Latest news with #Al-Yahya
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Lt. Gen. Al-Yahya: Makkah Road Launch in Maldives Highlights Strong Ties in Pilgrim Services
Lieutenant General Suleiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Makkah Road Initiative, stated that the launch of the initiative in the Republic of Maldives is a result of the close and constructive cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. He emphasized that it reflects the deep fraternal ties and longstanding partnership between the two nations. Lieutenant General Al-Yahya highlighted that the Makkah Road Initiative embodies the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The initiative demonstrates their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, particularly by easing the pilgrimage experience from the moment pilgrims depart their home countries until they complete their Hajj journey and return. He further explained that the implementation of the initiative in the Maldives will allow eligible travelers to complete a range of travel procedures electronically in advance. This streamlined process will save time and effort at the departure point and ensure a smoother arrival in Saudi Arabia. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Road initiative to serve pilgrims Hajj Guide: What to Do before Arriving in Makkah? All You Need to Know about Hajj Rituals: A Step-by-Step Guide Discover Top Hotels Near Masjid Al-Haram for Hajj 2025 Short link : Post Views: 7 Related Stories
Kuwait Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait plays a pivotal role in GCC-ASEAN-China summits
Events aim to deepen regional integration and bolster cooperation KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait's participation in the upcoming GCC-ASEAN and GCC-ASEAN-China summits in Kuala Lumpur reflects the country's steadfast commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing communication with regional blocs, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Saturday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Yahya confirmed that preparations are underway for Kuwait's involvement in the high-level meetings, to be held from May 26 to 28, alongside a concurrent economic summit. He announced that His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will lead the Kuwaiti and GCC delegations as part of Kuwait's current presidency of the 45th GCC session. Al-Yahya stated that Kuwait's participation underscores its strategic diplomatic approach aimed at deepening multilateral cooperation amid growing ties between the Gulf states, ASEAN countries, and China. He stressed that Kuwait views these engagements as vital platforms for dialogue, policy coordination, and the advancement of shared interests. Highlighting the scope of the 2024–2028 GCC-ASEAN cooperation framework, the minister pointed to four priority areas: political and economic dialogue, energy and food security, and collaboration in global forums. He described the summits as a timely opportunity for participating leaders to exchange views on pressing regional and international developments and to align on common policy stances. The summit agendas are expected to cover a wide range of strategic issues, including food and energy security, digital transformation, innovation, logistical connectivity, education, and tourism. These focus areas, Al-Yahya said, are central to achieving sustainable development, strengthening regional stability, and broadening economic integration. Recalling the inaugural GCC-ASEAN summit held in Riyadh last year, he said the upcoming gatherings build upon the cooperative foundations laid there and reflect Kuwait's proactive role in advancing developmental diplomacy and global engagement. 'These summits serve as important bridges of communication and coordination, promoting mutual understanding and reinforcing Kuwait's international partnerships,' he added. Al-Yahya expressed confidence that the summits would help shape a comprehensive roadmap for institutional cooperation between the GCC, ASEAN, and China. Such a framework would enable the implementation of joint initiatives and contribute to enhancing partnerships in key sectors of mutual interest. He also noted that His Highness the Crown Prince would meet with heads of participating delegations on the sidelines of the events, aiming to bolster bilateral relations, explore cooperation opportunities, and discuss regional and global developments. In related remarks, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations Dr Abdulaziz Al-Owaisheq praised Kuwait's leadership in coordinating unified Gulf positions ahead of the two summits. Speaking to KUNA, Dr Al-Owaisheq noted that Kuwait, as the current GCC chair, plays a pivotal role in advancing Gulf-Asian cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. He emphasized that Kuwait has been instrumental in articulating Gulf and Arab priorities to Southeast Asian partners, including support for the Palestinian cause and efforts to resolve crises in Syria and Yemen. Dr Al-Owaisheq highlighted that the institutional framework for GCC-ASEAN cooperation was initiated in 2009 in Bahrain, leading to the establishment of working groups focused on trade, investment, education, food security, and cultural exchange. With senior-level delegations from all six GCC states expected to attend, the summits will focus on operationalizing the GCC-ASEAN Joint Action Plan (2024–2028). Dr Al-Owaisheq described China as a key strategic partner for both blocs, noting that GCC-China trade exceeds $200 billion annually, while trade between the GCC and ASEAN stands at approximately $150 billion, collectively comprising about 40 percent of the Gulf's foreign trade. 'Together, the GCC, ASEAN, and China represent over a quarter of the global economy,' he stated, emphasizing the summits' role in strengthening trilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, education, security, and diplomacy. He confirmed that preparatory meetings in Kuala Lumpur are already in progress, with the aim of generating concrete proposals and establishing a follow-up mechanism to ensure implementation of outcomes. On the trade front, Dr Al-Owaisheq revealed that negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and China are nearing conclusion, amid Beijing's interest in expanding economic ties. While formal FTA talks with ASEAN have yet to begin due to internal disagreements on tariffs, a feasibility study has been approved and discussions are ongoing with individual member states. He pointed out that Singapore has already signed an FTA with the GCC, while negotiations are underway with Indonesia and are expected to commence soon with Malaysia. Dr Al-Owaisheq concluded by stressing the strategic importance of the Kuala Lumpur gatherings, which are expected to boost regional partnerships, advance economic cooperation, and respond effectively to shifting geopolitical dynamics and trends in global trade. — KUNA
