Bahrain, US sign agreement on peaceful nuclear energy
The agreement was signed by Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the aim of supporting Bahrain's efforts to achieve energy security and its commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, while contributing to global efforts to address climate change challenges.
Al Zayani described the agreement as a 'significant qualitative leap' in the strategic partnership between the two countries. He noted that the step is a direct outcome of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in 2023, which strengthened cooperation in defence, security and emerging technologies.
He added that the two nations are seeking, through this agreement, to deploy advanced technologies that provide safe, secure and reliable civil nuclear energy. He emphasised the importance of nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source that supports the shared interests of both friendly countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
State of play in Trump's tariffs, threats and delays
Dozens of economies including India, Canada and Mexico face threats of higher tariffs Friday if they fail to strike deals with Washington. Here is a summary of duties President Donald Trump has introduced in his second term as he pressures allies and competitors alike to reshape US trade relationships. Global tariffs US "reciprocal" tariffs -- imposed under legally contentious emergency powers -- are due to jump from 10 percent to various steeper levels for a list of dozens of economies come August 1, including South Korea, India and Taiwan. The hikes were to take effect July 9 but Trump postponed them days before imposition, marking a second delay since their shock unveiling in April. A 10 per cent "baseline" levy on most partners, which Trump imposed in April, remains in place. He has also issued letters dictating tariff rates above 10 percent for individual countries, including Brazil, which has a trade deficit with the United States and was not on the initial list of higher "reciprocal" rates. Several economies -- the European Union, Britain, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines -- have struck initial tariff deals with Washington, while China managed to temporarily lower tit-for-tat duties. Certain products like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber are excluded from Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, but may face separate action under different authorities. This has been the case for steel, aluminum, and soon copper. Gold and silver, alongside energy commodities, are also exempted. Excluded too are Mexico and Canada, hit with a different set of tariffs, and countries like Russia and North Korea as they already face sanctions. Canada, Mexico Canadian and Mexican products were hit by 25 percent US tariffs shortly after Trump returned to office, with a lower rate for Canadian energy. Trump targeted both neighbors over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, also invoking emergency powers. But trade negotiations have been bumpy. This month, Trump said Canadian goods will face a higher 35 percent duty from August 1, and Mexican goods will see a 30 percent level. Products entering the United States under the USMCA North American free trade pact, covering large swaths of goods, are expected to remain exempt -- with Canadian energy resources and potash, used as fertilizer, to still face lower rates. China focus Trump has also taken special aim at China. The world's two biggest economies engaged in an escalating tariffs war this year before their temporary pullback. The countries imposed triple-digit duties on each other at one point, a level described as a trade embargo. After high level talks, Washington lowered its levies on Chinese goods to 30 percent and Beijing slashed its own to 10 percent. This pause is set to expire August 12, and officials will meet for further talks on Monday and Tuesday in the Swedish capital Stockholm. The US level is higher as it includes a 20 percent tariff over China's alleged role in the global fentanyl trade. Beyond expansive tariffs on Chinese products, Trump ordered the closure of a duty-free exemption for low-value parcels from the country. This adds to the cost of importing items like clothing and small electronics. Autos, metals Trump has targeted individual business sectors too, under more conventional national security grounds, imposing a 25 percent levy on steel and aluminum imports which he later doubled to 50 percent. The president has unveiled plans for a 50 percent tariff on copper imports starting August 1 as well and rolled out a 25 percent tariff on imported autos, although those entering under the USMCA can qualify for a lower rate. Trump's auto tariffs impact vehicle parts too, but new rules ensure automakers paying vehicle tariffs will not also be charged for certain other duties. He has ongoing investigations into imports of lumber, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals that could trigger further duties. Legal challenges Several legal challenges have been filed against the tariffs Trump invoked citing emergencies. The US Court of International Trade ruled in May that the president had overstepped his authority, but a federal appeals court has allowed the duties to remain while it considers the case. If these tariffs are ultimately ruled illegal, companies could possibly seek reimbursements.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
US and EU reach a 15% tariff deal that averts trade war
