UAE Cabinet stresses historical relations between the country and Iran

Abu Dhabi, April 23, 2012 (WAM) - At its meeting yesterday chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet stressed the historical relations between the country and the Islamic Republic of Iran and its desire that these relations should be developed for the benefit of the two neighbourly countries, which would promote the stability of the region. Saying that the UAE values these relations, the Cabinet emphasised the need to solve the problem of the three Emirati islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, noting, at the same time, that it has expressed its desire that the issue should be resolved through negotiations or through the framework of international law. The Cabinet emphasised that the call by the UAE for a solution of the issue through bilateral negotiations or through the International Court of Justice had been made because of this desire. The Cabinet reaffirmed that the UAE's call was evidence of its belief in the necessity for a serious and balanced treatment of the issue with the friendly neighbour, Iran, arising out of its desire to maintain this important relationship and to foster future prospects, through a resolution of the causes of this dispute that tarnishes the historical relationship between the peoples and countries of the region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM