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Yemen Online
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yemen Online
Donald Trump's visit to the UAE underlines a special relationship
The friendship between the American and Emirati peoples is one that has been present for decades. In 2019, President Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, met the family of Pat and Marian Kennedy, American doctors who founded the emirate's Oasis Hospital in 1960, a clinic that went on to deliver thousands of Emirati babies at a nascent time in the country's rapid modern development. The US-Emirati relationship forged in such austere times has since developed into a 21st-century partnership characterised by deep co-operation in trade, security, energy and diplomacy. The arrival in Abu Dhabi of US President Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon, and the warm welcome afforded him by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed — as also, significantly, the UAE's highest civilian honour, the Order Of Zayed bestowed on Mr Trump — reflect the importance of that relationship for both countries. "Your relationship and mine is already at the highest level and can't get better. It's an honour to be with you," Mr Trump told President Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Watan last evening. The US leader's visit to the UAE is the third act in what has been a purposeful and dynamic visit to the Gulf. A profusion of bilateral deals worth billions of dollars has been accompanied by some unique moments. Among these was Mr Trump's Riyadh address to the US-Saudi Investment Forum, in which he chided 'western interventionists' and praised Gulf countries for 'developing your own sovereign countries, pursuing your own unique visions, and charting your own destinies'. His visit to Qatar – the first official visit by a US President – was as productive as it was historic, resulting in what the White House said was an estimated $1.2 trillion 'economic exchange'. But if Mr Trump's visit to Doha was a historic first, his presence in the UAE is the latest in several visits by serving and former US presidents that have underlined the two nations' enduring ties. In 1990, former president Jimmy Carter made a private three-day trip to the Emirates, meeting the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to work together on eradicating preventable disease in the developing world. In January 2008, Geroge W Bush became the first sitting US president to come to the country, his two-day visit representing a milestone moment for the long-time partners. It is a partnership that has grown further following Mr Trump's return to office. Since January, his administration has agreed a series of deals and investments involving the UAE, including March's announcement by the White House that the Emirates had pledged a $1.4 trillion 'investment framework' for projects related to artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors, energy and manufacturing. Sources speaking to The National this week have hinted at more developments to come, with UAE and US officials having been "actively engaged" in the lead-up to Mr Trump's visit in hopes of advancing a broad AI and technology partnership. Such engagement is good for the UAE and the US – two countries that still have much to offer each other. But this thriving relationship is also important for the wider Middle East, where the need for dialogue to solve intractable problems – such as the war in Gaza – is more pressing than ever. So long as the US-Emirati bond continues to deepen, both countries will be able to play their part not only in working towards prosperity for their peoples but in working to make this region a better place.
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Aramco signs up to $90b in US deals amid Trump Gulf tour
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Reuters) — Saudi Aramco said on Wednesday it had signed 34 preliminary deals with major US companies, potentially worth up to $90 billion in a push to deepen commercial ties with the United States on the back of President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom. The announcement was made a day after Riyadh pledged $600 billion in US investments. Still, most tie-ups listed by the state oil giant were memorandums of understanding without a value attached. Some deals have also been previously announced, such as the agreement to buy 1.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year for a 20-year term from NextDecade. The agreements underscore Saudi Arabia's efforts to strengthen its energy partnerships and attract foreign investment as it looks to balance oil dominance with broader industrial and technological growth under Vision 2030. "The US is really a good place to put our investment," Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said on Tuesday at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh. The forum coincided with Trump's four-day tour of the Gulf, marked by lavish receptions and a series of business deals, including $142 billion in arms agreements. Aramco is the economic backbone of Saudi Arabia, generating a bulk of the kingdom's revenue through oil exports and funding its ambitious Vision 2030 diversification drive. The company said the agreements, struck through its Aramco Group Companies, aim to build on its longstanding ties with US companies, enhance shareholder value, and expand collaboration in energy and other strategic sectors. A memorandum of understanding with tech heavyweight