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‘Imperative to cultivate young Arab leaders to address global crises’

His Highness emphasised that specialist programmes, like the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme, reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to preparing young leaders…reports Asian Lite News

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Arab Youth Centre in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of the third edition of the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “Given the rapid transformations occurring across the Arab world, it is imperative to cultivate a new generation of young Arab leaders equipped to address humanitarian crises with both leadership and diplomacy. The UAE has long acknowledged this necessity and has proactively invested in developing the potential of its youth by enhancing their capabilities and empowering them with modern diplomatic tools and leadership competencies. This strategic approach enables young leaders to effectively contribute to global dialogues and play a pivotal role in addressing both regional and international challenges.”

His Highness emphasised that specialist programmes, like the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme, reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to preparing young leaders who can represent their countries in international forums and find peaceful solutions to various conflicts, thereby strengthening international cooperation.

The programme, which is being held in partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other diplomatic institutions (Harvard, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and the DiploFoundation), includes participants from nine Arab countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, and Tunisia.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, said that this edition of the programme focuses on empowering young people with key skills in humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian work. He noted that youth play a pivotal role in leading peace efforts, promoting stability, and fostering intercultural understanding, being the future ambassadors of their countries who are capable of advancing humanitarian efforts in their nations in collaboration with international partners.

Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, stated that investing in the training and development of young Arabs in the field of humanitarian diplomacy is an investment in the future.

He emphasised that humanitarian diplomacy is a soft power tool, and youth are a driving force for finding peaceful and humane solutions to crises in the Arab world. He expressed confidence that young Arabs are ambassadors for positive change and are capable of addressing complex international issues from a humanitarian perspective, armed with skills in effective communication, negotiation, and a deeper understanding of humanitarian diplomacy and international cooperation mechanisms.

Dr. Mohamed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, added that the academy’s approach combines practical experience and theoretical knowledge to develop a generation of creative diplomats, shaping strategic thinkers who can navigate the complexities of international relations and create a cohort of leaders who can enhance the UAE’s standing on the global stage and shape the future of diplomacy.

The third edition of the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme will include a series of training sessions, workshops, and meetings with prominent figures and experts in the field of diplomacy.

The sessions will cover the fundamentals of humanitarian diplomacy, advanced concepts in humanitarian negotiations, international humanitarian law, decision-making mechanisms, building alliances and managing relationships, advanced financial diplomacy, protecting vulnerable groups, managing responsible institutional spending, and advanced humanitarian diplomacy.

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Arab FMs explore measures to stop Israeli aggression

The meeting will focus on halting the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

The 162nd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League will take place today at the Arab League Secretariat in Cairo.

The meeting will focus on halting the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza and the West Bank and strengthening international support for Palestine.

The session, chaired by Yemen, which is taking over the presidency from Mauritania, will include Arab foreign ministers and heads of delegations, as well as Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League Secretary-General; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and along with several other Assistant Secretaries-General.

Prominent international figures attending the meeting will include Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye; Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Philippe Lazzarini, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); and Sigrid Kaag, United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.

The Council will address ways to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza and the West Bank and the crimes of genocide committed by the occupying forces against the Palestinian people over the past 11 months, which have resulted in martyrdom, injury, and the loss of more than 145,000 Palestinian civilians.

The Council will also discuss political, diplomatic, and legal measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their land, which constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and threatens Arab national security.

The Council will tackle the impact of these policies on the collapse of peace opportunities in the region and the worsening conflict.

During the meetings, the Council will emphasise its commitment to continuing support for Palestine in its pursuit of full United Nations membership.

Sisi stresses utmost urgency to prioritise Gaza

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received, separately, on Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, Egypt’s State Information Service reported.

The meeting was attended by the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi emphasied the utmost urgency to prioritise the path of de-escalation and reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and detainees, to alleviate the dire and miserable living conditions endured by Gaza’s residents.

President El-Sisi reiterated that this shall take place in tandem with a serious and decisive approach to enforce the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, fulfilling the aspirations of the peoples in the region for justice, security, stability, and development.

