Saudi Arabia Stresses Keenness on Stability of Iraq, Security in Syria

King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Keenness on Stability of Iraq, Security in Syria

King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its keenness on stability in Iraq as it seeks to impose its sovereignty over all its territories.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held virtually.

The Kingdom had expressed its position on Iraq during the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

At the meeting, Riyadh also addressed the situation in Syria and areas that have been liberated from ISIS.

It also welcomed the formation of a working group that would focus on ISIS' growing threat in Africa.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, acting Media Minister Dr. Majid al-Qasabi said the Saudi government expressed its deep sorrow over the death of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as his successor, saying the Kingdom is looking forward to further strengthening relations with the UAE under his leadership.

The cabinet addressed Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank and Second Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting of the G20.

The Kingdom emphasized the importance of joint work to tackle global economic setbacks stemming from the recent geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of prudent climate policies to ensure stable energy market conditions and just transition that are necessary for global economic stability.

On Yemen, the cabinet addressed Saudi Arabia's humanitarian initiative to release 163 Houthi detainees, who had taken part in hostilities against the Kingdom.

The move, it said, aims to support all efforts to establish peace in Yemen and end the conflict.

It also backs UN efforts to stabilize the current nationwide truce, create an atmosphere that is conducive to dialogue between Yemeni parties.

The cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's recent hosting of various events, including the launch of the Saudi Census 2022, the International Conference and Exhibition for Education (ICEE) 2022, and the Future Aviation Forum.

The cabinet lauded the growth of Saudi Arabia's GDP by 9.6% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, marking the highest growth rate in the past ten years that has been driven by the increase in oil and non-oil activities.



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.