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shaheennews<\/p>\n
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the UAE Parliament, led a high-level delegation to the European Parliament in Brussels, met with Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and discussedUAE-EU relations. DrAlQubaisihighlighted the issue of the three UAE islands occupied by Iran and called to resolvethe issue through direct negotiations or international arbitration.<\/p>\n
She presented an overview of the UAE\u2019s role in international counter-terrorismefforts,establishing the Sawab Center and hosting Hedayah Center,and noted that 2019 is the UAE Year of Tolerance.She commended the decision of the UAE Presidentinraising the representation of women in parliament to 50 percent.<\/p>\n
Mogherini stressed the importance and depth of the cooperation and partnership and noted that the EU is keen to strengthen cooperation with the UAE, a valuable ally in the fight against terrorism and in achieving security and stability. She welcomed the approach adopted by the UAE and its progressive mindset, in terms of women empowerment, gender equality, tolerance and coexistence.<\/p>\n
Mogherini expressed the EU\u2019s appreciation for the UAE\u2019s efforts for stability in Yemen, noting that the UAE is instrumental in securing political settlement in line with its interest in finding a peaceful solution: \u201cWe appreciate the UAE\u2019s role in this regard as well as the aid offered to refugees in different countries.\u201d Shereiterated the importance of stability for returning refugees.<\/p>\n
Mogherini further acknowledged Libya\u2019s role in ensuring regional stability, as well as its efforts to achieve peace among various parties.<\/p>\n
Mogherini noted that there is significant cooperation between the EU and GCC countries. Regarding security, the nuclear deal with Iran is the best means availabletoensure its disarmament. Sheadded that the EU would like to see Iran change its foreign policy and adopt a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of its neighbors.<\/p>\n
Dr Al Qubaisiadded: \u201cThe UAE\u2019s stanceof non-interference in the internal affairs of countries is diametrically opposed toIran\u2019s supporting the Houthi militias in Yemen with arms and missiles.We condemn the move of the Houthis to stop humanitarian aid from reaching Yemenis in need.The UAE has contributedUS$4.9 billion in humanitarian aid to Yemen from April 2015 until December 2018.\u201d<\/p>\n