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Arab oil & gas sector secured 610 projects worth $406b

The report projected that proven oil reserves in the Arab region will decline to 704 billion barrels in 2024…reports Asian Lite News

The oil and gas sector in Arab countries attracted 610 projects implemented by 356 foreign and Arab companies, with a total investment cost of US$ 406 billion between January 2003 and May 2024.

The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) stated in its first sectoral report on oil and gas in Arab countries for 2024, launched today from its headquarters in Kuwait City, that the United States topped the list as the most important investing country in the Arab region in the oil and gas sector in terms of the number of projects, with 85 projects representing about 14 percent of the total.

It added that Russia ranked first in terms of investment costs, with a value of US$ 61.5 billion, representing about 15.2 percent of the total, according to the database of foreign direct investment projects worldwide.

The report projected that proven oil reserves in the Arab region will decline to 704 billion barrels in 2024, representing about 41.3 percent of the global total, with a continued decline of 7 percent to 654.5 billion barrels expected in 2030, according to Fitch data.

It stated that proven natural gas reserves in the Arab region are also expected to reach about 58 trillion cubic metres, representing 26.8 percent of the global total, with a decline of 7.5 percent to 53.53 trillion cubic metres expected in 2030.

The report also projected that Arab countries’ production of crude oil, compressed gas, and other liquids will increase by 6.4 percent to 28.7 million barrels per day in 2024, reaching about 33 million barrels per day in 2030.

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Arab League condemns Israel over UNRWA terror tag

Arab League chief pointed out that the Israeli Knesset’s move is part of a systematic campaign by Israel to undermine UNRWA’s role as an agency that works to serve the refugees…reports Asian Lite News

The Arab League has condemned the Israeli Knesset’s decision, designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as a terrorist organisation, describing it as a ‘’reckless political bankruptcy” and an ‘’insult to international humanitarian action and human rights.

In a statement on Wednesday, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirmed that such a decision targets UNRWA’s legitimacy and its global reputation, pointing out that the move is part of a systematic campaign by the occupation state to undermine UNRWA’s role as an agency that works to serve the refugees.

Aboul Gheit affirmed that the decision exposes the extreme isolation the Israeli politicians are facing and reflects their vision which is devoid of any humanitarian or moral dimension.

Norway sanctions Israeli settlers

Norway has aligned with the European Union (EU) in imposing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers in the West Bank, a government statement said.

Last week, the EU decided to impose sanctions on five individuals and three organisations due to “serious human rights abuses”. The sanctions add to those already in force.

The aforementioned individuals and organisations are accused of severe abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The individuals will face frozen financial assets and travel restrictions, while the organisations will also have their financial assets frozen, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal. The organisations and individuals now listed are behind serious human rights abuses against Palestinians,” said Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The Foreign Minister condemned Israel’s decisions to expand settlements in the West Bank.

“Recently, we have witnessed several unacceptable expansions of Israeli settlements. The increasing transfer of control over the West Bank from military to civilian Israeli authorities, and the displacement of Palestinians from large areas of the West Bank due to settlement violence and house demolitions are deeply worrying,” he added.

Palestinians are increasingly exposed to threats and violent attacks from settlers.

Thousands of Gazans on move again

After recent evacuation orders, Gazans abandoned shelter in parts of the north and the south, moving so quickly that some left without belongings, UN humanitarians said.

It was not the first time many of them were displaced.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that more civilians fled parts of Khan Younis following Monday’s evacuation order issued by Israeli authorities and the subsequent intensification of hostilities in that area, Xinhua news agency reported.

OCHA added that humanitarian colleagues monitoring population movements reported about 150,000 people left areas in Khan Younis.

The office is concerned about the short interval between dropping leaflets ordering people to leave and the escalation of military operations, posing significant risks. The warning was about an hour before hostilities. Many civilians were seen on the move without any belongings.

“The immediate escalation of hostilities in the area also resulted in many people being trapped in the evacuation area,” OCHA said.

“These included people with reduced mobility and family members supporting them.”

The humanitarians said that each evacuation order profoundly disrupts people’s lives, with many forced to move into areas with little or no infrastructure and very limited access to shelter, health, sanitation or other life-saving humanitarian assistance.

OCHA said the area designated for evacuation on Monday included two primary health centres, two medical points, a dozen food distribution points and eight cooked meal provision points. These have all ceased operations, with only one community kitchen still operational for those left behind.

