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UAE Announces $3 Bln in Investments in Iraq During PM’s Visit

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomes Kadhimi in the UAE. (WAM)
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomes Kadhimi in the UAE. (WAM)
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UAE Announces $3 Bln in Investments in Iraq During PM’s Visit

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomes Kadhimi in the UAE. (WAM)
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomes Kadhimi in the UAE. (WAM)

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, held talks on Sunday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations and ways to develop cooperation between them in various fields. They also tackled regional and international developments.

They discussed economic, investment and political cooperation, as well as opportunities to expand cooperation in the health and energy fields.

The UAE announced $3 billion investment in Iraq in a fresh bid to strengthen the economic and investment relations between the countries.

The new investments are aimed to tap new prospects of partnerships and accelerating socio-economic and developmental growth in support of the people of Iraq, said a statement carried by the UAE news agency (WAM).

Kadhimi thanked the UAE under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for its support for Iraq and its people.

His visit included a series of official meetings on broadening the prospects of cooperation between the two countries on all fronts for their common interests, with the two sides hailing the depth and strength of their relations. They reviewed the latest regional and international developments and underlined the importance of ensuring international cooperation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and containing its economic and medical fallout on the entire world.

Kadhimi thanked the UAE for its medical support, sent to help Iraq and its people face the health crisis.

The two sides agreed to grow economic cooperation and accelerate trade and investment exchanges, urging their businessmen to exchange visits. They also agreed on establishing the Iraqi-UAE Business Council and to streamline all the measures in the service of the two nations and their peoples.

The two leaders also doubled down on the importance of strengthening security and defense cooperation and intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism. They also agreed on propelling energy cooperation, especially in the fields of clean energy.

Kadhimi had arrived in Dubai on Sunday where he was received by Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kadhimi said he was “optimistic with the friendly and successful meetings he held with my brothers in the UAE leadership.”

He noted that the visit came shortly after a trip he made to Saudi Arabia last week, saying they reflect “Iraq’s sincere desire to be open to its Arab environment and activate its Arab role.”

“Iraq is moving steadily to overcome all challenges that have been impeding it from achieving its national goals and duties,” he added. He cited the upcoming elections that he hoped would establish a democratic state that upholds liberties and human rights.

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Gulf

Gulf Calls on Russia to Play Role in Stopping Attacks by Iran, Starting Dialogue with it

GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
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Gulf Calls on Russia to Play Role in Stopping Attacks by Iran, Starting Dialogue with it

GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)
GCC Foreign Ministers and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (Russian Foreign Ministry)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries called on Russia on Sunday to play an active role in urging Iran to cease its attacks on regional countries and to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions.

They also urged Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to engage in a dialogue with Gulf states based on the principles of good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that Russia supports the peace efforts exerted by Arab countries to prevent the Middle East from sliding into a major war.

The call came during the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia, which was hosted by the Bahraini capital, Manama. The meeting took place amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing threats facing the security of Gulf states, international navigation, and energy supplies.

Chaired by Bahrain’s FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the meeting underlined the importance of working with Moscow in de-escalation efforts and addressing regional crises through political and diplomatic means.

Lavrov stressed the need to grant Gulf states a decisive role in determining regional security arrangements.

Officials are seen at the 9th Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Russia in Manama on Sunday. (GCC)

Deepening contacts with the GCC remains a priority for Russian diplomacy, he added, pointing out that his country supports efforts to prevent the region from sliding into a large-scale war.

"We must give the Gulf states the decisive word and the firm decision in ensuring the security of the region," he remarked, expressing his country's determination to move forward in strengthening the strategic dialogue with the Gulf states.

In the same context, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Moscow and Riyadh expressed their concern over the tensions in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Bahraini Foreign Minister valued the Russian positions calling for de-escalation, stressing that the security of the GCC states is a pillar of international security.

Addressing crises requires respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs, he noted.

Gulf

Bahrain, UAE, Oman Offer Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Bahrain, UAE, Oman Offer Condolences to Saudi Arabia over Najran Helicopter Crash Victims

General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
General view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Bahrain, the UAE and Oman extended condolences to Saudi Arabia over the death of two officers in a helicopter crash in the Najran region due to technical failure, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

In statements issued by their foreign ministries, the three countries expressed deep sympathy with Saudi Arabia's leadership, government, and people.
They affirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in this painful loss, praying that Allah Almighty bestow His mercy on the two officers and grant their families patience and solace.

On Sunday, official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said in a ⁠statement that a Saudi AH-6i helicopter crashed in Najran due to technical malfunction, killing its two crew members.

The helicopter crashed in an area under the jurisdiction of the Saudi National ⁠Guard Ministry, the statement added.

Gulf

Gulf Countries Demand to Be Included in Any Negotiations with Iran that Must Cover its Missile Program

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
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Gulf Countries Demand to Be Included in Any Negotiations with Iran that Must Cover its Missile Program

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)
Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pose for a photo at the 168th GCC Ministerial Council in Manama on Sunday. (BNA)

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called on Sunday for designating the Houthi group as a terrorist organization and halting the support that allows it to acquire missiles and drones.

Meeting in Bahrain for the 168th GCC Ministerial Council, they demanded that Iran cease its aggression against regional countries and compensate for the resulting damages.

The ministers stressed the need to involve Gulf states in any negotiations or arrangements affecting their security.

Any understandings with Iran must encompass its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its drones and support for regional proxies, while expressing support for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, they added in a statement.

They condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of the Two Holy Mosques, civilian airports, and vital installations, which resulted in civilian casualties. The council expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The council underscored the full solidarity of the Gulf states with Saudi Arabia and backed all measures it takes to protect its security and sovereignty.

It stressed that any attack on a member state constitutes an attack on all council states under the Joint Defense Agreement, while emphasizing the council states' right to individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The ministers welcomed the presidential statement by the UN Security Council on October 15, which condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of Aramco facilities, and stressed the Kingdom's right to self-defense.

They also demanded the strict implementation of the arms embargo against the Houthis and expressed support for reaching a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in line with the three references.

On Iran, the Ministerial Council held Tehran fully responsible for the attacks on the Gulf states and Jordan. It demanded accountability for those responsible and urged that Iran be compelled to repair the resulting damages in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1 of 2026.

The ministers stressed the importance of protecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, warning against closing these waterways, obstructing navigation within them, targeting commercial vessels and their crews, or planting mines.

They rejected the imposition of unlawful fees or restrictions on the transit of ships, as well as subjecting transit passage to prior permission or mandated routes. Furthermore, they demanded the restoration of freedom of navigation and the return of conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to what they were prior to February 28.