EU, UAE agree on ‘swift’ implementation of Trump’s Gaza plan

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The European Union and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed Tuesday on the “swift and full” implementation of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan.

Costa held talks Tuesday in Abu Dhabi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking his first official visit to the Gulf nation since taking office.

In a statement following the meeting, Costa described the UAE as “an important and reliable partner for the EU: for the prosperity, stability and security of both our regions and beyond.”

He said the EU remained committed to strengthening relations through “trade, political dialogue and security.”

The discussions also focused on major international issues, including the situation in Gaza.

Costa said both sides agreed that “the focus must now firmly be on the swift and full implementation of President Trump’s peace plan.”

He praised the UAE’s “personal leadership” and “crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza,” adding that the EU “stands ready to play its part, contributing to Gaza’s reconstruction.”

Turning to Ukraine, Costa said the UAE had played a “key role” in humanitarian support and in facilitating prisoner exchanges.

“I informed his highness of the EU’s efforts in support of President Trump’s initiative, and we agreed that a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine is our common goal,” he said.