UAE President, Indian FM Discuss Bilateral Relations

This handout image provided by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows (R to L) UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving India's Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at al-Shati Palace the capital Abu Dhabi on September 2, 2022. (UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
This handout image provided by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows (R to L) UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving India's Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at al-Shati Palace the capital Abu Dhabi on September 2, 2022. (UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
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UAE President, Indian FM Discuss Bilateral Relations

This handout image provided by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows (R to L) UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving India's Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at al-Shati Palace the capital Abu Dhabi on September 2, 2022. (UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
This handout image provided by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs shows (R to L) UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving India's Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at al-Shati Palace the capital Abu Dhabi on September 2, 2022. (UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks on Friday with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar various aspects of their bilateral relations.

The officials tackled the importance of cooperating to boost and advance their relations within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed received a written letter from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding strengthening the strategic relations between their countries and the prospects of developing them to serve their common interests.

Sheikh Mohamed then discussed with his guest a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Jaishankar is visiting the UAE to attend the meetings of the 14th session of the UAE-India Joint Committee and the third session of the UAE-India Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Abu Dhabi.

On Friday, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired the third session of the UAE-India Strategic Dialogue.

Sheikh Abdullah and Jaishankar discussed issues of common interest and prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation, in line with the CEPA agreement between the UAE and India.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the deep-rooted strategic relations between the UAE and India, and the continuous growth in their cooperation at all levels, thanks to the support of their leaderships.

He stressed that the UAE and India have succeeded in establishing an advanced and sustainable model for their strategic relations, which has yielded many significant achievements across several sectors.

The two countries are eager to strengthen ties to advance their common interests and those of their peoples, he added.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE-India CEPA, signed last February, has broadened the horizons for developing and strengthening their economic relations to drive sustainable development in both countries.

For his part, Jaishankar praised the UAE-India strategic partnership and the strong historical relations that their countries, their leaderships and peoples share.

He also stressed the keenness to strengthen and develop UAE-India strategic relations to meet the aspirations of their leaderships, noting that the strides made within the framework of their partnership are a source of pride and a driver to seek more successes to achieve common development goals.



KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
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KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)

More than 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to the Syrian people through both land and air bridges. This assistance includes food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies.

On Sunday, the 13th Saudi relief plane landed at Damascus International Airport, coinciding with the entry of 54 new trucks through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital. These efforts are part of the air and land relief bridges organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to assist the Syrian people, carrying essential food, shelter, and medical supplies.

The recently arrived relief plane carried approximately 30 tons of aid, according to Syria’s official news agency, SANA. Previously, Syria had received 60 aid trucks via the Saudi land bridge.

According to the King Salman Center, the total aid delivered to Syria thus far amounts to 1,969.66 tons, with 114 trucks crossing the Syrian Nasib border as part of Saudi Arabia’s land relief efforts.

This aid reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to supporting the Syrian people during times of crisis, alleviating their hardships.

The Kingdom’s efforts date back to the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, providing refuge to millions of Syrians and offering free education, healthcare, work opportunities, and integration into Saudi society.

Information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that 40 of the trucks were loaded with flour designated for Syria’s General Establishment for Bakeries, aimed at mitigating the economic crisis, particularly the bread shortage, and ensuring continued access to food for Syrian families.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mubarak Al-Dosari, Director of Branches at KSrelief, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued support for providing flour supplies. He stated: “We work tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of the Syrian people, which is our greatest reward.”

Saudi Arabia had emphasized that there is “no fixed limit” to the aid being sent to Damascus via the air and land bridges. These efforts will continue until the humanitarian goals are achieved, as directed by the Kingdom’s leadership, to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

During an official visit to Damascus on Friday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated his country’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its solidarity with the Syrian people. He stated: “This visit reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s stance in supporting Syria to ensure its security, stability, and resurgence.”

In total, over 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to Syria, including food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing relief efforts.