Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reaffirmed the historic relations between the UAE and Iran and the desire of the country to strengthen these relations and develop them for the good of the two neighbourly countries. The Cabinet stated that this would promote the stability of the region.
Saying that the UAE values these relations, the Cabinet emphasised the need to solve the issue of the three Emirati islands of Abu Mousa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, noting, at the same time, that it has expressed its desire that the issue should be resolved through negotiations or through the framework of international law.
The Cabinet said the call by the UAE for a solution of the issue through bilateral negotiations or through the International Court of Justice had been made because of this desire. The Cabinet reaffirmed that the UAE's call was evidence of its belief in the necessity for a serious and balanced treatment of the issue with its friendly neighbour, Iran. This arises out of its desire to maintain this important relationship and to foster future prospects, through a resolution of the causes of this dispute that tarnishes the historical relationship between the peoples and countries of the region.
Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan earlier urged Iran to listen to reason, extending a similar invitation to Tehran to join negotiations over the three islands occupied by Iran since 1971 or take the issue to international arbitration.
Shaikh Abdullah stressed the importance of maritime security in the Gulf as "40 per cent of the world's energy literally passes through the three islands near the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz."
The foreign minister said the Iranian president's visit will not change historical and legal facts proving the UAE's sovereignty over its three islands.
The UAE is committed to the agreement between the two countries to create an appropriate environment for a joint solution which enhances security and stability in the Gulf, according to a note handed to the Iranian envoy to the UAE.
— With inputs from Samir Salama, Associate Editor
