After the meeting, the two delegations published a joint statement stressing the importance of improving security in the Gulf. The coast guard delegations discussed “ways to expand diplomatic relations and strengthen border security between the two countries”. In order to ensure secure maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, they agreed on improving their cooperation despite recent tensions. The last maritime cooperation meeting between the two countries was held in 2013. Diplomatic tensions between Iran and the UAE have been growing due to the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, and the war in Yemen, in which Abu Dhabi and Teheran support different factions. On 31 July, the Iranian Foreign Minister declared that “Iran is prepared for dialogue if Saudi Arabia is also ready”.