Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE, Bahrain over Victims of Terrorist Attack in Somalia

 UAE military personnel carry three coffins of military personnel killed in Somalia, as they march on red carpet laid out at an airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 11, 2024. (WAM/Handout via Reuters)
UAE military personnel carry three coffins of military personnel killed in Somalia, as they march on red carpet laid out at an airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 11, 2024. (WAM/Handout via Reuters)
TT

Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE, Bahrain over Victims of Terrorist Attack in Somalia

 UAE military personnel carry three coffins of military personnel killed in Somalia, as they march on red carpet laid out at an airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 11, 2024. (WAM/Handout via Reuters)
UAE military personnel carry three coffins of military personnel killed in Somalia, as they march on red carpet laid out at an airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 11, 2024. (WAM/Handout via Reuters)

The Saudi leadership offered on Monday its condolences to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain over the victims of the terrorist attack against their forces in Somalia.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent separate cables of condolences to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

They condemned the attack and expressed their deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the president, the families of the martyrs, and to the people of the UAE, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed sent similar cables of condolences to King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in wake of the attack.

The UAE Ministry of Defense said on Sunday three members of the Emirati Armed Forces and an officer from the Bahrain Defense Force were killed in a terrorist act in Somalia.

The troops were on a training mission at a military base in the Somali capital to train and qualify the Somali Armed Forces as part of a bilateral agreement that falls within the military cooperation between the two countries.



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.