UAE reduces diplomatic representation with Iran

The UAE has decided to downgrade the level of its diplomatic representation in the Islamic Republic of Iran to that of a charge d' affaires and to require a reduction in the number of Iranian diplomats stationed in the UAE.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said that H.E. Saif Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador in Tehran, has been summoned home, in accordance with this decision.

''This exceptional step has been taken in the light of Iran's continuous interference in the internal affairs of Gulf and Arab states, which has reached unprecedented levels,'' the statement said.

The Ministry statement emphasised that positive and natural relations between states should be based on mutual respect for the sovereignty of states and the adoption of a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of others.