Egypt, UAE Reject Foreign Interventions in Internal Affairs

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, confers the Order of Zayed medal to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, confers the Order of Zayed medal to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Ministry of Presidential Affairs
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Egypt, UAE Reject Foreign Interventions in Internal Affairs

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, confers the Order of Zayed medal to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, confers the Order of Zayed medal to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Egypt and the UAE have denounced foreign interventions in the regional countries' internal affairs – they renewed their rejection of regional interventions as they decried the latest Turkish offensive on the northeast of Syria.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed the Riyadh Agreement signed between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council.

They praised the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia and the efforts of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to bring the Yemeni parties to the dialogue table.

During their meeting, they also commended the UAE's efforts to support the agreement in Yemen.

Moreover, they affirmed their keenness to preserve Yemen's unity and sovereignty, as well as serve the interests of Yemenis, restore the country's security and stability, and stop foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Both sides discussed the latest developments to the Palestinian issue, which is the central issue for Arabs, and stressed the importance of reaching a just, comprehensive and lasting outcome in accordance with the two-state solution.

They also underpinned the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on its June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.

Further, they expressed their keenness to strengthen their relations and broaden the horizons of development and progress, by intensifying their bilateral consultation and coordination on issues of common interest and jointly exploring opportunities available, to achieve the hopes and aspirations of their peoples.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the remarkable growth in their trade that reached a historic high, amounting to around USD5.5 billion in 2018 -- they also stressed the importance of enhancing their bilateral economic cooperation and creating an investment environment that is attractive to investors from both countries.

Both sides expressed concern at the spread of extremist militias and armed terrorist groups in Libya, in light of the country's continuing division while stressing the importance of combating terrorism.

Therefore, they called on all parties to resume the UN-sponsored political process and reaffirmed their full support for the efforts of Ghassan Salame, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, to find a solution to this crisis.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the progress of the recent Renaissance Dam Negotiations held in Washington at a ministerial level, highlighting the importance of reaching an agreement that secures the rights of the Nile Basin countries and prevents harm to their water interests.

They also stressed the importance of reaching a final solution to this issue by mid-January 2020, according to the agreement reached the ministerial meetings in Washington.

Moreover, UAE and Egypt will establish a USD20 billion investment fund, which will be run through Egypt's newly established sovereign wealth fund and Abu Dhabi Development Holding Co.

Sheikh Mohamed launched the fund, along with Sisi, during Sisi's two-day visit to the UAE. Also, the Crown Prince bestowed the Order of Zayed, the UAE's highest civilian honor, to the Egyptian president.



Muslim Commission in Nepal Awards its Medal to Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs

The Muslim Commission in Nepal awarded its medal to the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. (SPA)
The Muslim Commission in Nepal awarded its medal to the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. (SPA)
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Muslim Commission in Nepal Awards its Medal to Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs

The Muslim Commission in Nepal awarded its medal to the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. (SPA)
The Muslim Commission in Nepal awarded its medal to the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh. (SPA)

The Muslim Commission in Nepal awarded its medal to the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, in appreciation of his efforts in spreading the call to God and his contributions to serving faith, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
The medal symbolizes the bonds of brotherhood that unite Nepalese Muslims with the Saudi government and people through the foundations of religion, and the appreciation that Muslims in Nepal have for the leadership of Saudi Arabia, its government, its people, and its scholars.
On behalf of the minister, the religious attaché at the Saudi embassy in India, Sheikh Badr bin Nasser Al-Anazi, received the medal in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Nepal, Saad Nasser Abdullah Abu Haimed, and a number of officials and Islamic figures.


Saudi Minister of Defense Meets with his Counterpart from Burkina Faso

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz meets with Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans of Burkina Faso, Maj. Gen. Kassoum Coulibaly in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz meets with Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans of Burkina Faso, Maj. Gen. Kassoum Coulibaly in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Defense Meets with his Counterpart from Burkina Faso

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz meets with Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans of Burkina Faso, Maj. Gen. Kassoum Coulibaly in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz meets with Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans of Burkina Faso, Maj. Gen. Kassoum Coulibaly in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held talks in Riyadh on Sunday with Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans of Burkina Faso, Maj. Gen. Kassoum Coulibaly.

They reviewed bilateral relations between their countries and discussed cooperation in the military and defense field.

They addressed the latest regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.

The meeting was attended by senior defense officials and military officers from both sides.


Red Wave-7 Naval Exercise Kicks Off

"Red Wave-7" has kicked off at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet - SPA
"Red Wave-7" has kicked off at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet - SPA
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Red Wave-7 Naval Exercise Kicks Off

"Red Wave-7" has kicked off at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet - SPA
"Red Wave-7" has kicked off at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet - SPA

The mixed naval exercise "Red Wave-7" has kicked off at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet, with the participation of countries bordering the Red Sea, including Jordan, Egypt, Djibouti, and Yemen, in addition to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and units of the Saudi Border Guard.
Commander of the Western Fleet Rear Admiral Mansour bin Saud Al-Juaid said that the drill "Red Wave-7" aims to enhance the maritime security of the countries bordering the Red Sea and protect the territorial waters, SPA reported.

