Politics
Politics UAE
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Conducts Intensive Diplomatic Engagements on the Sidelines of the G7 Summit in Eviian.

Lead:

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, participated in the 52nd G7 Summit hosted by France in the city of Evian, conducting a series of high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underscoring the UAE's active role as a global diplomatic partner.

Details:

Al Khaleej reports that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit to discuss strategic bilateral relations and regional developments. Trump publicly praised the UAE President, describing him as a "warrior who is brave," and referred to the UAE as a "wonderful ally," remarks that drew wide media attention. A UAE broadcaster, Majed bin Abdullah Al Farisi of Sky News Arabia, was notably present during the encounter and briefly attracted Trump's attention, adding an unusual moment to the bilateral meeting.

Al Khaleej further reports that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held separate meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, and with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to review bilateral relations and regional developments. A meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was also conducted via telephone, during which cooperation and regional developments were discussed.

On the European front, Al Khaleej indicates that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to advance UAE-EU Strategic Partnership negotiations. Von der Leyen stated following the meeting that significant opportunities exist to deepen relations between the UAE and the European Union. A separate meeting was also held with the leaders of France, Germany, and Italy to discuss regional developments.

In a statement reported by Al Khaleej, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed that the UAE's participation in the G7 Summit reflects its commitment to serving as an active partner in achieving global peace, adding that sustainable peace in the region must begin with respect for state sovereignty.

Watch For:

  • Whether the UAE-EU Strategic Partnership negotiations produce a formal framework or joint statement in the near term, following the positive signals from Von der Leyen.
  • The substance and outcomes of the UAE-India bilateral discussions, particularly any announcements regarding trade, investment, or defense cooperation tied to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • How Trump's unusually warm public endorsement of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed may translate into concrete policy developments in U.S.-UAE relations, particularly on defense and technology cooperation.
  • UAE Brief
    All Portals 🇱🇧🇦🇪🇪🇬🇸🇦 كل البوابات
    Curator Briefer À La CarteSoon