UAE President: We Reject any Foreign Interference Undermining Security of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
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UAE President: We Reject any Foreign Interference Undermining Security of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)
King Salman and President Sheikh Khalifa (Asharq al-Awsat)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of UAE's 46th National Day.

King Salman expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of the United Arab Emirates, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

The Custodian also lauded the fraternal ties binding the two countries and peoples, vowing to continue enhancing them in all fields.

In addition, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of UAE, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa stated that the country's foreign policy has proven the soundness of the approach adopted since the establishment of the state, which is characterized by an active vibrancy and presence at regional and international scenes to serve the national interests.

The president renewed UAE's rejection of any "foreign interference undermining our security or security and the stability of our brethren in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or any other sisterly or friendly state.

He also reiterated that extremism and terrorism are fed by policies motivated by ambitions for hegemony and adventures for influence from states supporting and financing terrorist and extremist groups.

The president called upon: "Iranian government to sit at the negotiating table for dialogue or to accept international arbitration to resolve the issue of our three occupied islands as part of efforts to maintain security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region – a top priority in our policy."

According to the president, there can be no exit from this "dark tunnel" without a collective consensus that prevents any party whatsoever to disrupt regional and international efforts to realise stability. He also called for adopting joint measures to hold terrorism sponsors, financiers and supporters accountable.

"We in the United Arab Emirates are at the forefront of the efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in sisterly Yemen, at returning Egypt to its natural leading role in the Arab World, and at restoring security and stability to Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Afghanistan and others. We are also among the countries that support efforts aimed at making the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction," he declared.

Sheikh Khalifa stated that economic growth is not an end but rather a means to make life more balanced and moderate, reiterating that a development that does not integrate the cultural dimension is not sustainable.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also spoke on the occasion of the 46th National Day, where he said that the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Union comes at a time UAE has become more stable and powerful.

He attributed the country's stability to the noble legacy passed down through the years and shaped the vision of the founding fathers who instilled values of patriotism and love for the homeland.

"We have already embarked on the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, which is a unique, future-oriented, long-term government plan aimed at sustaining UAE’s development into its 100th anniversary, charting a path and laying a solid foundation for the future of the UAE. Our objective is for future generations in the UAE to lead happier lives in a thriving environment with abundant opportunities, more connectivity and global influence," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

He also noted that many people think that "we are just dreaming, but we remind these people of the fact that our Union started as a dream at the hands of visionary people," referring to the late Sheikh Zayed and his brother, late Sheikh Rashid.

The Sheikh also stated that Emirati people are the backbone of the country and the state’s most cherished asset.
Similarly, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke on the National Day where he described the 2nd of December as a day that witnessed the establishment of a country that would become, within just a few decades, a model of successful state building and a fine example of a united and cohesive nation.

He reiterated that: "We will save no effort to foster and strengthen our unity and cohesiveness. As we renew this solemn pledge, we realize that our unity is the source of our strength in the face of adversities, and the point from which we move into building and growing our nation."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that amid all the challenges facing nations around the world, maintaining stability is more pressing than ever.

"This is the path that our country will take so that it remains young and prosperous, so that its people enjoy a life of peace and prosperity, so that we keep our country in the vanguard of great nations," he concluded.



Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.


OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.


Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
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Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.