Latest news with #MinisterialCommittee
Leaders
2 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Arab Ministers Stress Support for Palestinian State
The Arab Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution during a meeting in Jordan. On Sunday, a delegation of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on the developments in the Gaza Strip held a virtual meeting with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, after Israel blocked the delegation's scheduled visit to the occupied West Bank. Amman Meeting Under the chairmanship of the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, a delegation of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee convened in Jordan's capital, Amman, to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts to end the war and blockade on the enclave. The meeting's primary goal was to coordinate a visit to Ramallah to meet Abbas, in a strong show of support for Palestine. However, the visit was postponed due to Israel's decision to block the Arab delegation from entering the occupied West Bank – a move that sparked strong condemnation. The Amman meeting gathered the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, in addition to the Secretary-General of the Arab League. Moreover, the Palestinian Vice President and Foreign Minister joined the meeting via video conference. Highlighting Arab Efforts The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee briefed the Palestinian President on its international endeavors to bring the Israeli aggression on Gaza to an end, lift the blockade, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Furthermore, the Ministerial Committee highlighted the ongoing preparations to ensure the success of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which will take place in New York on June 17-20, 2025, under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France. The conference aligns with the tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian State along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Addressing Gaza Crisis During the meeting, the Ministerial Committee reaffirmed support for the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the US to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It also urged Israel to allow the immediate, adequate, and sustained entry of humanitarian and medical aid, and give access to the UN organizations – particularly the UNRWA – to deliver aid supplies across the Strip. The Committee also called for ending the dangerous Israeli escalation in the West Bank. Moreover, the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee underscored the importance of holding the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza, which will take place in Cairo once a ceasefire is reached. The conference aims to implement the Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by the Arab Emergency Summit held in Cairo on March 4, 2025. Supporting Palestinian Authority The Ministerial Committee emphasized the significance of supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA). In the light of this, it praised the measures taken by Abbas to reform the PA. The Committee also condemned Israel's decision to block the Committee's visit to Ramallah as a violation of diplomatic norms and a reflection of a dangerous approach aimed at obstructing the Committee's efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, as well as to support the Palestinian government's reform agenda. It said that this move was consistent with the extremist policies of the Israeli government, which blocks the entry of aid and medicine to Gaza and obstructs peace efforts. Palestinian Appreciation The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, appreciated the Committee's efforts in mobilizing international support for ending the war on Gaza, alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe, and advancing the implementation of the two-state solution. Abbas also expressed hope for the success of the upcoming International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Furthermore, he reiterated the Palestinian government's commitment to its reform agenda and called for coordinated international support for the PA reform efforts across the political, economic and security domains. Within this context, Abbas called on Israel to release the Palestinian funds it seizes. The Palestinian President also reaffirmed commitment to renouncing violence and the targeting of civilians. He also reiterated commitment to working to establish security and peace in cooperation with Arab States and international partners, expressing hope that he would soon welcome the Ministerial Committee in Palestine. Short link : Post Views: 13
Leaders
2 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi FM Arrives in Jordan for Gaza Meeting
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has arrived in Amman, the capital of Jordan, to participate in a meeting on Gaza, according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry. On Saturday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan landed in Amman to take part in a meeting of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on the developments in the Gaza Strip. The meeting will explore ways to support efforts to end the war and blockade on Gaza. The meeting originally aimed to coordinate a visit to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, scheduled on Sunday. However, the visit was postponed due to Israel's decision to prevent the Arab delegation from meeting the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, according to Jordan's Foreign Ministry. The delegation, which include the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan and the UAE, condemned the Israeli ban as a 'blatant violation' of Israel's obligations as an occupying power. The Saudi Foreign Minister traveled to Jordan right after an official visit to Syria, where he met with the Syrian Transitional President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Damascus. Prince Faisal was accompanied by a high-level economic delegation to discuss avenues for joint cooperation aimed at supporting Syria's economy, enhancing the development of its governmental institutions, and fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The discussions led to the announcement of a Saudi-Qatari joint financial support package for Syrian public sector employees for three months, according to Saudi Gazette. 'This support aims to contribute to economic and social stability, improve living conditions, and reinforce development efforts in Syria,' Saudi Arabia and Qatar said in a joint statement. Short link : Post Views: 62
Arab News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi authority approves new guidelines for sustainable debt instruments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has approved new guidelines for issuing green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked debt instruments. These guidelines, which came into effect on may 27, represent a crucial milestone in the CMA's broader strategy to deepen the domestic debt market and align the Kingdom's financial sector with the sustainability objectives outlined in Vision 2030. The initiative is part of the CMA's strategic plan for 2024–2026 and supports the Sustainability Strategy of the Ministerial Committee for Corporate Sustainability Strategy. Developed in collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders, the guidelines serve as a key deliverable under the initiative titled 'Establish the regulatory framework for sustainable debt instruments.' This initiative aims to encourage local issuances and enhance the role of debt financing in the national economy. The approval of these new guidelines aligns with the CMA's comprehensive strategy, which includes over 40 initiatives designed to advance sustainable finance and develop the capital markets. Among these efforts are the creation of regulatory frameworks for green and ESG-linked bonds, the adoption of open finance practices to foster innovation, and the strengthening of corporate governance regulations to boost accountability and investor confidence. This development is particularly important as it accelerates the adoption of sustainable finance by creating a clear framework for issuing ESG-compliant debt instruments, enabling public and private entities to raise funds for environmentally and socially responsible projects. Furthermore, it strengthens the local debt market by encouraging wider participation from issuers and investors through enhanced regulatory clarity, which in turn improves market liquidity and access to capital. The CMA highlighted that while the new guidelines are non-binding, issuers offering green, social, sustainable, or sustainability-linked debt instruments denominated in Saudi riyals — whether through public or private placements — are required to disclose any deviations from the guidelines in their issuance framework or offering documents. 'The guideline does not entail any changes to the regulatory rules and procedures currently in place in the capital market,' the CMA stated. According to the regulator, the guidelines define four categories of instruments: green debt, social debt, sustainable debt, and sustainability-linked debt. Green, social, and sustainable instruments require that proceeds be used exclusively for projects that deliver positive environmental and/or social outcomes.
