Tehran and Abu Dhabi Strengthen Environmental Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

TEHRAN – Iranian and Emirati officials recently discussed the importance of working together to tackle sand and dust storms (SDSs) and combat desertification. They also focused on reducing air pollution.

Shina Ansari, head of Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE), visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for two days after being invited by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Vice President.

This meeting followed their earlier discussions during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.

During her visit, Ansari expressed Iran’s eagerness to build environmental partnerships. She underscored the need for a joint action plan to strengthen collaboration between Iran and the UAE.

Sheikh Mansour welcomed her proposals and highlighted the importance of environmental cooperation, emphasizing its role in protecting future generations.

On the following day, Ansari met with Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Al Jaber reiterated the UAE’s interest in promoting joint efforts with Iran and expressed hope for successful projects in oil, gas, and renewable energy.

Ansari stressed the importance of cooperation in reducing air pollution and utilizing advanced technologies that the UAE has to offer.

Both countries have already signed two agreements aimed at protecting the environment and tackling sand and dust storms, setting the stage for implementing these initiatives.

In addition, Ansari planned to meet other Emirati officials, including Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, and Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy.

Underlining Iran’s commitment to environmental issues, former DOE head Ali Salajeqeh stated that environmental diplomacy is a key focus for Iran’s political agenda. This commitment was further highlighted by Iran’s regional summit on sand and dust storms in 2022, which produced the Tehran Declaration, involving ministers and representatives from various countries and international agencies.

With the increasing frequency of sand and dust storms, Iran aims to enhance both regional and global efforts to address environmental challenges, particularly water diplomacy and shared water resources. This approach includes sharing knowledge and experiences, supporting collaboration, and engaging in various environmental negotiations to secure national interests and improve capabilities.

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Iran,United Arab Emirates (UAE),sand and dust storms (SDSs)