Latest news with #ArabLeagueSummit
Leaders
4 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Foreign Minister Receives AUC Chairperson in Riyadh
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, have met in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). On Thursday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Youssouf at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Riyadh. During their meeting, the two officials reviewed the relations between Saudi Arabia and the African Union. They also explored ways to further bolster ties across various fields. Furthermore, the Saudi Foreign Minister and the AUC Chairperson discussed topics of mutual interest. The Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed Al-Khuraiji, and Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Fahd Al-Humaidani, attended the meeting. In mid-May, Youssouf met with Al-Khuraiji on the sidelines of the Arab League Summit in Baghdad. Both officials explored ways to strengthen the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the African Union (AU). They also discussed boosting support for the African Union's efforts in enhancing peace, development, and regional integration, according to the AU press release at the time. Saudi Arabia and the AU enjoy robust relations. In October 2024, the Kingdom hosted the New Africa Summit, on the sidelines of the 8th annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh. The New Africa Summit brought together global leaders and decision-makers to explore the vast economic opportunities and discuss challenges facing the African continent. It followed a Saudi-African Summit, held in November 2023, which aimed to foster bilateral relations and capitalize on the vast economic opportunities in Africa. Short link : Post Views: 5
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UK Cedes Sovereignty Over Chagos Islands, Suffering In Sudan Deepens, UN Releases New Emergency Relief Funds
22 May 2025 Before granting Mauritius independence in 1968, Britain unlawfully separated the Chagos archipelago to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. In doing so, it expelled 1,500–2,000 islanders to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, to the United States for joint military use. Under the agreement, the UK will lease the island of Diego Garcia for the next 99 years to continue operating its joint military base with the United States. Value of diplomacy The agreement signed on Thursday between the UK and Mauritius is 'a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute in the Indian Ocean region' and 'demonstrates the value of diplomacy in addressing historical grievances', said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in Thursday's briefing. Welcoming the signature of the agreement, the UN Secretary-General, urged both the UK and Mauritius to 'continue engaging in constructive discussion', in order to ensure that 'the rights and aspirations of the Chagossians people are fully respected,' said Mr. Dujarric. Sudan: Civilian Suffering Deepens Amid Drone Strikes The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has killed over 18,000 people and displaced 13 million, triggering a regional migration crisis. Even before the war, humanitarian conditions and human rights protections were fragile, but in the past two years, they have become dire. Of the 30.4 million Sudanese in need of assistance, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is currently reaching 2.3 million with emergency food and nutrition support, as ongoing violence and infrastructure destruction compound the crisis. Urgent ceasefire needed Recent drone attacks on Port Sudan, once a vital entry point for aid, have further deepened the crisis. UN-designated expert Radhouane Nouicer warned Monday that these strikes on critical infrastructure 'are putting lives at risk, worsening the humanitarian crisis, and violating basic human rights.' On Thursday, Mr. Dujarric reported that attacks in Khartoum state have triggered a total electricity blackout, disrupting access to clean water and healthcare amid rising food prices and cholera outbreaks. The blackout has exacerbated the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Mr. Dujarric also noted that ongoing insecurity displaced 47,000 people from Khiwai and Nuhud in West Kordofan this month, while another 1,000 were displaced this week from Abu Shouk camp and El Fasher in North Darfur. At the Arab League Summit in Iraq over the weekend, UN Secretary-General António Guterrescalled for urgent multilateral action to end 'appalling violence, famine and mass displacement,' and met with African Union leaders to encourage a push for a ceasefire. Emergency relief funds released for DR Congo The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated new funds to crisis situations, from Afghanistan to Zambia. On Wednesday, CERF made $750,000 available to support cholera response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. The emergency funds will enable the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), and partners to deliver critical aid, including timely cholera detection and response, medical treatment, risk communication, and community engagement. In addition, CERF allocated $10 million to help more than 270,0000 people in vulnerable communities across South Sudan, where the threat of renewed civil war looms. Ahead of the rainy season, CERF's life-saving aid will notably target communities who have been impacted by overlapping crises, especially conflict and displacement in the states of Jonglei and Upper Nile. CERF also allocated $9.5 million to support climate action initiatives in eight countries: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mauritania, Niger, Somalia, Venezuela, and Zambia.
