Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit the United Arab Emirates for discussions centered on regional security and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. This upcoming visit, Fidan’s second to the UAE since March, highlights the strengthening ties between Türkiye and the UAE as they prepare for the next meeting of their High-Level Strategic Council.
A key focus of the talks will be on enhancing regional cooperation to address conflicts and curtail external interventions. Fidan is expected to emphasize the necessity of maintaining open navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial passageways for regional and international trade.
Additionally, the discussions are anticipated to cover developments in Gaza, particularly the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan, as well as humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Both Türkiye and the UAE, founding members of the Board of Peace, are likely to coordinate their activities in support of these initiatives.
The agenda is also expected to include efforts to uphold ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, thereby contributing to regional stability. Since establishing a Strategic Partnership in 2023, Türkiye and the UAE have been working closely, with their High-Level Strategic Council convening its inaugural leaders’ meeting in Ankara in July 2025.
The economic relationship between the two nations is robust, with bilateral trade reaching $19.346 billion in 2025, positioning the UAE as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the Gulf region. This visit by Fidan underscores the ongoing commitment of both countries to deepen their strategic and economic ties while addressing critical security issues in the region.