UAE changes statement condemning downing of Russian jet by Turkey

ABU DHABI - Doğan News Agency

The statement of The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced via the official website of Foreign Ministry was changed after reports in Turkey that “UAE has condemned downing of Russian jet by Turkey”.
 
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired the fifth UAE-Russia joint ministerial committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, on Nov. 27, where he made the following statement, according to the earlier announcement of Foreign Ministry’s official website:
 
“H.H. reiterated the UAE’s condemnation of the series of terrorist acts that struck many countries recently, mainly the Russian plane that crushed over Sinai Peninsula in Egypt and the recent shooting down of the Russian military plane in Syria.”
 
However, the statement was changed on Dec. 1, after reports in Turkish media that UAE has condemned downing of Russian jet by Turkey. The edited version of Foreign Minister’s statement can be read below:
 
“H.H. said, "This is an opportunity to reiterate the UAE’s condemnation and denunciation of the recent series of terrorist acts that struck many countries, mainly the terrorist act that targeted Russian citizens onboard the Russian plane over the Sinai Peninsula. It is also my duty to extend my condolences to our Russian friends over the recent incident that involved the Russian military plane in Syria.”
 
Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov chaired his country's delegation at the meeting, which was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, along with a number of senior officials and representatives of companies in both countries.
 
Enhancing economic, trade and investment cooperation were discussed at the joint meeting.