussions encompassed a comprehensive agenda designed to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors of mutual interest and benefit.
Broadening Areas of Cooperation
The bilateral conversations explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in economics, trade, investment, food security, advanced technology, culture, education and healthcare. Significantly, the ministers also addressed emerging global priorities including artificial intelligence, renewable energy and climate action—sectors where the UAE continues to demonstrate leadership and innovation.
Beyond specific sectoral discussions, the meetings addressed matters on the broader UN General Assembly agenda, with particular emphasis on cooperation through international organisations and mechanisms for promoting regional and international peace and stability. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to cultivating robust and mutually beneficial relationships with nations worldwide, whilst contributing meaningfully to sustainable development objectives.
Humanitarian and International Crisis Leadership
The Deputy Prime Minister’s engagement extended to significant meetings with international humanitarian and crisis management organisations. He met with Comfort Ero, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Crisis Group, to discuss strengthening international cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges across multiple regions. His Highness also convened with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, focusing on expanding UAE-ICRC cooperation in humanitarian and relief activities, alongside strengthening the international response to humanitarian needs in affected regions.
The Water Conference and Multilateral Initiatives
The discussions also addressed the forthcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host alongside the Republic of Senegal from 8th to 10th December. This significant event reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing critical global challenges through collaborative multilateral engagement.
The meetings were attended by senior UAE officials including Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Dr. Tareq Ahmed Mohamed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency; Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; and Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nature.
Source: WAM