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Al Budaiwi: UAE fulfilled all commitments to GCC railway

Al Budaiwi praised the UAE’s significant role in launching leading national projects within the country and its important contribution to the Gulf Railway project…reports Asian Lite News

Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), affirmed that the United Arab Emirates has fulfilled all its commitments related to the GCC Railway project and is now ready to connect with its GCC neighbours.

He praised the UAE’s significant role in launching leading national projects within the country and its important contribution to the Gulf Railway project.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference (GRTIEC), which is taking place in Abu Dhabi and runs until 10th October, Al Budaiwi noted that this strategic GCC project is expected to begin operations in 2030 according to the scheduled plans.

“It aims to transport 6 million passengers at the start of operations, with that number expected to rise to 8 million by 2045. The anticipated volume of goods to be transported upon the project’s launch is 201 million tonnes of commercial goods, increasing to 271 million tonnes by 2045,” he added.

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‘UAE, GCC united on regional food security goals’

Dr. Al Dahak affirmed that the UAE, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is making significant efforts to strengthen the agricultural and food sectors…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, emphasised the alignment of the UAE’s vision with that of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, stressing the importance of cooperation among the member states. She highlighted the need for harmonising efforts, practices, and policies on key issues, particularly in enhancing regional food security, and acknowledged the GCC General Secretariat’s efforts to achieve Gulf-wide integration, removing obstacles and creating a shared vision for food security.

Dr. Al Dahak made this statement during her participation as head of the UAE delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and local entities at the 36th Ministerial Meeting of the Agricultural and Food Security Committee of the GCC, hosted by the State of Qatar under its current presidency.

The meeting was chaired by Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality of Qatar, and attended by ministers responsible for agriculture and food security from the GCC countries.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Al Dahak affirmed that the UAE, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is making significant efforts to strengthen the agricultural and food sectors. “These efforts aim to bridge gaps between sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and food security, while promoting investment in modern agricultural technologies. The UAE’s focus on research and development (R&D) seeks to guarantee sustainable production, foster collaboration to diversify import sources, and create a flexible food system.”

Dr. Al Dahak said, “The UAE continues to advance this sector while expanding cooperation with various countries to promote sustainable agriculture and standardise legislation within the GCC. These solutions are crucial not only in enhancing food security, but also in empowering agricultural and aquaculture regulations.”

She added, “The UAE and GCC states share common agricultural challenges, particularly water scarcity and limited arable land. These challenges present opportunities for close cooperation and the exchange of sustainable practices to achieve positive outcomes. Our shared consensus paves the way for increased collaboration and expertise-sharing, while also aligning policies to unify our efforts in advancing the agriculture and food sectors.”

During her speech, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak invited GCC countries to participate in the first edition of the World Food Security Summit, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on 26th–27th November, 2024, as part of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week (ADAFSW). The summit will bring together experts and decision-makers to discuss innovative solutions to strengthen the global food security system, providing a platform for exchanging best practices and showcasing advancements in the food security sector.

The 36th Ministerial Meeting of the Agricultural and Food Security Committee of the GCC addressed key issues to harmonise efforts for enhancing food security, including the GCC Food Security Strategy. This strategy positively contributes to integrating procedures among member states to create a Gulf entity capable of withstanding crises.

The UAE also agreed with the GCC’s vision on several important files concerning the agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sectors.

Additionally, the UAE endorsed the adoption of the GCC Guide for the Collection and Transport of Animal Samples as a reference, ensuring its alignment with international standards and safeguarding the GCC countries from epidemic and infectious animal diseases.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar outlines key pillars of India-GCC ties

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Jaishankar outlines key pillars of India-GCC ties

Dr S. Jaishankar outlined people, prosperity, progress, and security as key pillars of India-GCC ties while addressing the inaugural Strategic Dialogue, adopting a Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined the four key pillars that enhance the India-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) partnership, namely — people, prosperity, progress, and security.

Notably, Jaishankar on Monday addressed the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.

Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Co-chaired the inaugural India – Gulf Cooperation Council Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh.”

Elaborating on the key pillars of the India-GCC partnership, Jaishankar wrote, “Underlined the key pillars of our partnership. People: The 9 million-strong Indian community serves as the bedrock of our friendship. Appreciate efforts for their welfare and comfort; Prosperity: domains of energy, trade, investment, connectivity and technology constitute a unique bond. Our many complementarities and convergence help take it forward. Urged early conclusion of India – GCC FTA.”

Highlighting progress as one of the key pillars, the External Affairs Minister underscored the advances made in India-GCC partnerships in various sectors, and wrote, “Progress: explored together new partnerships in renewables, innovation, education, health and space; Security: strengthen exchanges, exercises and industry collaboration in defence.”

