{
  "id": 8385180,
  "title": "UAE joins Pacific Islands Forum as strategic partner to expand ties across region",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/uae-joins-pacific-islands-forum-as-strategic-partner-to-expand-ties",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T04:40:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/19/uae-joins-pacific-islands-forum-as-strategic-partner-to-expand-ties-across-region/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates has been officially designated a strategic partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, marking a significant milestone in the nation's engagement with the region. This recognition, announced on September 18 during a meeting in Koror, Palau, marks the UAE's inclusion among 12 other influential global partners. The UAE joins a coalition that includes heavyweight nations such as China, the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, India, Indonesia, and the European Union.\n\nThis elevated status is anticipated to foster increased opportunities for trade, investment, and business collaborations, as well as facilitate an exchange of knowledge across various sectors. These areas include the energy transition, digital transformation, and connectivity, among others. The UAE's elevation to this strategic partner level underscores years of fruitful collaboration with small island developing states throughout the Pacific. The UAE's focus has been on promoting renewable energy, climate resilience, education, and sustainable development.\n\nNoura Al Kaabi, UAE's Minister of State, represented President Sheikh Mohamed at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. She expressed that the recognition is built upon years of close cooperation with Pacific nations, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. Al Kaabi highlighted that the partnership holds particular significance for the UAE, reflecting the strength of the relationships established across the region.\n\nOmar Shehadeh, the envoy of the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, added that this strategic partnership opens new avenues for collaboration with Pacific nations. This collaboration aims to strengthen connectivity and work towards shared goals for a more resilient and prosperous future. Shehadeh emphasized that UAE's engagement with the Pacific has always been guided by the vision and directives of its wise leadership.",
  "summary": "The UAE has been formally recognised as a strategic partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, joining 12 other global powers in a landmark step for the country's Pacific engagement. The move was confirmed at meeting in Koror, Palau, on September 18. The UAE joins an alliance of strategic partners that includes China, the US, France, Germany, the UK, Canada, Japan, India, Indonesia and the EU. The…",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE designated strategic partner of Pacific Islands Forum on September 18",
    "UAE joins 12 influential global partners in the coalition",
    "Enhanced opportunities in trade, investment, and knowledge exchange"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "UAE joins Pacific Islands Forum as strategic partner to expand ties across region",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/uae-joins-pacific-islands-forum-as-strategic-partner-to-expand-ties-8386100",
        "published": "2026-09-19T04:40:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "UAE joins Pacific Islands Forum as Strategic Partner",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/uae-joins-pacific-islands-forum-as-strategic-partner",
        "published": "2026-09-19T05:25:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}