Tunisian FM and German minister discuss strategic partnership
Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi met visiting German Minister of State to discuss strategic partnership between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi met visiting German Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Niels Annen to discuss strategic partnership between the two countries, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Tunisian FM and German minister discuss strategic partnership
The Tunisian-German strategic partnership “is witnessing continuous development that reflects the importance the two countries attach to bilateral relations,” said a ministry statement on Tuesday.
On the evolution of the political situation in Tunisia, Jerandi stressed the dynamism launched by the formation of the new government, and determination of the Tunisian leadership to achieve the goals of the exceptional measures adopted by President Kais Saied on July 25 that “came to correct the democratic process in Tunisia in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Tunisian people for development and prosperity,” Xinhua news agency reported.
For his part, Annen praised the current high level bilateral relations in various fields, highlighting his country’s continuous desire to further strengthen and push them toward wider horizons.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has met Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai, at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
Al Tayer stressed the importance of promoting cooperation between DEWA and public and private American companies in clean and renewable energy and water, as well as enhancing bilateral relations through sharing global best practices and benchmarking between DEWA and American organisations.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai.
In his meeting with Gregonis, Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s key projects, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of the wise leadership, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This is in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA is also harnessing all its capabilities to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies to contribute to making Dubai a smart city. This is achieved by providing the best government services. DEWA’s initiatives and projects aim to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, especially in renewable and clean energy, sustainability, and green economy.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Al Tayer also talked about the Green Hydrogen project, which DEWA commissioned at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. This is the first pilot project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce green hydrogen, one of the most promising sources of energy and among the environmentally friendly sources, which constitute one of the pillars of a sustainable future that depends on accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality and achieve a green economy by developing green mobility, and reducing carbon emissions across various industries.
Al Tayer talked about the 250MW power plant using hydroelectric pumped storage technology in the mountainous area adjacent to the Hatta Dam. He also highlighted DEWA’s study to produce energy using wind power, in addition to the smart grids. DEWA has adopted a strategy to enhance energy efficiency. It also has a clear strategy for demand side management, which seeks to reduce electricity and water demand by 30% by 2030.
‘UAE, Israel to Ink Economic Deal Within 9-Month Timeframe’
Israel-UAE negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are progressing as scheduled…writes Binsal Abdulkader
Israel-UAE negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are progressing as scheduled, and it will be signed within the nine-month timeframe set by the foreign ministers of the two countries in June 2021, Israel’s ambassador to the UAE said.
“I am very lucky to be the first Israeli ambassador here. For me, the sky is the limit [regarding the potential of bilateral relations]. In order to work and to improve [bilateral] trade figures, we need the CEPA,” said Amir Hayek, who took charge as the first Israeli ambassador to the UAE last week, in his first media interview.
Israel opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in June this year, headed by Eitan Naeh, who held the rank of Head of Mission. Naeh had been appointed in September as his country’s ambassador to Bahrain.
In an interview with WAM at the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Hayek said H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Yair Lapid, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, in their meeting in Abu Dhabi on 30th June had set a nine-month timeframe to sign the CEPA.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said the two ministers signed an Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation. Both sides expressed that they are looking forward to signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and they have commenced discussions on this matter, added the statement.
Hayek revealed that in a conversation with the Israeli Minister of Economy, Orna Barbivai, the latter expressed her commitment to the timeframe to sign the CEPA. “We are pushing, and we will [finish it] on time; I can assure you.”
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
First visit to UAE
Hayek never had the chance to visit the UAE in the past but felt at home after arriving here a week ago. “What I see is an amazing, beautiful, smart, warm, and fascinating country! We have close relations between our countries.”
As a business leader, Hayek has worked as CEO of major Israeli companies, besides holding several senior positions at the Israeli government.
“I got a lot from my country. I got an education. I held senior positions in the Israeli government and outside the government. Now it’s my turn to give back. This is why I’m here; to be a part of what has been built between the leaders of our countries,” he explained.
EXPO 2020
Reinstated visa exemption, Expo 2020 Dubai to boost tourism
Israel has reinstated visa-free travel for Emiratis as of 10th October, which was put on hold due to COVID-induced travel restrictions, the envoy said.
As more than a quarter million Israeli tourists have already visited the UAE since the signing of Abraham Accords, the visa exemption and Expo 2020 Dubai will further increase this number, he said.
“First of all Expo 2020 Dubai is happening for the first time in the region. Many Israelis are coming here to visit Expo. This is a fascinating country and you have no other choice but to fall in love with it.”
He explained that the global event will bring people together, drive business and enhance bilateral relations across the region and the world.
When asked about the potential UAE-Israel cooperation on international issues of mutual concern, the envoy said, “You can put a list of 100 topics that we can cooperate in. As a friendly country, we will talk with you and go forward with you anywhere. We are your friends and this is what’s important. So, I can give you a list of 100 topics. But by next week, it will grow to include 200 topics, and a week later, 400,” he said, with an optimistic smile.
