MWL Inaugurates Welfare, Development Projects in Mauritania

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa inaugurates the medical center in Mauritania. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa inaugurates the medical center in Mauritania. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

MWL Inaugurates Welfare, Development Projects in Mauritania

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa inaugurates the medical center in Mauritania. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed al-Issa inaugurates the medical center in Mauritania. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General and head of the Saudi Muslim Scholars Association Dr. Mohammd al-Issa inaugurated several relief, welfare, and development projects in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Al-Issa visited the final phase of the Muslim World League's project to build the Grand Mosque in Nouakchott.

He inspected the mosque's facilities, evaluated the quality of the work, and ensured it adhered to the highest architectural and quality standards.

The official was in Nouakchott for an official multi-day visit, where he was received by the Mauritanian Minister of Islamic Affairs, government officials and senior scholars.

Al-Issa inaugurated the advanced medical center affiliated with the MWL during an official ceremony attended by high-ranking government officials and community members.

He toured the center's facilities, reviewed its organizational structure, and observed the ongoing works of the MWL’s health initiatives and medical programs.

He also toured the newly established ophthalmology department and specialty clinics.

He met several orphans, covered by the "Orphan Sponsorship" program in Africa, as they received their annual financial allowances, which provide them with security, comprehensive care and health and education programs. The program serves tens of thousands of orphans across the continent.

Additionally, he handed over house keys to widows, a venture coordinated officially with relevant government entities and in collaboration with several UN-affiliated international organizations.

Al-Issa emphasized that these charitable efforts, coordinated with national government bodies and UN-affiliated international organizations, align with the MWL’s mission.

He noted that the MWL is one of the many benevolent gestures Saudi Arabia offers to the Islamic world within the broader context of humanitarian work.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.