Latest news with #Non-NATO
Ya Biladi
01-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's $260 million Javelin Missile deal with the U.S. moves forward
Pending Congressional approval, Morocco's order for 612 Javelin missiles was published in the U.S. Federal Register on May 27. This potential sale, valued at $260 million (or 2.61 billion dirhams), has already received the green light from the State Department, as announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement on March 19. «This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa», the statement added. This marks the first major U.S. arms sale to Morocco announced since Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20. It was followed, on April 15, by a proposal to sell the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and related equipment for an estimated $825 million (approximately 7.7 billion dirhams). As with the Javelin order, this deal is also awaiting Congressional approval. During Trump's first term, Morocco signed major contracts with the U.S. military industry, including the 2019 purchase of 24 Apache helicopters for $1.5 billion, 25 new F-16 Block 72 fighter jets for $3.787 billion, and the upgrade of 23 older F-16s for $985.2 million.
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Trump is visiting three of world's wealthiest nations. What's on the table for discussion
US President Donald Trump is set to visit three key Gulf nations this week: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip marks his first state visit of his second term, and the Gulf states are keen to secure deals and strengthen their ties with the US. According to CNN, the Gulf nations have developed strong personal ties with Trump and pledged significant investments in the US. They also see themselves as key partners in resolving conflicts like those in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. These countries hope to gain economic, military, and diplomatic benefits from their relationship with the US. Saudi Arabia is looking to strengthen its security ties with the US. As Ali Shihabi, a commentator on Saudi politics, told CNN, 'Security, security and security' are the main priorities for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. They seek reassurance of the US's commitment to Gulf stability, especially after concerns over US interest during the Biden administration. Saudi Arabia is also interested in developing a civilian nuclear program, though this has been delayed due to concerns over uranium enrichment, which could be used to produce nuclear weapons. Trump's visit could help advance this goal, as it could open up lucrative opportunities for US companies in the nuclear sector. The UAE is focused on using its wealth to deepen ties with the US, especially in the field of technology. The UAE has committed to investing $1.4 trillion over the next decade, targeting areas like AI, semiconductors, and energy. As Ebtesam AlKetbi, head of the Emirates Policy Center, said to CNN, expanding trade and investment is essential for strengthening the US-UAE partnership. The UAE is particularly keen on advancing its AI ambitions and has positioned itself as a key player in the global tech race. However, it faces restrictions on AI exports from the US, which may be eased during Trump's visit. This would be a major step for the UAE's goal of becoming a global AI leader. Qatar's main concern is security, as it hosts the largest US military base in the region. The US and Qatar recently extended their military cooperation agreement, and Qatar has been granted the status of a Major Non-NATO Ally. As Hasan Alhasan, a Middle East expert, explained to CNN, Qatar's role as a mediator in conflicts, such as in Gaza and Afghanistan, adds to its influence with the US. One of Qatar's key aims during Trump's visit is to convince the US to lift sanctions on Syria under the Caesar Act, which imposes economic restrictions on the country. Qatar is cautious about offering support to Syria without US approval. Experts say Trump's visit is seen as a chance for the Gulf states to secure major deals in security, technology, and diplomacy. As Firas Maksad, managing director at Eurasia Group, said, 'Expect big announcements' during Trump's trip, as both the US and Gulf states stand to benefit from the strengthened partnership.
Morocco World
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
NATO Official: Morocco Has ‘Experience From Which We Can Learn'
Doha – NATO's Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood Javier Colomina believes that Morocco has demonstrated 'a greater willingness to increase cooperation' with NATO compared to other regional countries over the past two to three years. The Special Representative made these remarks on Wednesday during a recently filmed interview with the Spanish outlet Agenda Pública. Colomina described Morocco as an outstanding 'active partner' with whom NATO seeks to strengthen ties. 'Morocco has experience and effective military capabilities from which we can learn,' he said during the interview in Brussels. The NATO official outlined the mutual benefits of the partnership, explaining that the Alliance aims to leverage Morocco's expertise in addressing regional threats through its own means. In turn, Morocco can benefit from NATO's capabilities in command and control, training, military strategy, and interoperability. 'What interests us is to build a relationship that benefits both of us, the intersection between their interests and ours,' Colomina explained, adding that the relationship 'must be mutually beneficial.' Read also: NATO Highlights Morocco's Strategic Role in Counterterrorism and Regional Stability When asked about potential NATO membership for countries in the southern neighborhood, Colomina clarified that the current focus remains on strengthening political relations and practical cooperation with both existing partners and non-members. Several African nations are exploring options to enhance their relationship with the Alliance, he noted. Colomina visited Rabat in October 2024, where he met with Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita. During those talks, he framed Morocco as an 'indispensable player' in security cooperation and a 'very important partner' for the Atlantic Alliance, particularly praising the country's counter-terrorism efforts. Morocco's role within NATO frameworks continues to be highly regarded by Alliance officials. In April 2024, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, lauded the country's contributions to joint exercises, particularly in counterterrorism, irregular migration control, and maritime security. Recognized as a Major Non-NATO Ally since 2004, Morocco has long been a valued and steadfast security partner to NATO members.