Everyone favours Abraham Accords in Israel “We don’t have any opposition in Israel to the Abraham Accords and to the relations between Israel and the UAE. Everyone is in favour from right to left. When our high level officials visit the UAE, we are turning them into ambassadors for UAE-Israel relations.
“This is one of our secrets. How to bring people and to make them supporters of the UAE and supporters of the UAE-Israel relations. This is our aim,” he stressed.
The ambassador noted that four Israeli ministers and two deputy ministers visited the UAE last week. “Four of them came to this region for the first time. They are pushing us to do more.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the USCENTCOM Commander discussed ways of strengthening relations…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received today at Qasr Al Shati, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Commander of the US Central Command (USCENTCOM).
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the USCENTCOM Commander discussed ways of strengthening relations of friendship,and joint cooperation and coordination between the UAE and US, particularly in defence and military fields.
Abu Dhabi
They also exchanged views on an array of issues of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bn Hamad bn Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and Major General Saleh bin Megrin Al Ameri, Commander of Joint Operations.
Meanwhile, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer on Tuesday met with Meghan Gregonis, the US Consul General in Dubai, at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Al Tayer stressed the importance of promoting cooperation between DEWA and public and private American companies in clean and renewable energy and water, as well as enhancing bilateral relations through sharing global best practices and benchmarking between DEWA and American organisations.
In his meeting with Gregonis, Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s key projects, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of the wise leadership, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This is in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
DEWA is also harnessing all its capabilities to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies to contribute to making Dubai a smart city. This is achieved by providing the best government services. DEWA’s initiatives and projects aim to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, especially in renewable and clean energy, sustainability, and green economy.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Zalmay Khalilzad, who served as the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation since September 2018, has stepped down…reports Asian Lite News
Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Blinken said: “Thank you to Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for decades of tireless service to the United States. Pleased to welcome Thomas West to the role of Special Representative for Afghanistan.”
Zalmay Khalilzad.
TOLO News shared Khalilzad’s resignation letter to Blinken, in which the former diplomat wrote: “Today, our forces are out, the war is finally over for the United States and the very high financial costs of this engagement can now be directed to other vital needs. However, the political arrangement between the Afghan government and the Taliban did not go forward as envisaged.
“The reasons for this are too complex and I will share my thoughts in the coming days and weeks, after leaving government service.”
The move came two months after the hasty withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.
ZALMAY KHALILZAD: “I am of course saddened on behalf of the Afghan people that, despite our best efforts and extensive shuttle diplomacy on my part and that of the team as well as much urging from the international community, the Afghans failed to make use of this opportunity to end their 40-year conflict in a constructive spirit and with a fair compromise.”
Khalilzad, a leading US diplomat of Afghan-origin, has long been a controversial figure for his involvement in Washington’s ‘War on Terror’.
He also led Washington’s talks with the Taliban, which many see as the main precursor to the Pashtun-dominated group’s lightning victory in Afghanistan, TRT World reported.
After the Taliban’s surprisingly quick victory against the US-trained Afghan army, many government operators and experts can’t help but speculate on Washington’s role, particularly that of Khalilzad, in the Afghan group’s return to power.
Zalmay Khalilzad
Some other experts further believe that Khalilzad pursued a “special political agenda” to promote his personal and family interests.
“One man responsible for the chaos and destruction raging across Afghanistan is Zalmay Khalilzad. He should be investigated for alleged financial corruption,” says Kamal Alam, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
In 2014, Khalilzad’s finances were subject to an Austrian investigation which froze his wife’s accounts in the European country based on information from the US Department of Justice that he was suspected of money laundering related to business activities in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“This man wanted to be the president of Afghanistan. He ran to be the president of Afghanistan. No one likes him. Everyone hates him,” Alam tells TRT World.
The contest is an open innovation activity dedicated to all students and researchers from universities and research departments all over the world…reports Asian Lite News
As part of Italy Pavilion education events, Italy-based aerospace company Leonardo, together with its joint venture Telespazio, is bringing to Expo 2020 Dubai an important appointment for participants and curious about their #T-TeC contest.
EXPO 2020
The contest is an open innovation activity dedicated to all students and researchers from universities and research departments all over the world. It is aimed to valorise the ideas and intuition of young people, promoting development and technological innovation in the space sector and imagining the technologies that will mark the near future.
LUIGI PASQUALI, COORDINATOR OF LEONARDO SPACE ACTIVITIES AND, TELESPAZIO, CEO: “Developing new space technologies allows us to better understand the changes taking place on our own planet, and contribute to sustainable development. Innovating in space technology means investing in sustainability, but it is also true that innovation needs to be addressed to sustainability in Space, to avoid over-crowded orbits that could put at risk satellite services out lives rely on.”
