UAE, Iran hold talks on regional issues, strengthening economic relations

​​​​​​​By İbrahim Khazen and Rania Abu Shamala

ABU DHABI (AA) - Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) president, met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht Ravanchi, on Saturday to discuss “ways to enhance economic and trade relations between the neighbouring countries,” according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The sides commended “the latest round of political consultations between the two countries,” it said.

The meeting also addressed “regional and international developments of mutual concern.”

The discussions were attended by Saif Al Zaabi, UAE ambassador to Iran and Reza Ameri, Iranian ambassador to the UAE.

It took place in Dubai, according to the WAM, one day after the first round of political consultations between the two nations.

On Friday, the opening session of political consultations between the UAE and Iranian foreign ministries was held in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was chaired by Lana Nusseibeh, UAE assistant minister for political affairs, and Takht-Ravanchi, Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs.

A statement noted that both sides welcomed the first round of political consultations and stressed its importance as an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The round of talks comes as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, with recent months witnessing tangible steps in that direction.