Maxim Ryzhenkov expressed support and solidarity with the leadership and the people of the United Arab Emirates due to the destruction and losses that they have suffered as a result of the Middle East conflict. The Belarusian side expressed serious concern about attempts to get the UAE involved in the conflict. The UAE is a reliable partner and a friend of the Belarusian nation. The Belarusian side expressed concern about incoming reports about civilian victims and about the damage that has been caused. Negative consequences of the conflict for the regional economy and the global one were mentioned.

The parties agreed it is particularly important to immediately start looking for a long-term solution to the conflict for the sake of restoring stability and security in the region purely by diplomatic means.

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that via its contacts with the parties to the conflict Belarus is pushing for the need to stop combat operations and resume negotiations. Belarus’ readiness to join more significant steps and initiatives aimed at securing peace was emphasized.

The UAE side was thanked for taking care of the Belarusian citizens, who are forced to stay in the UAE due to the conflict, and for assistance with getting them back to Belarus. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Belarusian head of state personally and the Belarusian side for support and for efforts meant to deescalate the conflict.

The UAE minister of foreign affairs also informed his Belarusian counterpart about the development of the situation in the region. He assured that the UAE side will continue providing assistance to Belarusian citizens.

The readiness to step up coordination with Belarus’ diplomatic missions to the UAE for the sake of addressing accompanying issues was stressed.