UAE, Saudi Arabia discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation

ABU DHABI, Sept 14: UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held separate telephone discussions with his Saudi and Iraqi counterparts on Sunday on regional developments and efforts to prevent further escalation.

Sheikh Abdullah spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud as the two sides reviewed the rapidly evolving situation in the region and efforts to contain the escalation. They also discussed the importance of coordinating positions and strengthening Gulf cooperation to safeguard the security and interests of Gulf states.

In a separate call, Sheikh Abdullah spoke with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, including security issues and developments affecting Iraq and the wider region.

The discussions came amid heightened tensions following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions.

Saudi Arabia said the pipeline was targeted by several drones launched from Iraqi territory, causing injuries and damage. Riyadh said it had decided not to respond at this stage after a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani to give Baghdad an opportunity to take measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.

The UAE strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability, and reaffirmed its solidarity with Riyadh.

The diplomatic contacts come as regional tensions remain high, with Gulf states seeking to prevent further escalation and protect regional security and vital infrastructure.