SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Senior UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Iranian counterpart in a rare visit to Iran on Monday, according to Iranian media.
Nournews reported that Sheikh Tahnoon and Iran’s top security official Ali Shamkhani discussed expanding bilateral ties and regional issues, according to Reuters.
“Stability and security can only be established through continuous dialogue and cooperation between the regional countries,” state TV quoted Shamkhani as saying.
“Improving economic, trade and investment ties are the main priorities of Iran’s foreign policy.”
Sheikh Tahnoon is a brother of the UAE’s de factor ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.
The two countries have been on different sides on the war in Yemen. The UAE is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition which backs the internationally-recognized government against Iran-aligned Houthi fighters.
“Joint efforts are necessary to end some of the military and security crises in the region….dialogue should replace military approaches to resolve disputes,” Reuters quoted Shamkhani as saying.
“Developing warm and brotherly relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran is one of the UAE’s priorities,” Sheikh Tahnoon said during his meeting with Shamkhani, according to Iranian media.
He also met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, state TV reported.
In 2019, the UAE started engaging with Iran following attacks on tankers off Gulf waters and on Saudi energy infrastructure. Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia began direct talks with Iran in April, with Riyadh describing the talks as “cordial” but largely exploratory.
