Kazakhstani Foreign Minister Ermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kazinform reports.
According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, during the conversation the parties discussed the current situation in the Middle East and exchanged views on the ongoing tensions in the region.
Ermek Kosherbayev reiterated Kazakhstan's position previously expressed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and expressed concern over the ongoing escalation in the region, including strikes on the territory of the UAE. It was noted that Kazakhstan opposes the participation of neutral states in hostilities and considers violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region unacceptable, the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported.
The need for a rapid de-escalation of the situation and a transition to a political and diplomatic resolution of the crisis based on the principles of international law was emphasized.
“During the discussion of bilateral cooperation, Ermek Kosherbayev noted that the UAE is one of Kazakhstan's key partners in the region and that our countries traditionally enjoy fraternal relations“, the ministry added.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to his Emirati counterpart for their assistance in the evacuation of Kazakh citizens from the UAE. It was noted that ensuring the safety and return of their compatriots to their homeland is a priority for the country.
The foreign ministers also noted the high level of political dialogue and mutual support between the two countries on the international stage.
In turn, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Kazakh side for its support and noted the importance of international efforts aimed at ensuring regional stability and security.
After the conversation, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, as well as to continue coordinating actions within international and regional organizations.