UAE, Jordan Discuss Cooperation, Situation in Gaza

The signing of agreements between the UAE and Jordan in the attendance of the UAE President and the Jordanian King. (WAM)
The signing of agreements between the UAE and Jordan in the attendance of the UAE President and the Jordanian King. (WAM)
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UAE, Jordan Discuss Cooperation, Situation in Gaza

The signing of agreements between the UAE and Jordan in the attendance of the UAE President and the Jordanian King. (WAM)
The signing of agreements between the UAE and Jordan in the attendance of the UAE President and the Jordanian King. (WAM)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Jordanian King Abdullah II on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

The two men discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Jordan and explored the opportunities to bolster strategic cooperation mainly in economy, investment, industry, food security, and other vital areas.

They also addressed regional and international issues mainly the developments in the Gaza Strip and the efforts to respond to the worsening humanitarian situation.

They emphasized the need for urgent international action to stop the military escalation and provide full protection for civilians based on international humanitarian law.

They also underscored the importance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by enabling international humanitarian organizations to perform their duty and opening safe and sustainable humanitarian corridors.

The two leaders stressed the need to spare the region the consequences of a new spiral of violence and work towards establishing a clear political horizon for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace that ensures stability and security for all.

Moreover, they expressed their strong commitment to intensifying collaboration to bring about peace in the region, drawing from both countries' longstanding efforts to promote harmonious coexistence and regional collaboration for the benefit of all communities.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the shared vision of the UAE and Jordan, emphasizing their collective pursuit of sustainable development for their people.

He underscored the crucial role of enhancing peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region.

In addition, they underscored that the extensive array of cooperative projects announced during the visit marks a significant advancement in the ambitious developmental partnership between the UAE and Jordan, promising prosperity and growth for both nations.

For his part, King Abdullah II underscored the critical importance of lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip, highlighting the urgent need to address deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Strip.

Jordan’s King commended the UAE’s efforts in this regard, noting its proactive role in the UN Security Council to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Moreover, the UAE and Jordan signed memoranda of understanding worth $6 billion in development, investment, and energy, aiming to enhance cooperation to achieve sustainable development and prosperity in both countries.

The MoUs include a memorandum between the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) and the Jordan Investment Fund to operate the Aqaba multi-purpose terminal and develop a waste-to-energy plant, in addition to funding a port community system (PCS) in Aqaba, a railway project, and a sewage treatment plant.

The second was signed between the investment ministries of the two countries.

The third MoU between the government of Jordan and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development entails funding development projects in Jordan at a value of $400 million, including $75 million to support the state budget, as well as the connectivity of three industrial and development cities to the natural gas pipeline.



Qatar's Emir Makes Cabinet Reshuffle

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QNA
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QNA
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Qatar's Emir Makes Cabinet Reshuffle

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QNA
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QNA

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday appointed the CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Mansour Ibrahim al-Mahmoud, as the country's next minister of health.

The Emir appointed Mohammed Saif Saeed al Suwaidi as QIA's next CEO.

As part of Tuesday's cabinet shuffle, Qatar's Emir also appointed Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani as the country's new minister of commerce and industry.
Sheikh Faisal is QIA's chief of Asia-Pacific and Africa investments and the chairman of Qatari telecoms group Ooredoo. It is unclear if he will remain in those roles.
The Emir appointed Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater as the new education minister. She served previously as minister of state for international cooperation and led Qatar's global humanitarian efforts, especially in Gaza and Lebanon.