ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular emphasis on cooperation involving the Kurdistan Region. They examined ways to strengthen ties across various sectors and promote regional development. Present at the meeting was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
The leaders also addressed regional issues and current developments of mutual interest. Both emphasized the critical need for security, stability, and enduring peace throughout the Middle East, asserting that these priorities should benefit the population of the region. According to the Kurdistan Regional Government, the discussions also included condemnations of recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed support for regional peace and security.
The event gathered senior officials from the UAE leadership and government. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was present, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting exemplifies ongoing high-level interactions between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region, as both sides examined bilateral cooperation and regional developments impacting the broader Middle East.
UAE and Kurdistan Region Assess Bilateral Ties
The discussions on Tuesday followed a prior meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani held in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. During that visit, Barzani attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, and the two leaders reviewed UAE-Iraq relations as well as cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international developments of common interest.
The February engagement also focused on collaborative efforts aimed at fostering development and prosperity in the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Both meetings emphasized bilateral relations and regional stability as central topics. The latest session carried forward this direct dialogue in Abu Dhabi. According to official statements released after the meeting, no new agreements or formal initiatives were announced during the September discussions.
Regional Security Remains a Key Topic
The UAE and the Kurdistan Regional Government regularly engage senior officials to discuss economic, political, and regional issues. In this most recent dialogue, both sides again prioritized expanding cooperation across multiple fields. They also touched upon the regional security situation without announcing specific policy changes. Official communiques from both parties stressed the strengthening of bilateral relations, ongoing collaboration, and the commitment to peace and stability across the Middle East.
The September meeting concluded with senior representatives from both sides participating in the Abu Dhabi discussions. Sheikh Mohamed and Barzani reaffirmed their focus on UAE-Iraq relations, cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, and regional stability. Their public remarks reiterated their dedication to established areas of mutual interest and shared regional concerns. This gathering marked another high-level exchange in a year that has already seen direct talks between the UAE president and the Kurdistan Region prime minister.
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