His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, headed the UAE delegation that participated at the 44th Council of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held on 10-11 July 2017 in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.
Addressing the attendees, H.E. Dr. Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE is committed to the international goals of combatting terrorism. He said that the UAE considered itself an important partner in all regional and global alliances that combat terrorism on a security, cultural and intellectual level. He emphasized that the UAE has
“The UAE stands firmly against all forms of terrorism and religious extremism that destroy the social fabric of society, affect national harmony and threaten global peace and security. It is important that all the countries unite and follow a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism straight at its sources and track down those who commit acts of terrorism,” said Dr. Al Zeyoudi.
His Excellency stressed that the UAE has a clear foreign policy that is based on the non-interference with the internal affairs of neighboring and other countries, respecting their sovereignty and the unity of their lands. He emphasized that the UAE adamantly refuses regional interferences in the affairs of other countries which cause instability amongst the population. Dr. Al Zeyoudi called for ICFM countries to put a stop to these interferences and other actions, such as supporting armed militias, meddling with countries’ affairs, and to give up illusions of regional dominance and expansion.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi renewed the UAE’s call to Iran to be responsive to the country’s calls for a peaceful solution of Iran’s occupation of the three Emirati islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa through direct negotiations or through international jurisdiction in accordance with the UN convention and the principles of international law.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi reiterated the UAE's commitment to preserving the wellbeing of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and safeguarding the security and stability of its member states, particularly in light of the current crisis with Qatar. He pointed out that the crisis reached its peak as a result of the continuation of the Qatari authorities in its policy of destabilizing the region, manipulating and evading the signed commitments and agreements. Al Zeyoudi stressed that the Qatar government continues to support, finance and embrace extremism and sectarianism organizations, and its continuous work on spreading and promoting extremist ideology through its direct and indirect media. His Excellency also emphasised that the Qatari people are an integral part of the Gulf and Arab system.
Regarding the situation in Syria, His Excellency Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed that the UAE continued to work towards putting an end to the war machine and the humanitarian crisis that the Syrian population is going through. He stressed the importance of finding a political solution to the crisis that is based on the requirements of the First Statement of Geneva and accomplishes the aspirations of the Syrian people in forming a transitional power with complete jurisdictions. This, he said, will ultimately end the cycle of death and destruction, will help create a national platform to build Syria and will be inclusive of all national components which will fight extremism and terrorism.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed that the UAE supports the constitutional legitimacy of Yemen, respects its sovereignty and independence and refuses any interference into its internal affairs. He stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the Yemeni situation based on specific fundamentals. These include legitimacy, the GCC initiative and the Riyadh announcement as well as the outcomes of the national dialogue and decisions of the Arab League and the UN Security Council especially resolution no. 2216. He added that the UAE supports the efforts of the UN envoy to find a peaceful solution in Yemen.
His Excellency also emphasized the UAE’s stance regarding the importance of the Israeli withdrawal of all Palestinian and Arab lands based on the 1967 lines in accordance with international legislations and the Arab peace initiative. He noted that reaching a peaceful settlement in the Middle East is a vital factor in combatting regional tensions.