UAE, Albania Discuss Expanding Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. WAM
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UAE, Albania Discuss Expanding Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama have discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as the economy, trade, renewable energy, food security, and technology.

The discussions took place in Tirana during the UAE President’s visit to Albania.

Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE while leveraging opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohamed underscored that the UAE, as part of its consistent approach towards advancing global peace, supports all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Balkan region.

He also emphasized the UAE’s support for resolving conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue to foster regional development and prosperity and peace and security worldwide.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the significant progress in UAE-Albania relations in recent years, particularly in areas that contribute to both nations’ joint development. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to further strengthening these ties in the coming period and noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Albania grew by 129.4% in 2024 compared to 2023.

He also stated that the two nations engage in promising cooperation in renewable and clean energy in line with their shared sustainability ambitions, emphasizing the UAE’s keenness to further bolster collaboration in this sector in the future.

Both sides affirmed their continued determination to advance relations for the benefit of their countries and peoples.

The UAE President and the Albanian Prime Minister witnessed the exchange of a framework for action between Masdar, TAQA Transmission, Korporata Elektroenergjitike Shqiptare (KESH) – Albania Power Corporation, and Operatori i Sistemit të Transmetimit (OST). The framework will progress their collaboration on the assessment and implementation of the initiatives of the tripartite strategic partnership framework related to renewable energy and energy infrastructure signed by the UAE, Albania, and Italy.

This framework aims to enhance cooperation in developing renewable energy projects, thereby improving energy security, promoting sustainable development, and accelerating the transition to clean energy in the Mediterranean region.

The UAE President and the Albanian PM also witnessed the exchange of a letter of engagement between Presight AI and the Albanian Ministry of Interior for the Albania Smart City Project with the aim of improving infrastructure and public facilities.



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity


Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, affirming that this step will contribute to supporting the country’s stability, prosperity, and development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Kingdom commended the significant and positive role played by US President Donald Trump, beginning with his announcement to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025, and culminating in his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom also extended its sincere congratulations to the Syrian leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.

The statement expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the steps taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across all Syrian territories, create conducive conditions for rebuilding the state and economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.