Libya Review
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Egypt Demands Withdrawal of Foreign Forces from Libya
On Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo's unwavering stance on the Libyan crisis, calling for the immediate disbandment of all militias, the withdrawal of foreign forces, and the complete rejection of any illegitimate foreign military presence on Libyan territory. In an official statement issued by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty emphasized that restoring Libya's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity remains a top priority for Egypt. He underscored that any solution to the Libyan conflict must be fully owned and led by the Libyan people without external interference. The foreign minister also stressed the importance of supporting Libya's legitimate state institutions and advancing efforts to unify the country's fragmented executive, economic, and security structures. He noted that the only viable path forward involves empowering national institutions to lead a political process grounded in consensus and stability. The statement comes in response to growing concerns over renewed tensions in Libya, particularly in Tripoli, where recent armed clashes have highlighted the continued presence of competing militias and the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. Egypt has consistently argued that the dismantling of armed groups is essential for ensuring national elections, enforcing the rule of law, and achieving long-term peace. This position aligns with remarks delivered by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Arab League Summit held last week in Baghdad. During his speech, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting a comprehensive political reconciliation process in Libya, based on established international frameworks and agreements. Following the most recent violence in Tripoli, Egypt's foreign ministry also issued a statement urging all Libyan parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and avoid further escalation. Cairo called on stakeholders to prioritize national interests and preserve Libya's public and private infrastructure. Tags: EgyptForeign Forceslibyamilitiastripoli
Shafaq News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
Art for peace: Iraqi creatives shine during Arab Summit in Baghdad
Shafaq News/ A fine arts exhibition featuring works by over 100 Iraqi painters, sculptors, and visual artists opened in Baghdad alongside the Arab League Summit, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities on Monday. The event, attended by senior officials, artists, and intellectuals, featured caricatures by renowned Kurdish artist Jabbar Saber Qadir and a personal exhibition by visual artist Moatasem al-Kubaisi, along with a wide array of works representing modern and traditional artistic schools. 'This exhibition stands out for its breadth and diversity,' Qasim al-Sudani, Deputy Minister of Culture, told Shafaq News. Qasim Mohsen, Director General of the Department of Fine Arts, explained that the artists' styles 'reflect various artistic movements and modern schools.' Praising the caricature gallery by Jabbar Saber Qadir, Mohsen noted that his work "embodies originality and creativity, with all his pieces centered on themes of war and peace." Among the participating artists was Fatima al-Obaidi from Kirkuk, who voiced that her painting blended colors to reflect Iraq's rich, diverse heritage. 'The piece features light rising into the sky, symbolizing the Iraqi people's longing for peace,' she explained. From Baghdad, artist Raya Shanshal contributed a painting dedicated to the Arab Summit. 'It reflects the suffering Iraq has endured - terrorism, violence, displacement - but also the resilience of our people,' she said.
Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraqi President hails Baghdad Summit as showcase of stability
Shafaq News/ Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid hailed, on Monday, the recent Arab League Summit in Baghdad as a 'pivotal moment' for Iraq's diplomatic standing, presenting the country as a stable partner ready to host high-level regional dialogue. Speaking at the Delphi–Slemani Economic Forum in al-Sulaymaniyah, Rashid told a gathering of diplomats, policymakers, and global experts that the summit sent 'a clear message' about Iraq's political progress and improved security, emphasizing that the event offered a platform to address critical regional issues, most notably the Palestinian cause. He also urged deeper cooperation with neighboring Arab states, framing it as essential to 'building a more stable and prosperous future.' On domestic affairs, the Iraqi President highlighted unresolved tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, particularly surrounding oil and gas legislation. 'Resolving these matters is essential to advancing national economic development and safeguarding the interests of all Iraqi citizens.'