The office also said that different parts of Salah ad Din Road have seen security incidents, including gunfire. Parts of the road, a key route for humanitarian goods, were included in Monday’s evacuation directives. This forced humanitarian supplies to be rerouted to the Coastal Road, which is not a viable alternative due to congestion.

The World Health Organisation reported that Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is coping with an influx of patients following hostilities. Some medical supplies delivered last week for 10,000 patients were diverted to treat mass casualty victims.

OCHA also said displacement continues from the northern Gaza Strip southwards and from the Al-Bureij area of Deir al Balah amid continuing hostilities.

Humanitarians said they continue doing everything possible to provide healthcare, child protection services, cash assistance and essential items.

The UN office added that two marked UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) vehicles were hit with live ammunition while waiting at a designated holding point near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint.

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ICJ: Israeli Occupation Of Palestinian Territories Illegal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the court’s decision, calling it a “decision of lies.”

The UN’s top court has declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated that Israel must cease settlement activities in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its “illegal” occupation of these areas and the Gaza Strip promptly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the court’s decision, calling it a “decision of lies.” Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion is not legally binding, it holds considerable political significance. This is the first time the ICJ has issued a stance on the legality of the 57-year occupation.

The ICJ, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, has been reviewing this issue since early last year, following a request from the UN General Assembly. The court was asked to evaluate Israel’s policies and practices towards the Palestinians and the legal status of the occupation.

The Hague Court

ICJ President Nawaf Salam announced the court’s findings, stating that “Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal.” He emphasized that Israel is obligated to end its unlawful presence in the occupied territories as swiftly as possible. He also noted that Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip did not terminate its occupation, as Israel continues to exercise effective control over the area.

The court also recommended that Israel evacuate all settlers from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and compensate Palestinians for damages resulting from the occupation.

Meanwhile, Israel asked the international court to clarify whether its published opinion is an “advisory opinion” and not “legally binding”, and called it fundamentally wrong.

Oren Marmorstein, Spokesperson of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said that Israel rejects the advisory opinion of the ICJ that was published regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Unfortunately, the Court’s opinion is fundamentally wrong. It mixes politics and law. It injects the politics of the corridors of the UN in New York into the courtrooms of the ICJ in The Hague,” he stated.

“…It should be clarified that the opinion published today is an advisory opinion and it is not legally binding,” he stated.

Marmorstein said that the opinion ignores the atrocities that took place on October 7 and the security imperative of Israel to defend its territory.

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Pan-Arab cooperation key amid ongoing challenges: GCC chief

The GCC chief underlined the significance of today’s gathering as proof of Gulf and Arab resolve to expose Israeli occupation oppression and inhuman practices…reports Asian Lite News

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi said that the member countries attach paramount significance to common Arab action amid the current challenges haunting the Arab world.

According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Budaiwi made the remark during a press conference after partaking in an Arab Parliament session held at the Cairo-based Arab League. He pointed out the historical and effective role of the Gulf bloc in promoting Arab unity,
strengthening citizenship, and offering all types of backing to Arab countries at political, economic, developmental, social, and humanitarian levels.

The GCC chief underlined the significance of today’s gathering as proof of Gulf and Arab resolve to expose Israeli occupation oppression and inhuman practices.

Israeli attacks on camps draw UAE ire

The United Arab Emirates has condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the continuing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, and the most recent targeting of camps for displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, which led to numerous deaths and injuries to dozens of innocent civilians.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of ensuring the immediate, safe, sustainable, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian, relief and medical aid to the brotherly Palestinians.

The Ministry reaffirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life, reiterating the importance of protecting civilians and civilian institutions, according to international law including international treaties.

The UAE called on the international community to intensify efforts to avoid further fuelling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to advance all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

UAE provides 3 tonnes of medical supplies for Khan Younis

The UAE urgently provided three tonnes of medical supplies and a variety of medicines to support the healthcare sector and hospitals still operating in Gaza Strip, following the recent events and developments in Khan Younis.

This response came after calls from the health sector regarding a shortage of medicines, including Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, to ensure the continued provision of medical services to the injured, patients, and healthcare for all displaced people.

