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Saudi, Thai Officials Discuss Free Trade Agreement between GCC, Thailand

Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid al-Qasabi with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid al-Qasabi with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit (SPA)
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Saudi, Thai Officials Discuss Free Trade Agreement between GCC, Thailand

Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid al-Qasabi with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid al-Qasabi with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit (SPA)

The Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid al-Qasabi, discussed on Sunday in Riyadh with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit the ways to strengthen fraternal ties between the two countries at the governmental and private levels.

The two officials discussed the possibility of signing a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Thailand.

Interlocutors addressed the ways of boosting cooperation in commercial and investment fields, including agriculture, industry, tourism, food industries, and entrepreneurship for small and medium enterprises.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Bin Aqeel al-Khateeb, Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed al-Rajhi, and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef.

The meeting was also attended by Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Saad al-Qasabi, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Hisham al-Jadhey, and Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Ajlan al-Ajlan.

More than 200 representatives of Saudi and Thai companies participated in the Saudi-Thai Business Forum held Monday at the Federation of Saudi Chambers headquarters in Riyadh.

The forum aims to encourage commercial partnership between the two countries' business sectors, sign bilateral partnership agreements, and discuss prospects for cooperation in various economic sectors.

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Gulf

UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)
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UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.

In a statement, it said: “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners.”

It added that the UAE “has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, in backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations, and in pursuit of security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people. The UAE has made great sacrifices in achieving these objectives.”

“The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks,” it noted. “The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners.”

It stressed that “this measure comes within the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”

Gulf

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

 

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement by General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.

Gulf

President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
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President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)

President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi issued a presidential decree on Tuesday nullifying the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates, based on the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the decision on the transfer of power, the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the powers granted to it under the constitution, according to the Yemen News Agency (Saba).

Article Two of the decree mandates that all UAE forces and personnel withdraw from Yemeni territory within 24 hours, according to SPA.

Article Three instructs the Homeland Shield forces to assume control of all military camps in Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.