Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Friday from António Costa, President of the European Council.The leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and the European Union, including strengthening relations with EU member states to drive shared progress and development.They reviewed ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), emphasising its potential to deepen ties and support mutual growth.Regional and international developments were also on the agenda, with a strong focus on the situation in the Middle East. Both sides stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and ease civilian suffering.They reiterated their support for intensified global efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, and highlighted the crucial role of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving regional crises and maintaining global stability.