The medical aid includes a number of necessary medical supplies for hospitals facing shortages, medicines for various types of injuries, a quantity of insulin dosages for diabetic patients, and various solutions to support the healthcare sector in this critical situation.

The UAE, in coordination with various hospitals and international medical organisations, aims to enhance the healthcare situation in Gaza Strip after its deterioration due to the war, which resulted in dozens of hospitals going out of service due to destruction and a lack of sufficient medicines and medical supplies to continue providing medical services to patients and the injured in various areas of Gaza Strip.

The UAE has provided a series of medical assistance to hospitals in Gaza Strip, including 10 ambulances equipped with all modern capabilities. The total amount of assistance sent by the country has reached 337 tonnes, including medical devices, medicines, and essential supplies for the Ministry of Health to increase the capacity within medical care institutions and hospitals.

ALSO READ-GCC condemns continued Israeli aggression

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Iran’s Constitutional Council Approves Presidential Results

Iran’s 14th presidential election, initially set for 2025, was rescheduled following the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi…reports Asian Lite News

Iran’s Constitutional Council has validated the first round’s results of the country’s 14th presidential election, meaning candidates could now begin electoral campaigns for the run-off.

The announcement was made by Hadi Tahan Nazif, spokesman for the council, an institution that oversees the process and results of elections, in a televised interview with the state-run IRIB TV on Sunday.

He said the institution confirms the results following investigation and reviews, Xinhua news agency reported.

None of the four candidates vying in the first round had made any objection to the election results during the legal time frame for voicing complaints, he said, adding that the election campaigns could continue until Thursday morning, or 24 hours before the run-off.

In the first round of voting for the snap presidential race that started early on Friday and ended at midnight after being extended three times, no candidate obtained more than 50 per cent of the total votes needed to call a winner.

The country was thus sent into a run-off scheduled for July 5 between top contenders — reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s former Health Minister, who received more than 42 per cent of the votes in the first round, and principlist Saeed Jalili, the former chief negotiator in the nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers, who garnered more than 38 per cent of the total.

Iran’s 14th presidential election, initially set for 2025, was rescheduled following the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.

ALSO READ: Iran Heads to Presidential Run-Off

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China hosts Arab leaders

President Xi Jinping said China is ready to work with the Arab side to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future….reports Asian Lite News

The 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum adopted the Beijing Declaration on Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said China is ready to work with the Arab side to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Xi made the remarks as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

At the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2022, Xi put forward “eight major cooperation initiatives” for practical cooperation.

Early harvests have been achieved in all the “eight major cooperation initiatives,” Xi said, adding that, moving forward, China is ready to work with the Arab side on that basis to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

The five frameworks consist of a more dynamic framework for innovation, an expanded framework for investment and finance cooperation, a more multifaceted framework for energy cooperation, a more balanced framework for mutually beneficial economic and trade ties, and a broader framework for people-to-people exchanges

China-Arab relations for world peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said China will work with the Arab side to make China-Arab relations a model for maintaining world peace and stability, a fine example of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a paradigm of harmonious coexistence between civilizations, and a model for promoting good global governance.

Xi made the remarks as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

As changes unseen in a century unfold rapidly across the world, both China and Arab states strive to accomplish their historical missions of national rejuvenation and faster national development. Building a China-Arab community with a shared future is a strong statement of our common desire for a new era of China-Arab relations and a better future for the world, Xi said.

Xi Jinping announced in Beijing on Thursday that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, which will be another milestone in China-Arab relations,

Meanwhile, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (AL), emphasised that the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum symbolizes a mutual aspiration for robust relations, noting that the partnership is continually strengthening.

Speaking to Xinhua, Aboul-Gheit highlighted the forum’s role in fostering consistent ties through regular meetings. Held biennially at the foreign ministers’ level and annually at the deputy ministers and senior officials’ level, the forum underscores the deepening relationship.

Aboul-Gheit mentioned that China has invited numerous Arab leaders to this conference, enhancing bilateral relations. Reflecting on his participation in the 2020 forum in Beijing, he described the discussions as intense and warm, demonstrating a mutual commitment to building strong relations.