Iraqi News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Trump blasts Ireland on trade during traditional visit
Washington – It was perhaps not the welcome Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin had hoped for on an annual US trip to mark Saint Patrick's Day — a dressing down from Donald Trump on trade and tariffs. 'We do have a massive deficit with Ireland,' the US president said in answer to the very first question he faced with Martin in the Oval Office, before going on to lambast the European Union in general. Trump promised to respond to tariffs imposed by the EU in retaliation for new US levies on steel and aluminum — an economic shockwave that could hit Ireland too. Certainly the encounter with the Irish taoiseach, or premier, was calmer than the scene less than two weeks ago when Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky got into a blazing row, also in the Oval Office. There was even a light-hearted moment as Trump ribbed Vice President JD Vance about the green-and-white shamrock socks he wore to honor Martin's trip, a tradition by the Irish leader ahead of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17. But despite the pleasantries during the visit, the 78-year-old president had a long list of grievances about the Emerald Isle. Trump said he had 'great respect' for Ireland but in the same breath accused it of luring pharma and tech giants to its shores with low taxes. 'This is this beautiful island of five million people, it's got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grip,' Trump said. The United States is Ireland's single biggest export market for pharmaceutical drugs and ingredients, mostly manufactured by American companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson. – 'Very tough' – 'I'm not upset with you. I think I respect what you've done,' said Trump. 'But the United States shouldn't have let it happen.' The US president complained about 'tremendously bad' treatment of tech titan Apple, which was ordered by Brussels to pay a multi-billion-euro tax settlement to Ireland. It then got personal, as it often seems to with Trump, as the billionaire former property developer complained about EU red tape holding up the expansion of a resort he owns in Ireland. Trump finally returned to one of his favorite themes as he launched a broader attack on the 27-nation European Union. 'The EU was set up in order to take advantage of the United States,' Trump said. Trump also doubled down on his threats to impose reciprocal tariffs on the European Union in April. 'So whatever they charge us, we're charging them.' When Martin got a word in edgeways, he tried to strike a diplomatic tone. 'It's a two-way street,' Martin said, adding that Ireland was stepping up investments in the United States. 'It's a relationship that we can develop and that will endure into the future.' Trump agreed — and then went back to speaking about the deficit. The Irish and US leaders also ended up talking past each other on the subject of the Israel-Hamas war. Non-NATO member Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in Europe, in stark contrast to Trump who has called for the US to 'take over' Gaza. 'It's been our view that a two-state solution is the ideal,' Martin said.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump blasts Ireland on trade during traditional visit
It was perhaps not the welcome Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin had hoped for on an annual US trip to mark Saint Patrick's Day -- a dressing down from Donald Trump on trade and tariffs. "We do have a massive deficit with Ireland," the US president said in answer to the very first question he faced with Martin in the Oval Office, before going on to lambast the European Union in general. Trump promised to respond to tariffs imposed by the EU in retaliation for new US levies on steel and aluminum -- an economic shockwave that could hit Ireland too. Certainly the encounter with the Irish taoiseach, or premier, was calmer than the scene less than two weeks ago when Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky got into a blazing row, also in the Oval Office. There was even a light-hearted moment as Trump ribbed Vice President JD Vance about the green-and-white shamrock socks he wore to honor Martin's trip, a tradition by the Irish leader ahead of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17. But despite the pleasantries during the visit, the 78-year-old president had a long list of grievances about the Emerald Isle. Trump said he had "great respect" for Ireland but in the same breath accused it of luring pharma and tech giants to its shores with low taxes. "This is this beautiful island of five million people, it's got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grip," Trump said. The United States is Ireland's single biggest export market for pharmaceutical drugs and ingredients, mostly manufactured by American companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson. - 'Very tough' - "I'm not upset with you. I think I respect what you've done," said Trump. "But the United States shouldn't have let it happen." The US president complained about "tremendously bad" treatment of tech titan Apple, which was ordered by Brussels to pay a multi-billion-euro tax settlement to Ireland. It then got personal, as it often seems to with Trump, as the billionaire former property developer complained about EU red tape holding up the expansion of a resort he owns in Ireland. Trump finally returned to one of his favorite themes as he launched a broader attack on the 27-nation European Union. "The EU was set up in order to take advantage of the United States," Trump said. Trump also doubled down on his threats to impose reciprocal tariffs on the European Union in April. "So whatever they charge us, we're charging them." When Martin got a word in edgeways, he tried to strike a diplomatic tone. "It's a two-way street," Martin said, adding that Ireland was stepping up investments in the United States. "It's a relationship that we can develop and that will endure into the future." Trump agreed -- and then went back to speaking about the deficit. The Irish and US leaders also ended up talking past each other on the subject of the Israel-Hamas war. Non-NATO member Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in Europe, in stark contrast to Trump who has called for the US to "take over" Gaza. "It's been our view that a two-state solution is the ideal," Martin said. dk/mlm