Arab Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait, Azerbaijan sign MoUs to boost bilateral cooperation
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The Third Session of the Kuwaiti-Azerbaijani Cooperation Committee kicked off in Kuwait on Wednesday, presided over by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al- Yahya and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Kuwaiti-Azerbaijani cooperation covering various sectors was reviewed during the official talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. Several memos of understanding and programs were inked in a sign of both countries' willingness to bolster existing close relations in vital and significant domains. Minister Al-Yahya said on Wednesday that the State of Kuwait valued relations with Azerbaijan since establishing relations back in 1994, affirming that both countries were eager to seek the bolstering of ties in all possible domains. This came in a speech by Al-Yahya during the third session of the joint Kuwaiti-Azerbaijani cooperation committee meeting held in Kuwait, which he co-chaired with his counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Minister Al-Yahya hoped that this session would lead to further exploration of ties and ways to boost them between the two countries. While the minister focused on ways to boost ties, he touched on the recent developments in the world, which required close coordination amongst the global community members, saying that Kuwait and Azerbaijan would be collaborating to improve joint coordination on matters of regional and international importance. The minister brought up the participation of Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Azerbaijan, which also saw a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev on the sideline of this grand international event. In this light, the minister commended the relentless efforts of officials from both countries to boost bilateral ties, saying that the holding of the first session of the joint cooperation committee meeting in Kuwait back on February 13, 2025 was the first spark that led to ongoing efforts in this regard. He reiterated the utter importance of such meetings for the boosting of ties, noting that the current meeting will witness the signing of several accords in agriculture as well as a variety of executive programs within sports, culture, and tourism. He expressed willingness to partake in the upcoming session of the joint cooperation committee in 2027. (KUNA)
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue Focuses on Strengthening Cooperation
Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers and their counterparts from Central Asia discussed in Kuwait on Wednesday consolidating cooperation in several fields. The Third Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue focused on enhancing the strong relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries and discussed a joint action plan to advance cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and tourism sectors. Preparations were also reviewed for the upcoming summit between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, next month. This summit follows the inaugural one held in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attended the meeting. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said the meeting marks a significant milestone in establishing a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking at a joint press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi after the meeting, Al-Yahya, current President of the GCC Ministerial Council, highlighted the growing historical, cultural, and human ties between the two regions, and emphasized the shared political will to strengthen strategic cooperation. The meeting focused on several key areas of priority, including enhancing economic and trade cooperation, encouraging investment, and developing sectors such as transport and energy, clean energy transitions, green economies, and modern technologies, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. Discussions also focused on food and water security, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, aiming to support stability and sustainable development. On political and security matters, the foreign minister stressed the importance of consultation and coordination on shared challenges, especially in combating terrorism, extremism, and cyber threats, and praised the GCC Secretariat for its role in advancing joint action mechanisms. Regarding regional and international issues, Al-Yahya reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital. On his part, Al-Budaiwi said that both the GCC and Central Asian states are committed to advancing cooperation across various sectors, as outlined in the Joint Action Plan for 2023-27. He stated that the meeting included an exchange of views on regional and global developments, particularly the Israeli occupation's violations against the Palestinian people, and reiterated the GCC's rejection of these violations and called on the international community to act decisively in support of Palestinian rights, including the establishment of a sovereign state.