It implements the assumptions planned in three conferences in which officers from all the relevant countries participated, resulting in the formation of forces and a set of exercises that constitute an important training aspect for all participating countries.
Al-Juaid pointed out that the participating forces will implement over a period of five days all modern military concepts, including strategic lectures and exercises that simulate different combat environments resembling reality. The drill will achieve joint and mixed work, such as surface and air warfare, electronic warfare, and countering an attack by speedboats. The forces will also implement maritime security exercises such as protecting shipping lines, combating smuggling, terrorism, piracy, and illegal immigration.


BIE Announces Start of Work on 'Riyadh Expo 2030'

The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
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BIE Announces Start of Work on 'Riyadh Expo 2030'

The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)
The Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh (Photo Credit: Turki Al-Agili)

Dimitri Kerkentzes, head of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), revealed that Riyadh is getting ready to turn its Expo 2030 plans into reality. He expressed hope that the expo would be a key part of Saudi Arabia’s progress.

According to a statement from the BIE on Friday, Kerkentzes visited Riyadh for the first time since it won the bid in November 2023. During his four-day visit, he, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, checked out Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting the expo.

Kerkentzes also met with top Saudi officials to discuss the expo’s plans.

 

The statement noted that since Riyadh won the bid, preparations have been in full swing. The next step is to start work on the expo's infrastructure. These efforts are part of Riyadh’s push to become one of the world’s top city economies and diversify its income sources.

The BIE announced that Riyadh will present a detailed plan for hosting Expo 2030. This plan covers legislative and financial measures, the main site layout, and legacy projects.

Once approved and registered at the BIE General Assembly, Riyadh Expo 2030 will kickstart Saudi Arabia’s engagement with participating countries and the implementation of the exhibition project.

During his visit to Riyadh, Kerkentzes spoke exclusively to Asharq Al-Awsat, marking his first interview since Riyadh won the bid to host the 2030 edition.

“We're Here to Work Together”

Speaking about his first visit after Riyadh won the bid to host the Riyadh Expo 2030 in November last year, Kerkentzes remarked that it was great to be back in the Kingdom and that it feels like coming home.

“During our initial visit, we came together as one team to kickstart this important project everyone is excited about for 2030,” said Kerkentzes.

“What pleased me most was seeing Saudi teams get back to work in Riyadh within 24 hours of winning the bid. There wasn't much time for celebration; they know there's a lot of work ahead,” he added.

Kerkentzes praised the teams, particularly those at the Riyadh Royal Commission and the Public Investment Fund, for their hard work towards advancing to the next stage of preparation and beginning the implementation of this highly anticipated Expo edition, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the General Assembly of the BIE as an “exceptional and unprecedented edition.”

 

“What Will Riyadh Be Like in 2030?”

When asked about Riyadh’s future in six years, Kerkentzes said: “Every time I go back to Riyadh, I see changes. There’s always something new happening, showing how much the city and Saudi Arabia are evolving... With the Crown Prince’s vision, I see Riyadh progressing each time I visit, making it a top destination by 2030.”

“Riyadh Expo 2030 will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation,” added the BIE secretary-general.

Big Projects in Riyadh

Riyadh is buzzing with major projects underway, all in sync with the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, Saudi Vision 2030, and Riyadh Expo 2030.

When asked about standout projects, Kerkentzes chuckled and said, “Well, as you’d expect, being from the BIE, Riyadh Expo 2030 tops the list.”

“But let's be realistic. Transforming a city and a nation takes time and careful planning. Saudi Vision 2030, led by the Crown Prince, is laying out a fantastic strategy for this. Riyadh Expo 2030 is a major part of that puzzle,” he added.

 

Breaking Technological Barriers

Kerkentzes believes that the Saudi Crown Prince aims to host “an expo like no other.”

Affirming that the goal is to go beyond what previous exhibition editions have done before, Kerkentzes urged all countries to think seriously about this during the six years of preparation.

“We want to bring the most innovative technologies here, which will be crucial for our future,” he said.

 


Saudi King Issues Royal Order Appointing 261 Members at Public Prosecution

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi King Issues Royal Order Appointing 261 Members at Public Prosecution

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, has issued a Royal Order appointing 261 members with the rank of investigative lieutenant at the Judicial Public Prosecution.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib expressed appreciation for the Royal Order, emphasizing that it reflects the support provided by the king and the Crown Prince for the Public Prosecution.

He praised their consistent commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the Public Prosecution in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.


Saudi FM Reiterates Kingdom’s Demand for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is seen at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is seen at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Reiterates Kingdom’s Demand for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is seen at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah is seen at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Saturday the Kingdom’s demand for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance, and a path towards peace that allows Palestinians to exercise their right to self-determination and establish an independent state.

He made his remarks at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Banjul under the theme "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development."

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Faisal emphasized at the summit the unwavering importance of the Palestinian issue for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since its inception.

