Egyptian, Kuwaiti Efforts to Contain 'Unofficial Feuds'

Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
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Egyptian, Kuwaiti Efforts to Contain 'Unofficial Feuds'

Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo

Egypt and Kuwait have sought to contain "unofficial" disputes among a number of their citizens, which included an incitement campaign against Egyptian expats in Kuwait accused of being infected with the coronavirus.

Both countries discussed the issue, stressing the importance of the historic ties between them.

In Egypt, a number of public figures, artists, and university professors launched an initiative rejecting discord and warning against "deliberate attempts" to create strife between the two countries.

Egyptian Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem also signed the initiative which reiterated the importance and strength of Egyptian-Kuwaiti relations historically, politically, and culturally.

The signatories explained that two or three individuals who started the altercations don’t represent the Egyptian people.

Some of them belong to a political movement rejected by Egyptians, said the signatories.

They also praised a statement issued by a large group of Kuwaiti artists and public figures condemning attempts to cause hostility between the peoples of both countries.

Last week, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser telephoned his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukri, discussing the brotherly and historic relations between Kuwait and Egypt.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the level of ties between the two states, and rejected all bids intended to strain these bonds.

The talks touched on precautionary measures in the two countries against the novel coronavirus.

As part of efforts to contain the crisis, the Kuwaiti prosecution interrogated Kuwaiti writer Mubarak al-Bugaily over his insulting comments on Egypt.

Bugaily posted a series of tweets against Egypt, denouncing the way the country is dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and undermining the Egyptian workers in Kuwait.

Sources stated that Kuwait intends to deport Egyptian workers whose residencies have expired, but the Egyptian authorities preferred they stay put until the crisis is over, while respecting the Kuwaiti authorities’ instructions on precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, member of Egypt's parliamentary foreign affairs committee MP Mohammed al-Orabi lauded the relations between Cairo and Kuwait, saying they can’t be shaken by a group that constantly attacks Egypt.

Orabi told Asharq Al-Awsat that he received several calls from Kuwaiti parliamentarians and former ministers affirming that such statements do not represent Kuwait or its people.

Egyptian MP and Deputy Speaker of the Arab Parliament Saad al-Gammal announced that a video conferencing session of the Arab Parliament will be held next week.

Gammal praised the Emir of Kuwait and the historic ties between the two counties, asserting that dialogue will prevail. He indicated that those attacking Egyptians neither represent their country nor the Emir.



Saudi Arabia Provides 224 Million Riyals to Support Yemen's Government Budget

The new Saudi support comes in response to the Yemeni government's urgent needs. (Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen)
The new Saudi support comes in response to the Yemeni government's urgent needs. (Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen)
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Saudi Arabia Provides 224 Million Riyals to Support Yemen's Government Budget

The new Saudi support comes in response to the Yemeni government's urgent needs. (Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen)
The new Saudi support comes in response to the Yemeni government's urgent needs. (Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen)

Saudi Arabia has provided a new installment of its budget support grant to the Yemeni government, worth more than 224 million riyals, in response to a request from the Yemeni government and as part of the Kingdom's continued support for the Yemeni people and government.

The support, directed by the Saudi leadership, comes amid the challenges facing Yemen and attacks by the Houthi militias targeting the resources, property, and interests of the Yemeni people.

Saudi Arabia said the new installment, provided through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, aims to strengthen the regular flow of government finances and support fiscal policy efficiency, helping to strengthen the purchasing power of Yemeni citizens and support economic stability.

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber said the new installment of the budget support grant comes at the direction of the Saudi leadership, reaffirming the Kingdom's continued support for the Yemeni government amid the country's current circumstances.

The ambassador said the new installment exceeds 224 million Saudi riyals and will contribute to strengthening the regular flow of government finances and supporting fiscal policy efficiency.

He added that the grant will strengthen the purchasing power of Yemeni citizens, supporting economic stability and easing the effects of the circumstances facing the country.

The grant is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to support the Yemeni government, strengthen its ability to meet its financial obligations, and support the Yemeni economy amid current conditions.


UAE Forms Investigation Team to Probe Flydubai Flight Incident

UAE Public Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi (Emirates News Agency)
UAE Public Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi (Emirates News Agency)
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UAE Forms Investigation Team to Probe Flydubai Flight Incident

UAE Public Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi (Emirates News Agency)
UAE Public Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi (Emirates News Agency)

UAE Public Prosecutor Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the formation of an investigation team comprising specialized members of the Public Prosecution to investigate an incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv yesterday and was diverted before landing safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Thursday.

According to WAM, the investigation follows Flydubai's announcement that an altercation had occurred inside the cockpit during the flight, prompting members of the airline's crew aboard the aircraft to intervene and secure it.

WAM said the investigation team has begun its work in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and relevant authorities in the UAE. The Public Prosecutor also directed that the necessary procedures be taken to gather information and evidence and establish the facts, circumstances, details, and motives surrounding the incident.

The investigation will also determine whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose, or whether it involved prior planning or direction, according to WAM.

The Public Prosecutor stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and urged against speculation or the circulation of unverified information about the incident before the competent authorities complete their collection and verification of the facts.

He stressed the need to rely on information and data issued by official sources and not preempt the findings of the investigation.

WAM also said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident under applicable legislation, given that the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag. Accordingly, UAE law applies to crimes committed on board the aircraft, even when they occur outside the country's territory.


Saudi, UK Defense Ministers Discuss Strategic Defense Relations

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, UK Defense Ministers Discuss Strategic Defense Relations

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held on Wednesday a phone call with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense Wes Streeting for talks on strategic defense relations between their countries.

They also discussed joint efforts to address regional developments.

They reaffirmed their support for measures that promote regional security and stability and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.