Nvidia aims to establish advanced industrial AI infrastructure, including an AI Hub, an engineering and robotics center, and workforce training programs. Aramco also signed an MoU with ExxonMobil to evaluate a significant upgrade to their SAMREF refinery, with plans to expand it into an integrated petrochemical complex. It also inked a non-binding agreement with Amazon Web Services to collaborate on digital transformation and lower-carbon initiatives, while an MoU with Qualcomm focuses on collaboration in enhancing industrial networks and AI capabilities. "Our US-related activities have evolved over the decades, and now include multi-disciplinary (research and development), the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur, start-up investments, potential collaborations in LNG, and ongoing procurement," Nasser said in a statement. Aramco said on Tuesday it would invest $3.4 billion to expand the Motiva refinery in Texas. Beyond energy, the state oil giant has become a key vehicle for industrial development, digital transformation and foreign investment. It expanded existing relationships with several high-profile US suppliers including SLB, Baker Hughes, GE Vernova and Honeywell. On the financial services front, it has forged agreements with asset management giants PIMCO, State Street Corporation and Wellington. It also signed a deal for short-term cash investments through a unified investment fund, named 'Fund of One,' with financial heavyweights BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and PIMCO.
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
The Arabian way: Rethinking power through peace and partnership
'My preference will always be for peace and partnership,' US President Donald Trump affirmed in Riyadh during the first foreign visit of his second term in office. The US president was addressing a distinguished audience of the US-Saudi Investment Forum, headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In his 48-minute-long speech, Trump celebrated Saudi Arabia's strides toward progress, crediting its leadership and people for driving change from within: 'It's crucial for the wider world to know this great transformation did not come from Western intervention... You achieved a modern miracle the Arabian way. That's a good way.' Those remarks were not just congratulatory of Saudi Arabia's major achievements in recent years, but an assertion of the shift in US foreign policy strategy to one that prioritizes sovereignty and mutual respect. This is a clear departure from previous approaches characterized by liberal ideals, resulting in long and costly wars. Instead, the US is rethinking power in a multipolar international order, placing peace and partnership at the forefront. Trump distinguished himself from previous administrations and policies of those he described as 'so-called nation-builders — the neocons and liberal non-profits,' explicitly referencing previous American interventions in Kabul and Baghdad. He continued, 'Far too many American presidents have been afflicted with the notion that it's our job to look into the souls of foreign leaders and use US policy to dispense justice,' alluding to policies that have often led to stability being compromised in pursuit of democratization and regime change. While Trump flatly rejected liberal interventionism, he did not completely distance himself from liberal internationalism, which views diplomacy and cooperation as essential. His speech underscored the importance of engagement as the path to peace. He highlighted economic interdependence, pointing to trade as a key factor behind the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire. Even with long-standing adversaries, Trump signaled a willingness to reset relations. Referring to Iran, he declared his readiness to 'end past conflict and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world — even if our differences may be very profound.' At the same time, American military strength was front and center in Trump's address, aligning closely with offensive realism theory. Trump boasted about the unmatched strength of the US military, referencing weapons with 'destructive power like nobody has seen before,' and highlighting a pending one-trillion-dollar defense budget, framing it as a case of peace through strength. He went on to assert that he 'will never hesitate to wield American power' to defend the United States or its allies. Though, he added, 'Hopefully we'll never have to use them.' The statement was followed by a reminder: 'We have things that you don't even know about.' Nevertheless, Trump reaffirmed his administration's commitment to peaceful engagement, 'offering a strong and steady hand of friendship to all that will take it in good faith.' The mix of strategic strength and diplomacy he presented reflected an alternative path rooted in peace and partnership. Whether this approach marks a lasting shift remains to be seen, but it offered a compelling glimpse into an approach to international relations shaped not by ideology, but by cooperation, pragmatism, and sovereignty. The 'Arabian way' that Trump commended Saudi Arabia for recognizes that the stability and prosperity of the Middle East must come from within — from those who live its realities, understand its nuances, and are deeply invested in its future. By embracing this vision, Saudi Arabia has prioritized domestic development, empowered its people, and pursued regional diplomacy on its own terms. This approach has led to the restoration of diplomatic ties with Iran and support for a new transitional government in Syria — efforts Trump acknowledged by announcing the lifting of sanctions on Syria, crediting Saudi leadership for making such progress possible. As the world shifts toward a multipolar order, this vision offers a third way in international relations: one where peace and partnership take precedence over ideological crusades or aggressive power struggles. Reflecting this shift, Trump's speech during this landmark visit to Riyadh concluded with the words, 'And we will always be friends.' — Manar Al Mahmood, is a Saudi international affairs specialist with an academic background in political science and professional UN experience having served in diplomatic duties at UNESCO HQ in Paris, France.