UAE, France Discuss Strategic Partnership

UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation holding talks with  French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi - WAM
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation holding talks with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi - WAM
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UAE, France Discuss Strategic Partnership

UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation holding talks with  French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi - WAM
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation holding talks with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi - WAM

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Catherine Colonna, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi.

The two sides discussed bilateral ties and opportunities for widening their cooperation, under the framework of the strategic partnership between the UAE and France.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region, as well as relevant regional and international events, and stressed their keenness to continue consultations and coordination on issues of mutual concern.

The two ministers also discussed their countries' cooperation in the energy sector, especially in light of the strategic partnership agreement in the field of energy signed by the two countries in July 2022.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of Colonna and highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the UAE and France, as well as the keenness of the two countries to enhance their strategic partnership and broaden the scope of their cooperation, state news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Abdullah held a luncheon in honor of Colonna and her delegation.

The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.