By Abdul Adil
L(London, The Muslim News): Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, spoke with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in a call focused on strengthening ties between the UK and the UAE on Monday.
According to Downing Street, the Prime Minister “highlighted the value of a closer relationship” between the two nations, emphasising cooperation in areas such as defence, security, trade, the economy and cultural exchange. Both leaders agreed that such collaboration delivers mutual benefits and committed to maintaining regular dialogue.
Turning to the crisis in Sudan, Starmer expressed concern over the “appalling suffering” caused by the ongoing conflict. He said the UK continues to urge all parties to cease hostilities and to engage in efforts toward a lasting political solution. The Prime Minister and Sheikh Mohamed reportedly agreed to remain in touch regarding their efforts to end the violence.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, agreeing that the priority must be to support implementation of the US-led peace deal, including the decommissioning of Hamas weaponry, and to sustain the current ceasefire as a foundation for long-term peace. However, the two did not address the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank.
Downing Street faced questions after reports emerged alleging that British-made weapons exported to the UAE had been found in the hands of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebels.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson declined to say on allegations of UK arms being used by RSF saying only: “It’s vital that any nation which has influence with the warring parties use it to bring them to the negotiating table. Diplomacy, not bloodshed, is how we reach a solution to this conflict.”
The spokesperson added that the UK “regularly reviews relevant export licences in light of the risk of diversion to the conflict in Sudan,” and noted that “none of the equipment reported on recently has been licensed for export to the UAE in recent years.”
Despite the controversy, Downing Street insisted that the conversation between the Prime Minister and the UAE President focused on deepening cooperation and advancing peace efforts in the region.
[Photo: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke on November 10, 2025, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership between their two nations. (Credit: Simon Dawson/No10 Downing Street; Ryan Carter/Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi)
