Bin Mubarak Affirms Yemeni Support for Egypt’s Water Security

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Cairo (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Cairo (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
TT

Bin Mubarak Affirms Yemeni Support for Egypt’s Water Security

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Cairo (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Cairo (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak and discussed a number of bilateral and regional files.

The Yemeni minister's visit to Cairo came days after Bin Mubarak had visited Ethiopia, from where he delivered statements that drove controversy between Egypt and Yemen.

In Addis Ababa last month, the Yemeni Minister affirmed “the solidarity of Yemen and its support for all the steps taken by the Ethiopian government in order to move the wheel of development.”

His statements may have led to the imposition of new restrictions for the entry of Yemenis to Egypt, including obtaining visas in advance and reducing the length of stay.

During his meeting with Shoukry on Thursday, the Yemeni Minister stressed his country’s full support for Egypt in the face of challenges, topped by the water security issue, which is part of the Arab national security.

Bin Mubarak also commended Egypt's firm supportive stance towards Yemen's legitimate government and its endeavors to reach a political settlement that restores security and stability to the country and alleviates the acute humanitarian crises.

The Yemeni top diplomat also conveyed a message, from President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi to President Abdel Fattah Sisi, on ways of advancing bilateral relations in different fields, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The spokesman stated that Shoukry voiced appreciation for Yemen's keenness to coordinate with Cairo and keep it informed of the latest developments on the crisis there.

He then emphasized Egypt's backing of the legitimate Yemeni government and the endeavors to extend the UN truce in Yemen, as well as Cairo's encouragement for all efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that is agreed upon by various Yemeni parties.

The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, including the convening of the joint committee between the two countries and upgrading the level of bilateral relations through the political consultation mechanism at the level of the Egyptian and Yemeni ministries of foreign affairs.

Shoukry then affirmed the care and good hospitality enjoyed by the Yemeni community in Egypt, their second country. He added that Egyptian citizens are receiving the same treatment in many service sectors such as education and health as part of the historical ties and firm bonds that bind the two brotherly countries and peoples.

Caption: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received Thursday his Yemeni counterpart Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Cairo (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.