Bashar Assad Welcomes UAE FM in Damascus

Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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Bashar Assad Welcomes UAE FM in Damascus

Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Syria’s President Bashar Assad meets with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Damascus Syria, in this handout released by Syrian Presidency on November 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Syrian President Bashar Assad received in Damascus on Tuesday Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A presidency statement said Sheikh Abdullah led a delegation of senior Emirati officials that discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in a meeting with Syrian counterparts.

The participants discussed exploring “new horizons for this cooperation, especially in vital sectors in order to strengthen investment partnerships in these sectors,” the statement said.

They tackled the developments in the region and Arab world. They agreed to continue consultations and coordination over various affairs and challenges facing the Arab world in order to achieve the aspirations of their people away from any foreign meddling.

Assad underscored the “close fraternal relations” that bind the UAE and Syria. He hailed the stances taken by the UAE, which has always stood by the Syrian people.

Sheikh Abdullah, for his part, stressed the UAE’s support for efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria.

He said he had faith that Syria, through the leadership of Assad and efforts of its people, can overcome the challenges caused by the war.

The UAE is always ready to support the Syrian people, he added.

Sheikh Abdullah is the most senior Emirati dignitary to visit Syria in the decade since the eruption of the country’s war.



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Categorical Rejection of Israel’s Ongoing Attack against Palestinians, Relief Agencies

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Categorical Rejection of Israel’s Ongoing Attack against Palestinians, Relief Agencies

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its categorical rejection of the Israeli forces’ ongoing attacks against civilians and humanitarian and relief agencies.

It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards these violations against the Palestinian people.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The ministers were briefed on the telephone calls Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.

They reviewed the talks held by senior Saudi officials with their counterparts from different countries, at bilateral and multilateral levels, with the aim of strengthening ties, intensifying efforts to open up new horizons in various fields and achieve aspired goals, and bolstering efforts exerted to tackle global challenges.

The cabinet tackled the outcome of the second meeting of the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee, and the efforts to strengthen cultural, tourism, and economic partnerships between AlUla and Paris, in view of the special relations between their countries and commitment to developing ties in all sectors.

The cabinet commended the outcome of the second meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Cooperation, established under the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, which underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation on issues of common interest, particularly those related to economic development and international security and peace.

It reviewed the latest regional and international developments, focusing on the situation in the Palestinian territories.

The cabinet reiterated its concern over extremist Israeli statements about imposing sovereignty over the West Bank, and the construction and expansion of settlements.

These actions undermine peace efforts, threaten regional security and stability, and are a blatant violation of international laws and relevant UN resolutions, it warned.

Domestically, the cabinet hailed the support lent by King Salman to the current Riyadh Economic Forum, saying that the recommendations of the 11th session of the forum can be expected to give further impetus to the national economy and bolster the private sector's role in the Kingdom's comprehensive development.

The cabinet recognized the success of the "Cityscape Global 2024" exhibition held in Riyadh, which aligns with national goals and offers promising prospects to the real estate sector. The value of the transactions concluded at the exhibition surpassed SAR230 billion, with sales from local and international developers exceeding SAR20 billion. The exhibition attracted over 172,000 visitors, underscoring the success of the Kingdom's efforts to position itself as a global hub for exhibitions and conferences.

Moreover, the cabinet praised the outcomes of the "Jeddah Declaration", issued during the Fourth High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, commending the initiatives and mechanisms that bolster the global commitment to a multifaceted approach in tackling global health challenges and seeking solutions through research, development, and innovation.

The cabinet said the Fourth Edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, set for December 3-4, will be geared toward expediting efforts aimed at fostering a more sustainable future. The initiative has had concrete positive impacts on climate and environmental initiatives, helping boost the total capacity of renewable energy sources to over four gigawatts, planting about 95 million trees, and translocating 1,660 endangered animals across the Kingdom.