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Abu Dhabi Crown Prince: We Seek to Ensure Energy Security via Diverse Mix

Launching Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in UAE capital on Monday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
Launching Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in UAE capital on Monday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
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Abu Dhabi Crown Prince: We Seek to Ensure Energy Security via Diverse Mix

Launching Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in UAE capital on Monday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
Launching Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in UAE capital on Monday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that UAE will continue in its efforts to ensure the energy security through a diverse mix.

During the opening of the World Future Energy Summit 2018 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW, on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the ADSW's focus on youths affirms shows confidence and faith in the role of youths. He stressed that the future can’t be discussed without ensuring an effective role of youths and investing in developing their potentials and skills.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will focus on “Driving the Global Energy Transformation”, with more than 5,000 participants from 175 countries, including ministers, representatives of international organizations and international companies, and a number of international scientists and experts.

Experts discuss during this week possible solutions for sustainability challenges facing the world, and holding a constructive dialogue that would reinforce cooperation dimensions to put effective plans and strategies that make use of the most advanced innovations towards a more sustainable future.

Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) closed a $872 million financing package for its first solar power plant with capacity of 1,177 megawatts, the world’s largest. The first plant is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2019.

“We plan to invite bidders by the middle of 2018. The capacity will be the same as the first solar plant, if not more,” Saif Saleh al Sayari, acting director-general of ADWEA told Reuters at a renewable energy summit. Details of the project will be announced in the coming months, he said.

Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, said that today there are the required technologies and means to achieve more progress in the sustainability field. “Artificial intelligence has become a competitor of human intelligence,” he added.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.