Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Tuesday a telephone call from David Lammy, the United Kingdom's newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role. The ministers discussed strengthening relations and cooperation between their countries, as well as developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of de-escalation in the region.

Separately, Prince Faisal on Tuesday in the 14th Gulf Research Meeting (GRM) in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the existing international order as a bulwark against chaos and conflicts, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.

He stressed the significance of this in light of the current global challenges and reiterated the need to adhere to the principles of international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"The looming conflicts cast a shadow over aspirations for prosperity and progress," the minister said, noting the importance of exercising restraint, wisdom, and foresight in all actions.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting stability and promoting cooperation, and its efforts to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend borders and divisions, aiming to create an environment conducive to innovation and prosperity for all the peoples of the region and the world.

Moreover, Prince Faisal underscored the urgent need for establishing a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, noting that the ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serve as a reminder of the high human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a lasting solution.

Additionally, he reiterated the Kingdom's continuous call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the commitment to dialogue and negotiations based on the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.



UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM
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UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission aimed to present the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.

Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, “France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise.

"Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”

According to WAM, Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying: “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges.”

He added: “The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”