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Dutch FM meets Saudi counterpart, energy minister during Riyadh, Jeddah visit


Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the Russian-Ukraine war and a number of regional issues in a meeting with his Dutch counterpart Wopke Hoekstra in Jeddah on Thursday.

The top diplomats from Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands “reviewed the aspects of Saudi-Dutch relations in many fields of cooperation and ways to support and develop them to serve joint interests and realize greater prosperity for the two friendly countries and peoples,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ramadan Mubarak, dear H.H. Minister of Foreign Affairs @FaisalbinFarhan. Grateful for your warm welcome in Jeddah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands share longstanding ties and have a strong economic partnership. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/i82Ri3O3VH

— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) April 14, 2023

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“The two sides also exchanged views on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and international efforts to solve the crisis politically to achieve international peace and security, as well as discussing a number of issues and developments in the regional and international arenas,” the SPA report added.

The duo also discussed “opportunities to further enhance our bilateral relationship, for example on climate & energy, security and trade. Also exchanged views on human rights and the progress of female participation in society,” Hoekstra said in a social media statement.

Hoekstra is in the Kingdom on an official visit. He landed in Riyadh and paid a visit to the Dutch embassy, according to images shared by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Today, I am visiting Riyadh and Jeddah. Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in the region and is an important partner for us on issues such as security, climate change, and sustainable energy. A stable Gulf region is also in the interest of the Netherlands. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/hLSksMBG9y

— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) April 13, 2023

In Riyadh, he held a business meeting with Dutch and Saudi business professionals, and visited the Jeddah Islamic Port.

Good meeting with Dutch and Saudi business professionals. We spoke about Saudi Arabia’s #Vision2030 and the rapid socio-economic developments in #KSA. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/04piT2NLbI

— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) April 13, 2023

“Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in the region and is an important partner for us on issues such as security, climate change, and sustainable energy. A stable Gulf region is also in the interest of the Netherlands,” Hoekstra said in another social media post.

Prince Faisal and I also spoke about regional and geopolitical developments such as the war in Ukraine, the agreement between #KSA and Iran, the need for inclusive and durable peace in Yemen, and the urgent salvaging operation of the #FSOSafer,” the same post read.

The FSO Safer is a decaying 45-year-old oil tanker, long used as a floating storage platform, which is now abandoned off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. It has not been serviced since Yemen plunged into war more than seven years ago.

Earlier in March, the United Nations said it had bought a ship to remove oil and avoid a potentially catastrophic spill.

Hoekstra, who is also the deputy prime minister, met with the Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman where they discussed economic ties and the existing trade and investment partnership.

“#KSA is an important partner for us on energy and renewables, including on hydrogen developments and energy efficiency. We also talked about the need to reduce global emissions and climate adaptation,” the Dutch minister said on social media.

Great to have spoken with H.R.H., Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman al Saud in Jeddah. We had an excellent conversation on the strong Dutch-Saudi economic ties and our robust trade and investment partnership. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/D6AqyVUFfa

— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) April 14, 2023

Additionally, Hoekstra met with the President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala bint Mazyad al-Tuwaijri where they reportedly discussed social reforms, improved participation of women in the workforce, and capital punishment.

Good to speak with the President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission @AltuwaijriHala. Human rights are a cornerstone of the Netherlands' foreign policy. We welcome the willingness of @HRCSaudi_EN to engage in continuous dialogue on this topic. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/45JlT76CxN

— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) April 13, 2023

He also visited the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh and spoke with Secretary-General Jassim al-Budaiwi.

“We discussed ties between the Netherlands and the GCC, the strategic partnership with the EU, and ways to deepen cooperation with the six Member States of the @GCCSG,” the top diplomat said in a social media statement.

Pleasure to meet Wopke Hoekstra @WBHoekstra DPM & FM #Netherlands 🇳🇱@GCCSG in #Riyadh
Had a constructive discussions as the #GCC attaches great importance to consolidating & deepening its relations across all levels with its strategic partners Netherlands and the #EU pic.twitter.com/1tgjkYOZgg

— Jasem Albudaiwi (@jasemalbudaiwi) April 13, 2023

Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands share historic diplomatic ties going as far back as 150 years when the Dutch consulate first opened in 1872.

“Saudi Arabia’s #Vision2030 plan provides good opportunities for the Netherlands to work together on social and sustainable economic reforms,” Hoekstra said.

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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.

-wam

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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.

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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.

-WAM

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