UAE flag and British flag

Joint Statement by the UK Foreign Secretary and the UAE Foreign Minister

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the Right Honourable Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, on April 18, 2026, during her first official visit to the UAE.

The two ministers discussed the deep-rooted historical relations between the UAE and the UK, which are based on a shared commitment to regional stability, prosperity, and international cooperation. This meeting follows up on the discussions held by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with the Right Honourable Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, on April 9.

The two ministers formally agreed to adopt a framework to enhance cooperation between the two countries, encompassing foreign affairs, defense, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, the energy transition, judicial cooperation, and combating illicit finance. This framework lays an ambitious foundation for a sustainable, long-term bilateral partnership that strengthens shared resilience.

The two sides referred to UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), in which they condemned Iran’s actions and threats aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz and obstructing international navigation through it, and interfering with maritime traffic in any way.

The ministers also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait without the imposition of fees, in accordance with the provisions of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two ministers referred to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council resolution of 19 March 2026, which condemned Iranian threats and attacks targeting ships and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, posing a grave danger to life and a serious threat to navigational safety and the marine environment.

They welcomed the initiative launched by the United Kingdom and France, announced on 17 April, aimed at strengthening freedom of navigation, protecting international law, and ensuring global economic stability and energy security within the framework of a broad international coalition.

The two ministers condemned the attacks by the warring parties in Sudan on civilians, humanitarian workers, and aid convoys. They stressed the responsibility of both parties to end the conflict and the need to intensify international efforts and exert further pressure to achieve this goal, emphasizing that the protection of civilians is a priority.

They also stressed the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to allow for the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Sudan, expressing their rejection of attempts to politicize humanitarian work.

The two ministers stressed that the future of Sudan must be determined by civilians through an independent, civilian-led process that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a transition to a civilian-led government.

They also welcomed the recent meetings held between the Quartet, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, including those held on the sidelines of the Berlin Conference, and emphasized the importance of continuing to coordinate efforts to support peace in Sudan.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

They welcomed the UAE’s mediation efforts in facilitating the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, bringing the total number of prisoners exchanged to 6,305 since the outbreak of the conflict. They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation to support recovery efforts in Ukraine.

The two ministers expressed their anticipation of continued close cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and the UK in the coming period.