Italy, GCC Sign MoU to Bolster Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
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Italy, GCC Sign MoU to Bolster Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signed in Rome on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to bolster cooperation and coordination frameworks between them.

The MoU also expands partnership areas across several sectors of common interest, helping in supporting political dialogue, exchanging expertise, and developing joint action mechanisms.

"Relations between the GCC member states and Italy are witnessing continuous development across various fields, driven by their close ties and mutual interests," said Albudaiwi.

He added that both sides are keen on elevating ties toward broader horizons to serve common interests and boost security, stability, and development.

The GCC and Italian officials hold talks in Rome on Monday. (GCC)

They hoped that the MoU would lead to opening new horizons for cooperation and cementing communication and coordination between them to achieve their common aspirations for further cooperation and prosperity.

Earlier, Albudaiwi and Tajani held talks on GCC-Italy relations and proposals and initiatives aimed at boosting economic ties and the growth of trade and investment exchange.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments.

They stressed the importance of promoting dialogue and coordination, as well as backing efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability.

Albudaiwi expressed his gratitude for Italy's stance in support of the GCC member states and its condemnation of the Iranian attacks that targeted Gulf countries during the recent conflict.

Italy’s position reflects its commitment to consolidating the existing partnership between the two sides, he remarked.



GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Attacks on UAE Tankers and Commercial Ships

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Attacks on UAE Tankers and Commercial Ships

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on ADNOC tankers belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

He underscored that such deliberate and brutal attacks constitute an unacceptable escalation and a grave violation of the security and safety of maritime navigation.

The GCC Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for Iran to immediately cease all hostile actions that threaten regional and international security and stability. He also called on the international community to exert pressure on Iran to end these hostilities and uphold the safety and freedom of maritime navigation.

He concluded his statement by reiterating the GCC's full and unwavering solidarity with the UAE, standing by its side and supporting all measures it takes to protect its security, territorial sovereignty, and interests.


Oil Spill Affects 12 km of Oman Coast, Masirah Unaffected

Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
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Oil Spill Affects 12 km of Oman Coast, Masirah Unaffected

Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)
Aerial view of oil spilling from the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi into the water, off Al-Qibliyyah island, Hallaniyat Group Of Islands, Oman, August 13, 2026, in this still image taken from a handout video. (Reuters)

Oil pollution is affecting about 12 kilometres (7.46 miles) of coastline near Oman's Ras Madraka, while Masirah Island remains unaffected, state news agency ONA said on Saturday after efforts to tackle a spill from a leaking tanker have made progress.

Oil began reaching Oman's coast on Wednesday after spreading at sea for weeks, Reuters reported.

The Environment Authority said response operations were under way and the offshore slick was moving towards open waters.


ADNOC Vessel Attacked Again in Strait of Hormuz

FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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ADNOC Vessel Attacked Again in Strait of Hormuz

FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

A tanker owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was attacked while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati state-run WAM news agency said Saturday.

The attack happened Friday evening, and there were no injuries, the agency reported.

This is the third such attack on vessels operated by ADNOC in the critical waterway in the last week.

The UAE has previously accused Iran of the attacks.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said that a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile that hit the hull on Friday. It was not immediately clear if it was the ADNOC vessel.

Shipping has been disrupted and the strait has been virtually closed since the Iran war started on Feb, 28.