Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit the United Arab Emirates for discussions centered on regional security, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and developments in Gaza and Lebanon. This visit marks Fidan’s second trip to the UAE since March, highlighting the importance of these bilateral engagements.
During the discussions, both parties are expected to address preparations for the next meeting of the Türkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council. Fidan is anticipated to emphasize the significance of enhanced regional cooperation to address conflicts and minimize external interventions. Additionally, the talks will likely cover the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial corridors for regional and international trade.
Developments in Gaza will be a key topic, including the implementation of the second phase of a peace plan, as well as humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts. Both Türkiye and the UAE are founding members of the Board of Peace and are expected to collaborate on its activities. They will also explore strategies to uphold ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon and support overall regional stability.
The strategic partnership between Türkiye and the UAE has been in place since 2023, underscoring their commitment to regional collaboration. The High-Level Strategic Council held its inaugural leaders’ meeting in Ankara in July 2025. Economic ties between the two nations are strong, with bilateral trade reaching $19.346 billion in 2025, positioning the UAE as Türkiye’s largest trading partner within the Gulf region.