UAE FM Condemns Houthis Attacks in Telephone Call with Iranian Counterpart

A helicopter flies over the downtown skyline of Abu Dhabi, UAE (File Photo: Reuters)
A helicopter flies over the downtown skyline of Abu Dhabi, UAE (File Photo: Reuters)
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UAE FM Condemns Houthis Attacks in Telephone Call with Iranian Counterpart

A helicopter flies over the downtown skyline of Abu Dhabi, UAE (File Photo: Reuters)
A helicopter flies over the downtown skyline of Abu Dhabi, UAE (File Photo: Reuters)

UAE's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received a phone call on Thursday from his Iranian counterpart, Hussein Amir Abdollahian, and reviewed several issues of common concern.

During the phone call, Sheikh Abdullah denounced the Houthi militia's terrorist attacks on the UAE.

He reiterated the need to stop the dangerous escalation in the region and adhere to the political solution in Yemen, in line with the GCC Peace Initiative, Outcome of Yemen's National Dialogue Conference, and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216 in this regard.

On Feb 02, the Emirati Ministry of Defense said it intercepted and destroyed three hostile drones that penetrated the UAE's airspace, away from populated areas.

The Ministry affirmed its "full readiness to deal with any threat," adding that it will "take all necessary measures to protect the UAE."

Last month, the UAE was subject to three Houthi attacks with ballistic missiles and drones launched after the group lost its control over areas in Yemen.

UAE air forces and the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen destroyed on Monday the missile launch site in Yemen's al-Jawf governorate, the Ministry announced.

Houthi militias launched two ballistic missiles on Abu Dhabi last month. It also launched a drone attack near Abu Dhabi airport.

The attacks, which led to the explosion of three petrol tankers, killed two Indians and a Pakistani and injured six other civilians. The Houthis confirmed responsibility for the attacks.



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
TT

21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.