ISTANBUL

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed intensifying efforts to achieve a cease-fire and comprehensive de-escalation in the Middle East during a meeting Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati Palace, was reported by the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

The two leaders addressed “the strong fraternal ties and cooperation between the two nations aimed at serving the interests of both peoples,” the report said.

They also “explored ways to enhance mutual interests and reinforce security and stability in the region.”

“The two sides also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of shared concern,” the news agency added.

They “underscored the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a cease-fire and de-escalation in the Middle East while preventing the expansion of conflict to safeguard regional security and stability.”

Al Thani arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier Tuesday with an accompanying delegation at Al Bateen Airport, WAM said. The duration of the visit was not disclosed.

Regional tension has escalated due to Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed nearly 44,000 people, mostly women and children, since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October last year.

The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching massive airstrikes on the country, killing more than 3,540 people since last year amid cross-border warfare with the Hezbollah group.

It has also involved Yemen’s Houthi group, which began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea in a show of solidarity with Gaza.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio