Reaching Out to Gulf States
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif today arrived
in the United Arab
Emirates as part of a charm offensive to improve the
strained relations with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Zarif has already
visited Kuwait, Qatar and Oman during his current Gulf tour.
“Iran is taking advantage of the interim (Geneva) agreement to make inroads into the GCC to resolve outstanding issues,” said Theodore Karasik, a security and political affairs analyst at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis – INEGMA. (AP, 4 December)
“Iran is taking advantage of the interim (Geneva) agreement to make inroads into the GCC to resolve outstanding issues,” said Theodore Karasik, a security and political affairs analyst at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis – INEGMA. (AP, 4 December)
In UAE today, Zarif held talks
with Emirati President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his palace
in desert oasis city of Al Ain and met with the
Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum in the
bustlng commercial hub of Dubai.
During the meetings, the Emirati leaders welcomed the signing of the interim Geneva Iran accord. The two sides were also expected to have reviewed the issue of the three islands, especially Abu Musa, which is under the Iranian control but claimed by both countries.
During the meetings, the Emirati leaders welcomed the signing of the interim Geneva Iran accord. The two sides were also expected to have reviewed the issue of the three islands, especially Abu Musa, which is under the Iranian control but claimed by both countries.
Photo credit: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. December 4, 2013. (WAM/Associated Press)