Arab Times
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait champions unity at key GCC-Central Asia talks
KUWAIT CITY, April 16: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who presented to His Highness the Foreign Ministers and representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Central Asian states. The meeting was held on the occasion of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian countries, hosted by Kuwait. His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness affirmed the keenness of both the GCC and Central Asian states on continuing to strengthen cooperative and coordinated relations across political, economic, and cultural fields. His Highness also reiterated Kuwait's commitment to supporting constructive dialogue and consolidating frameworks for strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests and promote regional and international peace and stability. The meeting was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince's Office Director Retired Lieutenant General Jamal Mohammad Al-Theyab, and the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs at His Highness the Crown Prince's Diwan, Mazen Eissa Al-Eissa. Kuwait's Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session, Abdullah Al-Yahya, emphasized that the third ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Central Asia marks a significant step toward building a sustainable strategic partnership. Al-Yahya made these remarks during his opening speech at the meeting, hosted by Kuwait on Wednesday. Regarding the appeals filed by the Iraqi President and Prime Minister against the Federal Court's decision to annul the Khor Abdullah Agreement, Al-Yahya stated, 'This is an internal Iraqi matter that does not concern us.' He added, 'The Federal Court has made its decision, and we await the outcome.' He then affirmed that the ministerial meeting marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the GCC and Central Asian nations. He stressed that the meeting reflects the deep historical, cultural and humanitarian ties between the sides, along with their mutual political will to strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of shared interests and to overcome common challenges. He said the meeting established a new strategic platform aimed at fostering a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect, common interests and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous future. He added a range of priority issues were addressed at the meeting. He disclosed that the importance of enhancing economic and trade cooperation was highlighted at the meeting; focusing on facilitating trade exchange, encouraging investment, and improving connectivity of transportation, energy and natural resources. 'Particular attention was given to the transition to clean energy, the green economy and modern technology,' he elaborated. On political and security matters, Al-Yahya revealed the ministers underscored the need to expand consultations and coordinate positions on regional and global challenges; particularly in combating terrorism and extremism, confronting cyber threats, and fortifying security cooperation through the exchange of information and expertise to protect societies from cross-border threats. He added that regional and international developments were among the vital items on the agenda, with the Palestinian issue taking center stage. 'Both sides reiterated their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially the establishment of an independent State along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. They also called for an immediate end to the aggression against the Gaza Strip, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians,' he narrated. On the situation in Syria, Al-Yahya emphasized the need to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political solution in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2254 -- one that preserves Syria's unity and territorial integrity and ends the suffering of the Syrian people. On the sidelines of the meeting, Al-Yahya held a series of discussions with various ministers to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties, expand cooperation, and coordinate positions in international forums. He revealed these discussions aim to solidify a forward-looking concept of regional solidarity. In conclusion, Al-Yahya expressed his anticipation for the upcoming second summit between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 5. He voiced optimism that the summit will be a pivotal step toward launching new initiatives and projects to elevate cooperation to strategic levels that serve shared interests and collective aspirations. In his opening remarks as Chairman of the current meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, Al-Yahya underscored the significance of the meeting as a critical stage in the journey toward a sustainable strategic partnership that contributes to regional and global security, stability and development. He considers the meeting a chance to strengthen bilateral frameworks and consolidate a multidimensional partnership; encompassing political, economic, cultural and security cooperation. He cited the remarkable progress in relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries, which now stand as a model of fruitful cooperation across various domains like trade, investment, cultural exchange and technological innovation. 'Today, more than ever; we are facing complex regional and international challenges that require close coordination and effective cooperation on multiple fronts,' he stated. On security, Al-Yahya reiterated that security and stability are core pillars of the joint strategy. He stressed the importance of strengthening security coordination, combating terrorism, and confronting cyber and organized crime threats as shared priorities that contribute to broader regional and global stability.