The forum, according to Aboul-Gheit, significantly bolsters China-Arab ties by enhancing political, economic, and cultural cooperation. He pointed to the increased dialogue initiatives and practical cooperation, exemplified by the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh in December 2022. He stressed the importance of Arab countries being more receptive to China’s developing economic power and technological advancements.

Highlighting the importance of periodic follow-ups, Aboul-Gheit noted that the forum’s executive program ensures the implementation of decisions and declarations. He emphasized the need for both sides to commit to their agreements for the forum’s future development.

In November 2023, China and Jordan signed a memorandum to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative, with all 22 Arab nations now part of this cooperation. Aboul-Gheit stated that the Belt and Road Initiative significantly enhances China-Arab cooperation.

Discussing efforts to build an Arab-China community with a shared future, Aboul-Gheit pointed to mutual trust and win-win cooperation. He praised the forum’s 19 working mechanisms, covering diverse sectors such as culture, women’s rights, trade, and production, which require innovation and expert collaboration.

To further people-to-people exchanges, he stressed translating books between Chinese and Arabic and hosting cultural activities to foster vibrant cultural relations.

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China to Host Arab Leaders for Cooperation Forum

Hua Chunying. (Photo: MFA,China)

Pyongyang said it will send three more satellites into space this year following its first launch in November…reports Asian Lite News

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, and the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will pay state visits to China from May 28 to June 1.

The leaders, invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, will attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Xinhua news agency reported.

Seoul Hosts First Trilateral Summit Since 2019

Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan were set to meet in Seoul on Monday for their first trilateral summit in over four years amid rising tension over North Korea’s impending “spy satellite launch”. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will sit down for a trilateral summit, the ninth such meeting and the first since December 2019, following a hiatus due to Covid-19 and historical disputes among the Asian neighbours, Yonhap news agency reported.

The leaders are expected to explore cooperation in the economic, trade and health sectors while aiming to avoid friction, as Seoul and Tokyo have aligned more closely with Washington amid its intensifying rivalry with Beijing. China is the largest trading partner of South Korea and Japan. The trilateral session will discuss ways to promote cooperation in six specific areas — economy and trade, sustainable development, health issues, science and technology, disaster and safety management, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders will adopt a joint statement on the outcome of the summit.

The trio will then attend a business forum to discuss ways to expand economic cooperation among the three nations, according to the presidential office. While security issues like North Korea’s nuclear program are not among the official agenda items, they could feature in the discussions among the leaders as Pyongyang has notified Japan of its plan to launch a military satellite before June 4. Seoul and Japan have condemned the North’s launch of a space rocket carrying a satellite as a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions that ban any launch using ballistic missile technology.

Pyongyang said it will send three more satellites into space this year following its first launch in November. Seoul officials said final negotiations are still underway to decide whether and how much they will address the North Korean issue in the joint statement. “North Korea’s launch of a military reconnaissance satellite utilizing (intercontinental ballistic missile) technology is imminent,” a senior presidential official said Sunday. “Given the possibility that various other missile provocations could accompany this, the government will maintain firm military readiness during and after the Korea-Japan-China summit.”

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UAE Rebukes Netanyahu’s Gaza Administration Proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested in a recent interview that a civilian administration with Gazans and possibly with the aid of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries could run Gaza after the war.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) lashed out on Saturday at a suggestion from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to join a potential civil administration in the post-war Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu suggested in a recent interview that a civilian administration with Gazans and possibly with the aid of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries could run Gaza after the war.

On Saturday, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed said his country denounced Netanyahu’s call, adding that Gaza is currently under Israeli occupation.

“The State of Emirates stresses that the Israeli Prime Minister has no legitimate capacity authorising him to take this step,” the Emirati official said in an Arabic post on X.

“The [UAE] state rejects being drawn into any plan aimed to provide cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip,” he added.

The UAE became the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020. However, the wealthy country has repeatedly criticised Israel’s ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier this week, the UAE condemned Israel’s “control” of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing, an operation that has halted humanitarian aid deliveries via the facility into the heavily populated strip.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza for months since Hamas militants launched unprecedented bloody attacks on Israel in October last year that included civilian massacres.

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