UAE Vice President Meets Turkish Intelligence Chief
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Ibrahim Kalin discussed expanding regional security and prosperity cooperation during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in International Relations
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, met Ibrahim Kalin, director of Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation, in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The two men reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen partnerships in various fields.
Why it matters
The meeting highlights ongoing engagement between the United Arab Emirates and Turkey on security and economic matters at the intelligence and senior government level. It follows Sheikh Mansour's working visit to Turkey in May, when he met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, and Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security, in attendance. The talks were held within the framework of the strategic relations and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) between the two countries.
The players
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed serves as Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and chairs the Presidential Court.
Ibrahim Kalin
Ibrahim Kalin leads Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation, the country's principal civilian intelligence agency.
The details
The two officials discussed efforts to expand cooperation to promote security and prosperity across the region. They also reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen partnerships in various fields.
Timeline
May: Sheikh Mansour made a working visit to Turkey and met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Tuesday: Sheikh Mansour met Ibrahim Kalin in Abu Dhabi.
Political Context
The talks were positioned within the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), the existing framework governing relations between the UAE and Turkey. The engagement extends that economic framework into security and intelligence cooperation.
The meeting signals continued diplomatic engagement between the UAE and Turkey, with cooperation discussed across security and economic channels. For readers tracking bilateral ties, the framework remains the Cepa agreement and the strategic relations established between the two governments.
The takeaway
Security and economic cooperation between the UAE and Turkey are moving together under existing agreements. Readers following Gulf and Turkish diplomacy should watch for any follow-up agreements or announcements.
Further reading
For broader background on diplomatic ties and regional alliances, see International Relations.
