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GCC, EU Denounce Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE

GCC and EU officials during the 26th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting on Monday.(SPA)
GCC and EU officials during the 26th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting on Monday.(SPA)
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GCC, EU Denounce Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE

GCC and EU officials during the 26th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting on Monday.(SPA)
GCC and EU officials during the 26th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting on Monday.(SPA)

The European Council and Gulf Countries Council (GCC) condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stressing the importance of boosting relations and enhancing cooperation. This came at the end of their 26th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting on Monday.

The EU and GCC share an interest in addressing global challenges such as green and digital transition, climate change, and counter-terrorism.

The meeting resumed high-level institutional engagement between the two organizations and discussed concrete ways to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional and global challenges.

EU’s Vice President and High Representative and Vice President Josep Borrell chaired the European delegation, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired the Gulf delegation.

The meeting was attended by EU and GCC foreign ministers and GCC Sec-Gen Nayef al-Hajraf.

It was held in Brussels on Feb. 21 and addressed regional issues of mutual concern and explored ways to step up EU-GCC cooperation.

The attendees exchanged views on issues of common interest, including the peace process in the Middle East, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The ministers stressed the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen, calling for an unconditional ceasefire. They strongly condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The ministers reiterated their concern over the lack of progress in resolving the dispute between the UAE and Iran over the three islands, Abu Musa Greater and Lesser Tunbs.

They supported the peaceful settlement of this conflict under international law and condemned the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drone systems used in hundreds of attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and the Global Coalition Against ISIS.

The ministers agreed on continuing joint international efforts to enhance stability and prosperity in Iraq.

The meeting addressed the humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria.

The top officials agreed to provide essential aid in all Syrian regions as part of implementing a plan United Nations humanitarian response.

The ministers urged the Lebanese government to take quick and effective decisions to initiate the much-needed reforms to enable a quick conclusion of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

They stressed the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections in May 2022.

On the Middle East peace process, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, based on the 1967 lines and UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 2334, and other relevant UN resolutions.

They called for ending escalations in Jerusalem, noting that the city should be recognized as the capital of Palestine and Israel.

Regarding the situation in Libya, the ministers reaffirmed their support for the UN efforts to hold free, fair, inclusive, and credible presidential and parliamentary elections.

After the meeting, the GCC and EU officials agreed to hold their next meeting in 2023 in the Gulf region.

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Gulf

UAE Condemns ‘Acts of Vandalism’ at Its Embassy in Damascus

The UAE Foreign Ministry building in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The UAE Foreign Ministry building in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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UAE Condemns ‘Acts of Vandalism’ at Its Embassy in Damascus

The UAE Foreign Ministry building in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The UAE Foreign Ministry building in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday condemned what it described as "riots, acts of vandalism, and assaults" outside its embassy and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus.

In a statement, the UAE's foreign ministry called on Syria to uphold its obligations to secure the embassy and its staff, investigate the incident ‌and hold ‌the perpetrators to account.

Syria's foreign ministry said ‌in a statement on Friday evening that it took a "firm and unwavering ⁠stance" ⁠against any attack on or attempt to approach embassies and diplomatic missions.

Gulf

Iranian Attacks Target Energy Facilities in Kuwait, UAE

Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
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Iranian Attacks Target Energy Facilities in Kuwait, UAE

Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 
Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait (KUNA) 

Iranian attacks struck key energy infrastructure in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Friday, prompting air defense responses across the Gulf and causing casualties and material damage, authorities said.

In Kuwait, drones targeted the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery as well as a power generation and water desalination plant. In Abu Dhabi, operations were suspended at the Habshan gas facilities after debris fell following a successful interception, officials said. The incident killed an Egyptian resident and injured four others from Egypt and Pakistan, and sparked two fires.

Emirates Global Aluminium said it shut down its Al Taweelah site — one of the world’s largest aluminum production complexes — after it sustained severe damage in what it described as Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The incidents come amid Gulf efforts to repel Iranian strikes targeting energy installations and vital infrastructure, which have caused injuries and limited material damage.

Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed 14 drones on Friday, according to defense ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s defense ministry spokesman Colonel Saud al-Atwan said seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 hostile drones were detected in the country’s airspace over a 24-hour period.

Interior ministry spokesman Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said nine reports of falling debris were recorded in the same period, bringing the total since the start of the Iranian attacks to 649. Warning sirens were activated five times in 24 hours, for a total of 164 activations since the attacks began.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones early Friday, causing fires in several operational units. Emergency and firefighting teams were deployed immediately and were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading. No casualties were reported, the company underlined.

It added that precautionary measures were taken to ensure worker safety and protect facilities, and that coordination was ongoing with environmental authorities to monitor air quality. No negative environmental impact had been recorded so far.

The electricity and water ministry said one of its power generation and water desalination plants sustained material damage, according to spokeswoman Fatima Hayat, adding that technical teams were working to maintain operations.

Meanwhile, National Guard spokesman Brigadier Jadaan Fadhel denied reports circulating on social media of a possible radiation leak, saying readings in the country’s airspace and territorial waters remained within normal levels. He told state news agency KUNA that monitoring systems were operating around the clock.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 47 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the totals since the start of the attacks to 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,085 drones.

The defense ministry said the attacks had killed two members of the armed forces and a Moroccan civilian contractor, as well as eight others of various nationalities.

A total of 203 people have been injured since the attacks began, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said authorities dealt with debris falling at the Habshan gas facilities after a successful interception, prompting a temporary suspension of operations and a fire at the site.

It later said an Egyptian resident was killed during the evacuation, while four others — two Egyptians and two Pakistanis — were injured. Two fires broke out but were brought under control by emergency response teams. The office said the incident caused significant damage to facilities, with assessments ongoing.

In a separate incident, debris fell in the Ajban area, injuring six Nepalese residents and five Indians, with one Nepalese sustaining serious injuries.

Emirates Global Aluminium said its Al Taweelah complex in Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) suffered severe damage, triggering a full emergency shutdown of operations, including the aluminum smelter, casting facilities, power plant, alumina refinery and recycling plant.

The company said restoring full primary aluminum production could take up to 12 months, depending on damage assessments, while some operations at the alumina refinery and recycling plant may resume earlier.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s National Communication Center said 16 drones targeting the country were intercepted and destroyed over 24 hours, bringing the total since the start of Iranian attacks to 188 missiles and 445 drones.

The Bahrain Defense Force said targeting civilian sites and private property with ballistic missiles and drones constituted a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, warning the attacks posed a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged residents to remain indoors except when necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from filming military operations or debris sites, and rely on official sources for information.

The interior ministry said four Bahraini citizens sustained minor injuries and homes were damaged in the Sitra area due to falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone. Civil defense and ambulance services were responding at the scene.

Qatar

Qatar’s defense ministry said the country was targeted by several Iranian drones, all of which were successfully intercepted.

The environment and climate change ministry said air quality remained within normal and safe limits and was being continuously monitored through a nationwide network.

In a post on platform X, the ministry advised precautionary measures during periods of increased fine particulate matter, including staying indoors — especially for vulnerable groups — keeping windows closed, wearing masks when outside and avoiding outdoor activities.

 

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks on Friday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the brotherly relations between the two countries, discussed the latest developments, and affirmed continued coordination and consultation in this regard.