UAE Parliamentary Speaker Builds Global Support Following Iranian Missile Attacks

The United Arab Emirates Federal National Council is working to build multilateral support for international law enforcement following recent Iranian military strikes, with the FNC chair engaging parliamentary leaders at a major Istanbul forum to coordinate diplomatic responses.

Saqr Ghobash, who chairs the FNC, held talks with Shalva Papuashvili, Georgia's parliamentary leader, during the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly this week. The discussion focused on the UAE's security situation and the importance of international legal frameworks in addressing regional tensions.

The Parliamentary Meeting and Its Focus

The meeting between Ghobash and Papuashvili occurred during a period of significant regional military activity. The discussion centered on how parliamentary bodies across multiple countries can work together to uphold international law and civilian protection standards in response to military conflicts affecting the region.

Ghobash emphasized that Iranian military actions violate international law and cannot be justified under doctrines of self-defense. This messaging aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted following recent Iranian strikes, which condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and demanded compliance with international legal frameworks.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union provides a platform for this type of engagement. Unlike traditional executive-level diplomacy, parliamentary forums emphasize shared commitment to democratic norms, the rule of law, and representative governance. By raising the UAE's security concerns within the IPU's standing committees—particularly the Committee on Peace and International Security—the FNC is working to build legislative consensus across multiple countries.

UAE-Georgia Economic Partnership

The bilateral meeting also highlighted ongoing economic cooperation between the two nations despite regional tensions. This signals the UAE's commitment to maintaining partnerships and investment momentum.

Eagle Hills and EMAAR Group, major UAE real estate developers, have committed $6.6 billion to Georgian projects, representing the largest single foreign direct investment in Georgia's history. These developments include luxury hotels, residential towers, and commercial districts in locations near Tbilisi and Batumi.

The International Monetary Fund has identified this investment as a significant factor for Georgian economic growth. Beyond real estate, cooperation extends to infrastructure and logistics, with Abu Dhabi Ports Group operating the Tbilisi Dry Port to enhance Georgia's regional logistics capacity.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since June 2024, aims to triple non-oil bilateral trade to $1.5 billion over five years. Georgian exports including mineral water, honey, textiles, and tree nuts now enjoy tariff-free or reduced-tariff access to UAE markets.

Parliamentary Diplomacy and Institutional Ties

The engagement between the FNC and Georgia's legislature reflects the institutionalization of their relationship. Parliamentary friendship committees formalize channels for policy coordination and legislative cooperation on international matters.

For the UAE, these mechanisms embed legal frameworks and trade negotiations into legislative dialogue, while also positioning the FNC as an advocate for the country's international positions within foreign parliaments. Georgia benefits from deeper institutional ties with an economically committed Gulf partner that can support its development ambitions.

The Broader Assembly Context

The 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly provided the diplomatic platform for these discussions, running under the theme "Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations." Standing committees are addressing post-conflict management, corporate governance, and human rights accountability—areas where the UAE sees alignment with its messaging.

By securing engagement from Georgian and other parliamentary delegations on principles of international law compliance, state sovereignty, and civilian protection, the FNC is building consensus that can be referenced in future international forums and diplomatic negotiations.

What This Represents for UAE Residents

For residents and investors in the UAE, the parliamentary engagement demonstrates that the government is pursuing multilateral diplomatic approaches alongside security measures. The meeting signals commitment to maintaining economic partnerships and international relationships even amid regional tensions.

The continued development of UAE-Georgia economic projects and the FNC's focus on international legal frameworks suggest the government views both diplomatic and economic engagement as important components of its response to current regional challenges.