The meeting also adopted a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 for undertaking various joint activities in diverse areas, including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. It was also decided that more areas of cooperation can be included in the Joint Action Plan, based on mutual consensus, later on.

‘Future demands will come from India’

Jaishankar also emphasised the critical role of GCC and described it as a “cornerstone of the global energy supply.” He also showcased India’s economic growth, noting that the country has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Jaishankar further underscored India’s importance in global demand, asserting that much of the world’s future demands will come from India.

He said, “The GCC is a cornerstone of the global energy supply. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets. Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilising markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security.”

He added, “Our partnership in the area of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space and education can also help realise our respective national goals. But our relationship goes beyond just transactions. It is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.”

Jaishankar emphasised the foundations of the India-GCC partnership, and said that the ties are “rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture and shared values.”

“Our meeting today is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements but an opportunity to chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people-to-people ties and beyond… Let me offer the framework of the three Ps — People, prosperity and progress. Our people-to-people ties are the bedrock of our relationship,” he said.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of India-GCC interactions, emphasising that collaboration between the two sides is crucial for driving prosperity. “Our interactions are key to driving prosperity for the GCC and for India. Trade has not only expanded in volume but also in diversity, encompassing a wide range of goods and services that fuel our economy and create jobs,” Jaishankar said.

‘Current situation in Gaza India’s foremost concern’

External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar on Monday reiterated India’s “principled and consistent” stand on the Palestinian issue while calling for a ceasefire in the region, as soon as possible.

“The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” the EAM said while co-chairing the inaugural India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh.

“On the larger issue, we have consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA,” he added.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat and on the sidelines of the 161st Ministerial Council meeting chaired by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, President of the current session of the Ministerial Council.

Jaishankar also had separate bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, and the Foreign Minister of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on the sidelines of the India – GCC Ministerial meeting.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar holds talks with Russian counterpart Lavrov

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India-GCC Trade Tops $162B, Exports Grow

The GCC now contributes 15 per cent of India’s total trade and sectors like energy, defence, security and health are growing in the region….reports Asian Lite News

Showing strong growth, the bilateral trade between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached 162 billion dollars last year, the government has said.

The GCC now contributes 15 per cent of India’s total trade and sectors like energy, defence, security and health are growing in the region, according to Aseem P. Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs.

At a FICCI event in the national capital, he said that while overall trade figures might fluctuate, India’s exports to the GCC nations have shown “consistent growth”.

According to him, the country exports various food processing, jewellery, synthetic fibres and yarns, textiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods, and chemical products to the GCC countries.

Mahajan emphasised that the cultural and bilateral relations between India and the Gulf countries are strong.

India’s economic linkages with the GCC have increased steadily, especially due to growth in oil imports. These have increased significantly in FY22 due to rising oil prices in the wake of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict as well as due to the resumption of demand following the Covid-19 disruption.

As per the 2022 government data, GCC countries contribute almost 35 per cent of India’s oil imports and 70 per cent of gas imports. India’s overall crude oil imports from the GCC in 2021-22 were about $48 billion, while LNG and LPG imports in 2021-22 were about $21 billion.

Since FY2017-18, on a compounded annual growth rate basis, bilateral trade between India and the GCC has grown by 10.57 per cent.

In February this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with the top leadership to take forward the bilateral strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, and addressed the Indian diaspora.

The two countries are among each other’s top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about 85 billion dollars in 2022-23. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.

PM Modi also visited Qatar and held wide-ranging talks with the leadership, focusing on significantly expanding bilateral ties in areas of trade, energy, investment and new technology. Bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly 20 billion dollars.

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‘Multifaceted ties’

India’s “multi-faceted” relations with GCC countries continue to strengthen in all areas of cooperation, including economic, energy security, culture, strategic and people-to-people ties, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, has assured Parliament.

“Gulf countries are major trade and investment partners for India. We also have a strong energy partnership with these countries. Besides, many Indians reside in Gulf countries,” Singh told Alok Kumar Suman, a Member of the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament.

Suman had asked a series of questions about India-Gulf relations during Parliament’s “question hour” when Ministers reply to queries by members about various issues. He asked the government in this instance to outline “steps taken to boost the India-Gulf relations.”

The Minister pointed out that “India has long-standing, historic and close relations with all countries of Gulf region.”

Singh is the minister in charge of the Gulf region in India’s recently formed government after national elections.

India’s extended neighbourhood

The UAE has consistently been India’s principal trading partner within the Gulf and is India’s third-largest trading partner overall, with Saudi Arabia in fourth place.

