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.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.