UAE reaffirms support to Mideast peace process

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated the UAE's firm support for all international efforts to help the Middle East peace process reach results that enhance the chances of peace in the region and the establishment of the Palestinian state in line with accords signed and the Arab peace initiative.

The statement was made during the President's talks with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Shaikh Khalifa later received Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the airport upon his arrival for a two-day official visit to the UAE.

During the meeting with Abbas, Shaikh Khalifa called on all Palestinian factions to resort to reason and put the interests of the nation and national unity first to reach their goals.

Stances praised

Shaikh Khalifa and Abbas discussed the latest developments in Palestine, in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Abbas commended the UAE's stances under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa, which always supported the Palestinians and helped reduce their suffering caused by the Israeli occupation.

The meeting was also attended by Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Interior Minister; Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; and other Shaikhs, ministers and senior officials.

Mubarak and Shaikh Khalifa will hold talks on relations between their sisterly countries and ways to further promote them in various areas.

The two leaders will also exchange views on the regional Arab issues, as well as on regional and international issues of mutual concern.