The sedan is available in four well-equipped grades: LUXE, SENSORY, SPORT Black Edition, and RED SPORT…reports Asian Lite News
The 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan adds newfound smarts next year to its strong exterior style and tailored interior, including a SPORT Black Edition grade specific to the Middle East market. Every INFINITI Q50 now includes wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility for 2022.
The 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan continues its award-winning formula by combining a lean, athletic stance with a crafted, connected, and comfortable interior. The sedan is available in four well-equipped grades: LUXE, SENSORY, SPORT Black Edition and RED SPORT.
2022_INFINITI_Q50 infotainment
Dual, high-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software and INFINITI InTouchTM Services. Sound travels through an available Bose® Performance Series 16-speaker audio system with Bose® Centerpoint simulated surround that delivers a rich, balanced, and nuanced sound throughout the cabin. USB-based Android Auto™ compatibility is supported by two standard USB ports in the front (one Type-A, one Type-C), and wireless Apple CarPlay® is newly standard on all grades.
2022 Q50 sedan receive leather-appointed seating surfaces inside, with available Graphite, and Stone Grey colour treatments, as well as semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, brilliantly finished in Gallery White or Graphite, both with Red stitching for the RED SPORT grade. The interior features INFINITI’s hallmark zero-gravity spinal support seats that were carefully engineered to provide a consistent level of support and minimize pressure on lower and upper back muscles, in a spacious cabin with ample front and rear headroom, generous rear knee room enhanced by the thin front seatback design, and multi-adjustable front seats.
2022_INFINITI_Q50 interior
The 2022 INFINITI Q50 LUXE includes wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, leather-appointed seats, 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels, and more. The SENSORY grade ladders up with integrated navigation, ambient lighting, adaptive front lighting system and Bose® Performance Series Audio system. Replacing the SPORT grade, the SPORT Black Edition features dark chrome and black accents including the front grill, door mirror caps, rear tailgate strip, 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels and interior elements.
At the top of the performance ladder, the 2022 Q50 RED SPORT 400 includes unique black and dark exterior accents and (19”-inch wheels) , aluminium pedals, uprated V6 engine performance with 400 horsepower, semi-aniline leather-appointed surfaces, Dynamic Digital Suspension, which constantly adjusts the shock absorber valves within a wide range of damping force to control body motion when cornering.
Every 2022 INFINITI Q50 sedan is powered by a dynamic 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching, combing excellent drivability with efficiency and performance.
The sedan offers a wide range of safety features including predictive forward collision warning and direct adaptive steering, Backup collision Intervention and Around View® monitor, in addition to INFINITI’s trusted intelligent brake assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention and more.
The 2022 INFINITI Q50 is set to arrive in dealerships across the Middle East in late 2021.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said that tapping the benefits of digital transformation is critical to accelerating sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News
Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday toured the 41st edition of GITEX GLOBAL x Ai Everything, the world’s most influential technology sourcing and networking event being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The event has brought together more than 3,500 exhibitors from over 140 countries.
Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX
He was accompanied by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).
With global technological shifts exerting a significant impact on various sectors, development projects should explore how breakthrough innovations can be harnessed to improve people’s lives and create new growth opportunities, Sheikh Maktoum said. He also said that tapping the benefits of digital transformation is critical to accelerating sustainable development.
Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the growing importance of the event as a platform for the international technology community to connect with each other, forge partnerships and share knowledge that can help usher in a new phase of growth for the sector and create a brighter future for humanity.
Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX
He visited the pavilion of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), where he attended the launch of the new digital identity of the UAE digital government, in the presence of Talal Humaid Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDRA, and Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA.
The new identity marks the beginning of a new era of government operations that advances collaboration between various government entities to leverage the advantages brought by big data, artificial intelligence (AI), fourth industrial revolution and 5G technologies.
Later, Sheikh Maktoum visited the Saudi pavilion, where he was briefed about the participation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and its subsidiaries. Sheikh Maktoum also visited the pavilion of Abu Dhabi Government, which is showcasing 100 of its innovative digital initiatives and projects. Thirty-one government and academic entities have a presence at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion, under the theme ‘Government of The Future’.
The pavilion of Professional Communication Corporation (Nedaa) was another stop on His Highness’s tour. He was briefed at the pavilion about the latest mission-critical technologies utilised by the organisation for public safety and Smart City development.
Sheikh Maktoum visited the pavilion of Dubai Digital Authority, which under the theme ‘Digitising Life in Dubai’ is hosting its public and private sector partners; the Dubai Police pavilion where he learned about the various digital services it offers; and the UAE Government Pavilion, where he was briefed by Major General Talal Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department in Dubai, about the initiatives and programmes provided by various ministries.
During his visit to the stand of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), His Highness reviewed DEWA’s innovative projects aimed at reshaping the concept of utilities and the future of services.