He highlighted the OIC's role as the voice of the Islamic world, actively supporting the Palestinian people and calling for a just solution that secures their legitimate rights, as outlined by international law and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

The FM condemned the recent escalation in violence in the Palestinian territories, underscoring the Kingdom's tireless efforts, alongside partner nations, to protect Palestinian civilians and deliver humanitarian aid.

Building on its presidency of the previous summit, Prince Faisal highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to fostering unified action across the Muslim world. This includes addressing threats shared by Islamic nations, defending the sanctity of Islamic symbols and the holy Quran, and combating hatred, racism, and Islamophobia.

Prince Faisal underlined Saudi Arabia's unwavering dedication to uniting Muslim voices, strengthening the OIC's role in conflict resolution, and promoting regional and global peace and security. He underscored the Kingdom's stance against terrorism, stressing its national and international efforts to disrupt terrorist financing.

Moreover, Prince Faisal urged support for ongoing peace efforts in Yemen, seeking a comprehensive political solution that eases the Yemeni people's suffering and bolsters their economic and development goals.

He emphasized the need for stability in Syria, stressing the importance of preserving the country's unity, identity, security, and territorial integrity. He called for continued support for efforts to combat terrorist organizations and armed militias, as well as to disrupt drug smuggling through Syria, which is essential for creating a safe environment conducive to the return of Syrian refugees.

The minister stressed the importance of a unified and sovereign Sudan, where state institutions can function effectively, and the Sudanese people can avoid further conflict.

Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom's resolute support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and regional integrity in accordance with international law. He expressed the Kingdom’s hope that the recent UN resolution lifting the arms embargo will bolster Somalia's path towards peace and stability.


Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Gaza During Gambia Meeting

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul on Saturday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Gaza During Gambia Meeting

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul on Saturday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, Gambia.

The ministers discussed relations and explored avenues to boost ties.  

They also tackled regional and international developments, with a primary focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Prince Faisal also met with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar for talks on the longstanding ties between their countries.

They also explored avenues for further cooperation and addressed developments in the Middle East, including the developments in Gaza and the efforts made in this regard.


Saudi FM Leads Delegation to OIC Summit in Gambia

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM Leads Delegation to OIC Summit in Gambia

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived Saturday in the Gambian capital, Banjul, leading a delegation to participate in the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
The Saudi Minister is representing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The OIC’s summit is held under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development”.

The Minister will discuss with leaders and representatives of member states of the OIC many issues of concern to Islamic countries, mainly the Palestinian cause and the developments in the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister will hand over the presidency of the current fifteenth session of the summit to Gambia following Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the 14th session.


Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases
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Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

Saudi Health Ministry: 43 People Recover from Food Poisoning, No New Cases

The Saudi Health Ministry said on Saturday that there have been no new cases of food poisoning in the Kingdom in the last five days. So far, there have been 75 cases, with 69 Saudis and six residents affected.

Out of these, 50 cases were diagnosed as being caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Forty-three have recovered and have been discharged from hospital, while 11 are in regular wards and 20 are receiving intensive care. One person has died.

The Ministry stated that all cases are linked to one food poisoning source. They stressed the efforts of government agencies in controlling the outbreak and providing ongoing care.

They also emphasized the importance of getting information from official sources and not spreading rumors. They reassured the public that authorities are taking immediate steps to prevent further cases.

The affected individuals are receiving top medical care, showing the government's commitment to protecting everyone’s health, asserted the ministry.


Kuwait-Egypt Confirmation on ‘Durra’ Field Angers Iran

Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
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Kuwait-Egypt Confirmation on ‘Durra’ Field Angers Iran

Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)
Durra offshore gas field (Reuters)

Iran has refused to accept a joint Kuwait-Egypt position regarding the ownership of the offshore Durra gas field, insisting on fresh negotiations for a lasting solution, an Iranian Foreign Ministry official said.
This disagreement persists despite Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s repeated declarations that they solely own the natural resources in the “divided submerged zone,” including the entire Durra field.
Iran’s rejection came after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussed the Durra field during their recent talks in Cairo.
In a joint statement, the two sides underscored that the Durra field is entirely located within Kuwait’s territorial waters and that the ownership of the natural resources in the submerged area, adjacent to the divided zone in which the entire Durra field is located, belongs only to Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Iranian officials criticized these assertions, stating they have no basis in truth and reiterated their call for renewed negotiations.
Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated on Friday that his country rejects Kuwait’s unilateral position regarding the Durra field and the statement issued at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti Emir’s visit to Cairo.
“We recommend the authorities of this country to refrain from resorting to fruitless political and media methods regarding the issue of the Durra gas field,” he noted.
Kanaani highlighted Iran’s stance on the matter, citing historical rights and past negotiation records.
The spokesperson said that Iran extended an invitation to Kuwait to engage in discussions aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement grounded in friendly cooperation and shared interests.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait restated their joint ownership of the entire Durra field in a statement following the visit of Kuwait’s Emir to the Kingdom in February.
They emphasized that only Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have rights to the natural resources in the submerged area, including the Durra field.
Kuwait announced in August 2023 its readiness to take necessary steps, including negotiations, to secure rights in the Durra field, which holds massive gas reserves.