The United States and the European Union have averted a trade war by reaching a framework trade agreement that imposes a 15 per cent import tariff on most EU goods – half the 30 per cent rate threatened earlier by President Donald Trump. President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the deal at Trump Turnberry, the luxury golf course in western Scotland, after an hour-long meeting following months of negotiations. Trump told reporters after the meeting: 'This was the big one. This is the biggest of them all.' The EU agreed to buy US$750 billion worth of US energy as part of the agreement, and will invest US$600 billion into the United States, Trump said. Today, President Trump secured a HUGE, POWERFUL TRADE DEAL between the U.S. and EU 🇺🇸 The EU will: 💰 Invest $600 Billion in U.S. ⚡️ Purchase $750 Billion in American Energy 💸 Open Markets to U.S. — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 28, 2025 Von der Leyen said the 15 per cent tariff applied 'across the board', and that it was 'the best we could get'. 'We have a trade deal between the two largest economies in the world, and it's a big deal. It's a huge deal. It will bring stability. It will bring predictability,' she said. Good to be in Scotland to meet @POTUS for discussions on transatlantic trade today. The EU-US trade relationship is the world's biggest. I look forward to our talks ↓ — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 27, 2025 Von der Leyen said there would be no tariffs from either side on aircraft and aircraft parts, certain chemicals, certain generic drugs, semiconductor equipment, some agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials. 'We will keep working to add more products to this list,' she said, adding that spirits – a major bone of contention – were still under discussion. The deal is similar to the one Trump secured with Japan, and includes EU's crucial auto sector, which is currently being taxed at over 25 per cent, up from an average of 4.8 per cent earlier. However, the 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium will continue. von der Leyen said these would later be cut and replaced by a quota system. The US will announce the result of its 232 trade investigations in the next two weeks and decide separately on rates for chips and pharmaceuticals. von der Leyen said that whatever US decisions come on these sectors will be 'on a different sheet of paper'. In case of talks failing, the EU states had agreed on counter tariffs to the tune of US$109 billion on goods, including aircraft and cars. The tariffs would have come into effect from August 7. The euro rose around 0.2 per cent against the dollar, sterling and yen within an hour of the deal's being announced.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Zawya
National policy for the use of AI launched in Bahrain
Bahrain has announced the launch of a national policy for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) also announced the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. The initiative is in line with the directives of Interior Minister and ministerial committee for information and communication technology chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. iGA chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed said that the AI policy, available at aims to harness AI to support economic and social growth, enhance government efficiency and ensure the secure and ethical application of AI in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised that the policy adheres to national and international ethical and legal standards. The policy underscores compliance with key national laws and frameworks, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Law on the Protection of State Documents and Information, the Open Data Policy and the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. Mr Al Qaed also highlighted the importance of government entities in educating and enabling national talent to use AI technologies professionally and ethically. He outlined the iGA's efforts to deliver training programmes and workshops to build awareness among public sector employees, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education and public services, contributing to Bahrain's competitiveness at the regional and global levels. He emphasised the government's commitment to integrating AI into public services in a systematic and unified manner, ensuring the alignment of related initiatives and investments to maximise performance, streamline services and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and residents. The national framework also seeks to enhance public trust in advanced technologies and foster a sustainable, innovation-driven digital society. The AI policy targets government officials, developers of digital services, decision-makers, academics, researchers and beneficiaries of smart government services. It focuses on four key pillars: commitment to relevant laws and policies, encouraging AI adoption in government, empowering employees with AI knowledge and skills and reinforcing partnerships to support innovation. The GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI serves as a complementary framework to the national policy on AI, reflecting shared regional values that emphasise respect for human dignity, alignment with Islamic principles and national identity, and a commitment to sustainability, co-operation and human well-being. The manual is founded on four core ethical principles: safeguarding human autonomy in decision-making, ensuring safety and the prevention of harm, promoting fairness and equality and protecting privacy and data integrity. Mr Al Qaed said that the integration of the policy and ethical charter provides a strong foundation for responsible AI governance, supporting institutional digital transformation, public confidence and the development of a sustainable and innovative society. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