Pioneering services and initiatives displayed at DEWA’s pavilion include the Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Distribution Network Switches and Operations, GIS Advanced Analytics & Decision-Making Apps, and the Drone Flight Hub system (Flying Eagle).
Maktoum bin Mohammed tours GITEX
Sheikh Maktoum visited the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation’s (PCFC) stand, where he was briefed by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, CEO of PCFC and Director-General of Dubai Customs, on the organisation’s smart projects showcased at the exhibition.
Innovations from Dubai Customs presented at the event include I-box smart lockers for safekeeping transit passengers’ uncleared precious cargo and the Smart Inspection table, which helps passengers have more privacy and minimise inspection time.
He also visited the stand of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, where he was briefed by Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai about his organisation’s innovative projects and services.
Sheikh Abdullah meets with UK counterpart Liz Truss
Both the countries have discussed the situation in the Middle East region and a series of international issues of common interest…reports Asian Lite News
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday met with his UK counterpart Liz Truss, as part of his official visit to the UK.
Sheikh Abdullah and Sajid Javid
The friendship ties between the UAE and the United Kingdom and ways to enhance the prospects of cooperation in all fields, including economic, trade, investment and climate change, featured high during the meeting.
The two top diplomats affirmed the determination of their countries to strengthen their strategic partnership, especially following the recent visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the UK, and his meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the announcement of the ‘Partnership for the Future’ between the two nations.
They also discussed the situation in the Middle East region and a series of international issues of common interest.
Sheikh Abdullah underlined the longstanding relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom, noting that the “Partnership for the Future” is conducive to creating promising opportunities for joint cooperation and contributes to achieving sustainable prosperity and strengthening international peace and security.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador of UAE to Abdullah Khalfan Juma Balhoul.
Sheikh Abdullah and COP26 President Alok Sharma
Abdullah meets COP26 Prez
The UAE is keen on working with the United Kingdom to develop proactive plans for climate change mitigation, said Abdullah bin Zayed.
Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during a meeting he had today with Alok Sharma, British Minister of State and President for COP26 in London on Monday.
During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and Sharma reviewed the historical ties of friendship between the two countries and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the environment, climate change and clean energy domains.
Sheikh Abdullah underlined UAE’s keenness to work with the UK to develop proactive and efficient mitigation plans for climate change, in a way that will ensure sustainable future for generations to come.
He also stressed the importance of cementing international cooperation to address climate change challenges He referred to the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, which will be hosted by the UK in November, saying that the UAE had submitted its bid to host the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCCC) in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
He also highlighted the country’s recent announcement of the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Sheikh Abdullah and Nadhim Zahawi
Meeting with health, education ministers
Sheikh Abdullah also met UK health secretary Sajid Javid, and education secretary Nadhim Zahawi as part his official visit to the UK.
During the meeting, which was held in the presence of Minister for Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences, Lord Kamall, they discussed the prospects of strengthening the friendship and cooperation between ties the two countries, especially in the health sector.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE’s keenness to accelerate knowledge transfer and exchange of expertise between the two nations in this field, pointing to the importance of investing in the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and turning them into opportunities that contribute to supporting international efforts to strengthen the global health system.
The UAE top diplomat also met with Nadhim Zahawi, Minister of Education, and discussed the longstanding relations between the two countries, especially in the field of education.
He affirmed the UAE’s determination to enhance aspects of joint cooperation with UK in all fields, including the education sector, highlighting the presence of a large number of Emirati students in British universities and British students learning in UAE-based colleges.
IS terror group says it will target more Shia Muslims
The Islamic State (IS) terror group has said that they will attack Shia Muslims everywhere…reports Asian Lite News
The group’s Al-Naba weekly has published the warning on Saturday, which adds that Shia Muslims will be targeted in their homes and centre.
The warning came a day after the terror group’s Khorasan branch (IS-K) carried out the twin bombings inside the Shia mosque in Kandahar, that claimed the lives of 63 people while injuring 83 others.
IS terror group says it will target more Shia Muslims
Friday’s attack took place exactly after a week when another Shia mosque in Kunduz city was hit by a suicide bombing which claimed the lives of at least 50 people.
The IS-K had claimed responsibility for the attack, which was the deadliest since the US forces left Afghanistan at the end of August.
Saturday’s warning has especially threatened Shia Muslims living in Afghanistan, and the IS added that that they cooperate and support Iran and other countries against the IS-K.
The IS-K is now the biggest threat that threatens the Taliban government after they took over Afghanistan.
In the meantime, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has purportedly said that their fighters will be deployed to man the security of mosques, especially of the Shia Muslim ones.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned of IS fighters entering Afghanistan from Iraq and Syria and added that there were presently up to 2,000 affiliates in the north of the war-torn nation.
