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UAE, Saudi Arabia stress keenness to enhance strategic cooperation: Joint Statement

ABU DHABI, 8th December, 2021 (WAM) — The UAE and Saudi Arabia stressed their keenness to enhance their strategic cooperation and economic, commercial and development integration, to shape
a better future that will ensure security, prosperity and comprehensive development and achieve the aspirations of their peoples, under the framework of the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.

In a joint statement issued today, the two countries affirmed the ongoing coordination of their stances on regional and international issues of mutual concern, to serve their interests and maintain the security and stability of the region and the entire world.

The statement – issued by the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to the UAE – is as follows:

Under the distinguished ties and deep-rooted historic relations between the leaderships and peoples of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and in light of the efforts aimed at boosting and developing the strategic cooperation and economic, commercial and development integration between the two countries aimed at shaping a better future and ensuring security, prosperity and comprehensive development, and upon the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the UAE on to 7th and 8th December, 2021.

During the visit, a meeting was held between Prince Mohammed bin Salman and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during which Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the UAE leadership, government and people on the occasion of the country’s Golden Jubilee.

He lauded the distinguished achievements of the country in a variety of fields and wished the UAE further progress, wellbeing, prosperity, security and stability under the rule of its wise leadership. During the visit, the fraternal ties between the two countries were addressed, as well as the progress on the strategic cooperation and the integration fronts and ways of boosting bilateral ties between the two countries.

The two sides lauded the distinguished level of cooperation between the two countries in political, security, military, economic and development areas, and the cooperation and integration under the framework of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council which was established upon the kind directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing their determination to develop and strengthen the role of the council in all areas.

The two sides also highlighted the abundant economic potential and distinguished opportunities that could be generated through the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries and increasing joint investments, stressing the importance of highlighting promising sectors to investors in both countries.

On the energy front, both sides lauded their close cooperation and the successful efforts of OPEC Plus to restore stability to the global oil market. They also affirmed the importance of continuing this cooperation, as well as the commitment of the member states of OPEC Plus to the agreement, stressing the importance of continuing their joint cooperation in the field of oil, gas and petrochemicals, as well as in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, oil products trade, capitalising on the electricity connectivity and the electricity trade exchange, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity and advanced technologies.

Regarding climate change, the two sides are keen to strengthen their ongoing cooperation in implementing the circular economy approach launched by Saudi Arabia during its presidency of the G-20, and was approved by the group as a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the challenges resulting from emissions that cause global warming. Moreover, the Emirati side highlighted the many local, regional and international achievements of the Green Middle East Initiative launched by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address climate change.

The Saudi side lauded the UAE’s pioneering role in addressing climate change, most notably its hosting of COP28 in 2023.

The two sides also stressed they will continue enhancing their cooperation in various areas, including health, tourism, food security and social development.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the UAE for the successful organisation of Expo 2020 Dubai while His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the UAE’s support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030.

The two sides emphasised the AlUla GCC Summit Declaration issued on 5th January, 2021, which stipulated the full and accurate implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, which was approved by the 36th Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States (GCC) Leaders' Summit in December 2015 according to a specific timetable and careful follow-up.

This includes the completion of economic unity, the joint defence and security systems pillars, as well as coordinating positions in a way that enhances the solidarity and stability of the GCC countries and promotes their regional role through unifying political positions, developing political partnerships with the international community, regional and international organisations, strength and cohesion of the GCC states and unity among its member states.

The parties reviewed the latest regional and global developments of mutual interest and emphasised coordination of their positions in a manner that serves their interests and supports and enhances security and stability in the region and the world.

In this regard, the two sides drew attention to their full support for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the borders of 4th June, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and the Madrid Conference references, and other agreed international references, to achieve the aspirations of the fraternal Palestinian people.

As for the Yemen, they emphasised the compatibility of their views regarding the continuation of their efforts to reach an overall political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the terms of reference represented by the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, the UNSC Resolution 2216, and Saudi Arabia's initiative to end the Yemeni crisis and reach a comprehensive political resolution in a manner that preserves Yemen's unity and integrity, respects its sovereignty and independence and rejects any interference in its internal affairs.

They also stressed the need to complete the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.

The two sides also condemned the Houthi militia's continued targeting of airports, civilian and vital facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the Lebanon, the two sides emphasised the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms to guarantees that Lebanon overcomes its crises and confines weapons in the hands of legitimate state institutions.

They also stressed that Lebanon will not be a starting point for any terrorist acts and an incubator for organisations and groups that target the security and stability of the region such as the terrorist Hezbollah, and a source of the drug scourge that threatens the safety of societies, the region and the world.

Moreover, the sides welcomed the success of the electoral process in Iraq, and expressed their wishes for the formation of an Iraqi government that will continue to work towards enhancing Iraq's security, stability and development, and putting an end to terrorist activities and foreign interference in its internal affairs.

The sides also welcomed the agreements reached by the parties to the transitional phase in Sudan, and affirmed their continued support for any steps that would help achieve security and stability in Sudan, expressing their wishes of stability and prosperity for Sudan and its people.

They underscored the importance of dealing seriously and effectively with Iran's nuclear and missile dossier with all its components and repercussions to ensure achieving regional and international security and stability, respecting the principles of good neighborliness, the UN resolutions and international legitimacy, and sparing the region from all destabilising activities and interventions. In that context, they demanded that the concerned parties take into consideration the interests, security and stability of other countries in the region.

The sides also affirmed that a political solution is the only way out of the Syrian crisis, and in that context, they announced their support for the efforts of the UN and its Special Envoy to implement the relevant international resolutions, foremost of which is UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254, and to stop regional interventions and projects that threaten Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also highlighted their support of the Syrian people and the need to support the international humanitarian efforts in Syria.

With regard to Afghanistan; the sides stressed the importance of supporting security and stability in Afghanistan and disallowing the existence of safe havens for terrorists and extremists in it. Furthermore, they condemned any acts aimed at recruiting Afghan refugees in various conflict areas, and expressed the importance of supporting relief efforts and humanitarian work in Afghanistan. In this regard, the UAE valued Saudi Arabia's invitation to an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries, to be held in Pakistan on 19th December, 2021, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia commended the UAE's efforts in the evacuation operations in Afghanistan.

As for Libya, the sides welcomed the Libyan and UN efforts to support the implementation of the agreed-upon political plan, and called for empowering the Libyan people to achieve their aspirations of unity, peace and stability. They also underlined the need to withdraw foreign mercenaries, fighters and forces from Libya.

At the end of the visit, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for the hospitality he showed to him and his accompanying delegation.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed his best wishes to Prince Mohammed bin Salman and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wishing them continued progress and prosperity under the country's wise leadership.

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Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

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Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

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Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions.  Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories.   Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

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