Saudi Govt Stresses Need to Preserve Egypt, Sudan’s Nile Water Rights

King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Stresses Need to Preserve Egypt, Sudan’s Nile Water Rights

King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet met on Tuesday to review the latest regional and international developments, including the ongoing dispute over the Grand Renaissance Ethiopian Dam (GERD).

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the meeting that was held virtually from Neom amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The government reiterated the Kingdom’s support to Egypt and Sudan in preserving their legitimate water rights amid the ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the dam.

It called on the international community to establish a clear mechanism to begin negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resolve the crisis in a way that preserves their rights to the Nile water and the future of their peoples. The process should be sponsored by the United Nations and in agreement with the African Union and Arab League.

King Salman was briefed on the security preparations and arrangements to hold this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage. He also briefed the cabinet on the official discussions he held with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq during his visit to the Kingdom earlier this week.

The cabinet reviewed a recent International Monetary Fund report that underscored the recovery of the Saudi economy. The report hailed the Kingdom’s unique success on many levels in spite of the pandemic.

It also hailed Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) as an extension of its pivotal and influential role and reflection of its keenness on achieving the organization’s goals.



Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have discussed ways to develop and expand relations to serve the common interests of all sides and foster growth and prosperity.

During Friday’s meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the European Union, as well as the ongoing commitment to strengthening these relations to support their shared goals and promote peace and development at both the regional and global levels.

The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit scheduled for October in Brussels. The UAE President and Michel emphasized the significance of the summit in advancing relations, especially in economic and developmental areas, and setting the stage for further progress in the years ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the European Council President also reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of reaching an urgent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip to allow for adequate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its residents. They also stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and to push for a permanent and stable peace process based on the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized the seriousness of escalating tensions in the region and the critical need for international efforts to contain and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza and fostering stability and peace in the region. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to cooperating with the European Union and other concerned parties to enhance the humanitarian response to the worsening situation in Gaza and support regional stability.

Charles Michel praised the UAE's position in support of Gulf-European cooperation and its influential humanitarian role in Gaza. He also commended the UAE’s contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East.