Iran, UAE Leaders Meet on Sidelines of BRICS Summit

New Delhi: Amid continuing conflicts in West Asia, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a key meeting in New Delhi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit being held in the Indian capital. The discussions came amid concerns over the ongoing attacks by the US-Israeli alliance against Iran and security concerns facing West Asian countries, including the UAE. The meeting is being viewed as part of diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia and strengthen mutual cooperation. There were differences among BRICS member countries over references to the war in West Asia in the New Delhi Declaration. Iran and the UAE had adopted strong positions on the issue. According to reports, the two countries subsequently softened their positions following bilateral discussions and reached a consensus on the Delhi Declaration. The UAE is being represented at the BRICS Summit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan instead of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.