UAE ‘satisfied’ after routine Iran maritime talks

The sit-down is part of a routine joint-committee to discuss local issues including protection of fishermen and tackling smuggling

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 30, 2019.  Downtown Abu Dhabi on a blistering 50 degrees Celsius day.  The Dhow Harbour across the Corniche.
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The UAE is “satisfied” with the results of a routine meeting between Emirati and Iranian officials to discuss local maritime matters, the state-run Wam news agency reported.

The sit-down on Tuesday between officials from both countries comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region after a string of attacks on tankers and the seizure of British-flagged Stena Impero earlier this month.

However, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Director of the International Security Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the meeting was routine and part of periodic talks between officials from a joint committee to discuss local issues.

The talks cover maritime connections, illegal entries and smuggling, fishermen and shared borders, Wam quoted Mr Al Zaabi as saying.

He expressed his satisfaction with the results of the meeting and said that one of the aims of the talks is to safeguard Emirati nationals, including local fishermen who may operate near coastal borders.

Wam reported that he had highlighted the importance of these meetings to address routine maritime agenda issues between the two countries.