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Austria's new FM Meinl-Reisinger condemns Pahalgam terror attack, discusses collective efforts for peace in Ukraine with EAM Jaishankar
Vienna [Austria], May 14 (ANI): Austria's new Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Wednesday had a productive phone call with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties between Austria and India. Meinl-Reisinger condemned the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India in the face of terrorism, welcoming the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan as a vital step toward de-escalation and peace in the region. She also discussed collective efforts for peace in Ukraine with EAM Jaishankar, emphasising the need for Russia to agree to a ceasefire and stop the killing. In a post on X, she said, 'Very good phone call with FM S Jaishankar. Austria and India are committed to elevating our strong bilateral ties. I reiterated Austria's condemnation of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and welcomed the ceasefire with Pakistan as a vital step toward de-escalation. We also discussed collective efforts for peace in Ukraine and I stressed that now is the time for Russia to stop the killing and agree to the ceasefire.' Earlier in the day, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism and strongly opposed any form of nuclear blackmail. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, 'Appreciated the conversation today with Austrian FM Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Congratulated on her appointment. Agreed on zero tolerance of terrorism and firm opposition to nuclear blackmail. Discussed our excellent bilateral ties and the Ukraine conflict.' Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949. The discussion on terrorism was directed at the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor. Recently, following the recent cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, the US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasised the importance of direct communication between both countries. He also commended India and Pakistan for choosing the path of peace. On being asked if the US received any assurance or commitment during their talks with Pakistan, whether Pakistan will dismantle its terror infrastructure or no longer support terror groups in the country, Pigott while addressing the press briefing on Tuesday said, 'I can only reiterate that we welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan this weekend. We commend both Prime Ministers for choosing the path of peace. We also want to encourage direct communication between the parties.' Earlier, US President Donald Trump, while participating in the US-Saudi Investment Forum, took credit for the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. (ANI)
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Jaishankar, Austrian FM call for zero tolerance towards terrorism, oppose nuclear blackmail
New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism and strongly opposed any form of nuclear blackmail. Jaishankar also congratulated Meinl-Reisinger on her appointment. In a post on X, he said, 'Appreciated the conversation today with Austrian FM Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Congratulated on her appointment. Agreed on zero tolerance of terrorism and firm opposition to nuclear blackmail. Discussed our excellent bilateral ties and the Ukraine conflict.' Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949, and the two countries continue to maintain strong bilateral engagement. The conversation on terrorism was a reference to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian response through Operation Sindoor. The talks came in the backdrop of the recent cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Addressing this development, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stressed the need for continued direct communication between New Delhi and Islamabad.' I can only reiterate that we welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan this weekend. We commend both Prime Ministers for choosing the path of peace. We also want to encourage direct communication between the parties,' Pigott said at a press briefing on Tuesday. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump said he leveraged trade ties to help stop the escalation. 'Just days ago, my administration brokered a historic cease-fire to stop the escalating violence between India and Pakistan, and I used trade to a large extent to do it. I said, fellas, come on, let's make a deal, let's do some trading, let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make so beautifully, and they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, smart leaders, and it all stopped,' Trump said. (ANI)