Argaam
27-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
CMA approves guidelines for GSS bonds
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) approved a regulatory guide for issuing green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked (GSS) debt instruments, with the framework taking effect today, May 27. The decision supports the CMA's role in implementing the national corporate sustainability strategy, launched by the Ministerial Committee in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. It also aligns with the CMA's 2024–2026 strategic objectives to enhance the sukuk and debt capital market. According to the CMA, the guide is a key outcome of the initiative to establish a regulatory framework for sustainable debt. It aims to promote local issuances and deepen the domestic fixed-income market, contributing to economic financing and supporting Vision 2030's Financial Sector Development Program. The CMA clarified that while the guide is advisory in nature, issuers of SAR-denominated green, social, sustainable, or sustainability-linked debt instruments, whether public or private, must disclose any non-compliance with the guide in their bond framework or offering document. The framework does not alter existing market laws or offering procedures. The guide covers instruments whose proceeds fund or refinance projects with environmental or social benefits. It defines four categories: green bonds, social bonds, sustainable bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds. GSS bonds must allocate proceeds exclusively to projects with positive environmental or social outcomes. By contrast, sustainability-linked bonds can be used for general corporate purposes, with classification tied to performance targets rather than use of proceeds. CMA noted that global sustainability-linked assets grew to $3.52 trillion by end-2023, marking a 92.7% increase from 2020. Green bond issuance alone surpassed $580 billion in 2023, reflecting rising global demand for sustainable investment vehicles. In the Saudi market, the number of listed firms disclosing sustainability practices rose to 94 in 2024, up from 81 in 2023. Among the top 100 listed companies, sustainability disclosure climbed to 65% in 2024, from 58% the year prior, indicating stronger commitment to transparency and ESG principles. The CMA said the framework allows investors to back sustainable development while earning returns. It aims to encourage diverse issuances, expand funding channels, enhance transparency, and bring the Saudi market in line with global ESG standards.
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
PM participates in meeting on Gaza situation in Madrid
QNA Madrid Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani participated in the expanded meeting between the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on developments in Gaza, the Madrid Group, and a number of European countries, held in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday. The meeting discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the international efforts aimed at halting the war and ending the humanitarian suffering in the Strip. They also discussed the ongoing preparations for the high-level international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, which will be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York in June, under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France. Members of the Ministerial Committee emphasised the importance of joint cooperation to ensure the success of the high-level international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, by providing clear commitments, concrete steps, and tangible support on the political, economic, and security levels. The committee members stressed the importance of implementing the two-state solution on the basis of relevant international resolutions, ensuring the Palestinian people's inherent right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also appreciated the efforts of the Madrid Group and European countries in supporting these efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. The committee members voiced their hope for the success of the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the release of prisoners and detainees. They also emphasised the importance of ending the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, opening all crossings immediately and unconditionally, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid to meet the needs of the Strip's population. The members of the Ministerial Committee condemned the repeated violations committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against civilians in the Gaza Strip, emphasising the importance of confronting all Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The committee members also reiterated their support for early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the Arab reconstruction plan adopted at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo. They also reiterated their support for the international conference that Egypt intends to host in Cairo, in cooperation with the Palestinian government and the United Nations, on the reconstruction of the Strip. The committee members commended the reforms launched by the Palestinian government, reiterating the committee's unwavering support for all measures that achieve the interests and aspirations of the fraternal Palestinian people and ensure their security, stability, and prosperity.
