Russia believes it is very important to maintain closer diplomatic ties and further develop cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday at a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, while stressing that Russian-Gulf relations were not aimed against any party.
“During the sixth round of Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council strategic dialogue in Moscow, we have a unique opportunity to focus on issues of bilateral cooperation. The Russian side once again stresses the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia,” state news agency TASS reported.
Lavrov emphasized that the positions of the two countries corresponded on a range of international issues and added: “Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia show solidarity during their regular dialogues within various formats.”
The Saudi side said the two ministers’ meeting “reviewed the historical relations of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two friendly countries and peoples.” They also “discussed ways to enhance and develop these relations in all fields, along with consolidating bilateral and multilateral efforts on numerous files of common interest,” Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
Russia's pursuit of closer ties with Saudi Arabia can be interpreted as driven by its recognition of Saudi Arabia's importance in the global energy market, the geopolitical influence the Gulf region holds, and the potential diplomatic opportunities it offers to alleviate Russia's isolation and economic challenges resulting from the Ukraine invasion and subsequent sanctions.
Saudi Arabia holds significant geopolitical influence within the Gulf region and the wider Middle East. By forging closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Russia can potentially expand its diplomatic reach and influence in a region that has been historically dominated by Western powers. Strengthening its relationship with Saudi Arabia allows Russia to gain leverage and counterbalance the influence of its rivals in the region, particularly in light of its isolation resulting from the Ukraine invasion.
Furthermore, enhancing ties with Saudi Arabia could provide Russia with a platform to demonstrate its willingness to engage in dialogue and diplomacy, potentially improving its international standing amid the fallout from the Ukraine conflict. By fostering partnerships with key Gulf nations, Russia aims to project an image of cooperation and international engagement, which could contribute to mitigating its isolation and easing some of the economic pressures resulting from sanctions.
Russia-Gulf cooperation
After the sixth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC strategic dialogue in Moscow, a joint action plan 2023-2028 was adopted targeting bolstering relations and exchanging experiences in a variety of aspects.
Lavrov stressed that cooperation between Russia and GCC countries “does not seek to hurt anyone.” He said, “neither Russia nor the Gulf countries had ever tried to interfere with each other’s relations with third countries,” which distinguishes them “from a range of other relations, which, regrettably, are not equal.”
Lavrov hailed Russia’s ties with Gulf countries saying their relations were “friendly, cooperative and based on mutual trust, due account of each other’s interests, and the desire to form consensus approaches to any issues under discussion.”
Russia's relationship with Gulf countries is characterized by a range of political, economic, and strategic interactions. Seeking closer ties, Russia recognizes the GCC's economic significance, energy resources, and geopolitical influence. Economically, energy cooperation plays a vital role, with Russia's state-owned oil company, Rosneft, partnering with Gulf energy giants like Aramco and Qatar Petroleum. Additionally, Russia aims to expand non-energy trade, particularly in aerospace, defense, and technology. Politically, Russia engages with the GCC through diplomacy, high-level visits, and discussions on regional and global issues. Military cooperation agreements and joint exercises with GCC countries further solidify Russia's presence in the region.
Overall, Russia's relationship with the GCC countries is multifaceted, encompassing economic collaboration, diplomatic engagements, and defense cooperation. The region's strategic significance drives Russia's efforts to expand influence.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.
He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.
The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.
At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books
As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”
Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.
Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.
Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.
Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.
Automation
The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.
Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.
US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79
US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.
In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.
He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.
President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.