ABU DHABI, May 8 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Friday discussed developments in the Middle East and their implications for regional and international security and stability, maritime security and the global economy, according to local media.
During a phone call, Stubb reiterated Finland's condemnation of attacks targeting civilians and civilian facilities in the UAE and affirmed his country's support for measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security and the safety of its people and residents, the Emirates News Agency reported.
The two sides also discussed bilateral ties and ways to expand cooperation in areas including the economy, education, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and sustainability, the agency added.
The phone call came amid a recent spike in tensions between Iran and the UAE. The UAE has accused Iran of carrying out missile and drone attacks against the Arab state, an allegation Tehran has denied.
Tensions across the region have been heightened since Feb. 28, when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, triggering a conflict that lasted nearly six weeks before a ceasefire took effect on April 8. ■
