Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 28, with discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral strategic cooperation. According to statements from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the agenda will cover a variety of critical topics, including Gulf security, maritime navigation, the situation in Yemen, and ongoing developments in Gaza and Lebanon.
Key Discussions on Regional Stability
During his visit, Fidan will review preparations for the upcoming second meeting of the Türkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council. This high-profile gathering aims to strengthen the ties between Turkey and the UAE, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts that have affected the Gulf region. Fidan plans to express Turkey’s solidarity with the UAE, emphasizing its role as one of the countries most impacted by regional turmoil.
Alongside reaffirming bilateral relations, he is expected to highlight the detrimental effects of external interventions in the Middle East. Fidan will stress the importance of fostering regional ownership in resolving disputes to achieve lasting peace.
Maritime Security and Peace Efforts
A significant focus of the talks will be on ensuring freedom of navigation in critical maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Fidan is likely to underscore the importance of these routes for both regional security and global trade. In addition, he will discuss the necessity of a unified Yemen that has attained peace and stability, as it is integral to the wider security situation in the Middle East.
In terms of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Fidan will advocate for swift action to advance the second phase of the Peace Plan. He aims to improve humanitarian conditions in the region and initiate reconstruction efforts. As founding members of the Peace Board, both Türkiye and the UAE are expected to play a crucial role in these discussions.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The strategic partnership between Türkiye and the UAE has been solidified since its inception in 2023. The first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council took place in Ankara on July 16, 2025, indicating the commitment to deepen relations. In 2025, bilateral trade between both nations reached an impressive volume of $19.35 billion, making the UAE Türkiye’s largest trading partner in the Gulf region.
As Fidan embarks on this significant diplomatic mission, it marks another step towards solidifying not just political alliances, but also economic partnerships that are essential for stability and growth in the region. His previous visit to the UAE on March 20, 2026, underscores the ongoing dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
In summary, Hakan Fidan’s upcoming visit to the UAE serves as a crucial platform for discussing key issues related to peace, security, and economic partnerships in a tumultuous region. The outcomes of these talks may have far-reaching implications for both nations, reinforcing their commitment to collaborative solutions.