India’s growing strategic and economic interests in the Gulf region have resulted in a new framework for India-Gulf ties based on investment, political relations, and defence and security cooperation.

The increased Gulf investments in India have also increased economic cooperation between India and the Gulf. Most notably, with India becoming an increasingly attractive economic market, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had announced investment targets in India of USD 100 billion and USD 75 billion, respectively.

The UAE is the seventh largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, currently at USD 15.3 billion. Saudi Arabia had invested USD 3.2 billion as of March 2022, while Qatar invested over USD 1.5 billion last year.

In August 2023, the Qatar Investment Authority also announced an investment of USD 1 billion in Reliance Retail Ventures. Additionally, in February 2024, Saudi Aramco stated that there were serious discussions with Indian companies to enhance the company’s downstream investments in India.

Moreover, in September 2023, Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman signed an agreement to set up a joint task force to fast-track the project in Ratnagiri.

India engaged with the I2U2 grouping and joined the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). During PM Modi’s visit to the UAE in February, India and the UAE counterparts also signed an inter-governmental framework agreement on IMEC.

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GCC leads Dubai Chamber’s H1-24 exports

The GCC region accounted for 53.9% of total exports and re-exports with a combined value of around AED78.6 billion…reports Asian Lite News

 Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has revealed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market remained the top global export and re-export destination for its member companies during the first half of 2024.

The GCC region accounted for 53.9% of total exports and re-exports with a combined value of around AED78.6 billion, underlining the market’s continuing significance for the chamber’s members.

In a press release on Monday, the Dubai Chamber said, “Non-GCC countries in the Middle East region ranked second among members’ top export destinations, accounting for 23.9% of exports and re-exports with a total value of AED34.9 billion.”

African markets ranked third among the leading destinations for members’ exports and re-exports during H1 2024, accounting for 9.9% of the total with a combined value of AED14.5 billion.

The Asia-Pacific region ranked fourth on the list, accounting for 9.2% of exports with a value of approximately AED13.4 billion.

European markets came in fifth place, accounting for 1.9% of total exports and re-exports with a value of AED2.8 billion. Meanwhile, North America ranked sixth with 0.6% of the total exports and re-exports and a combined value of AED946 million.

Latin American markets ranked seventh, accounting for around 0.6% of total exports and re-exports with a value of approximately AED839 million.

The combined value of exports and re-exports by all members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached approximately AED145.9 billion during H1 2024, and the chamber issued 372,720 certificates of origin.

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GCC urges restraint after military escalation in Yemen

Caption: Photo shows burning oil storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen. (Xinhua/IANS)

Saudi Arabia has clarified that the Kingdom has no relation to or involvement in targeting Hodeidah and will not allow any entity to violate its airspace…reports Asian Lite News

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed deep concern over the military escalation in Yemen and the Israeli attacks witnessed in Al Hudaydah Governorate. It said the action exacerbated the current tensions in the region and are detrimental to the ongoing efforts to end the war on Gaza and reach a political solution in Yemen.

In a statement, GCC Secretry-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised that the continuation of military operations in the region threatens regional and international security and stability, and leads to the exacerbation of the humanitarian situation in the region.

He called on all parties to exercise restraint and urged the international community and active states to assume their responsibility in ending the conflict in the region. He reiterated the continued efforts of the GCC countries to end the war in Gaza and support the peace efforts in Yemen.

Furthermore, he stressed the necessity for all international and United Nations efforts to continue to stop the Israeli occupation forces from their ongoing violations and reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as well as all Palestinian territories, which will contribute to stopping the cycle of conflict and reaching a peaceful solution in accordance with the relevant international resolutions.

No relation or involvement: Saudi

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom is following with great concern the developments of the military escalation in Yemen after the Israeli attacks in Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

The Ministry said on Sunday that the attacks on Saturday aggravate the current tension in the region and halt the ongoing efforts to end the war on Gaza, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to distance the region and its people from the dangers of war, Xinhua news agency reported.

It also called on the international community and active, influential parties to fulfill their responsibilities to end regional conflicts.

Saudi Defence Ministry Spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said on Sunday that the Kingdom has no relation to or involvement in targeting Hodeidah and will not allow any entity to violate its airspace.

The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah killed six and wounded 83 others.

Meanwhile, Israel’s army said on Sunday it has intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched by Houthi forces in the Red Sea targeting the resort city Eilat.

Before the interception, the missile triggered sirens in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city. “The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) Aerial Defence Array successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile that approached Israeli territory from Yemen using the Arrow-3 Aerial Defence System,” the Israeli military said in a press statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The missile did not cross into Israeli territory, the military added.

Hezbollah retaliates

Houthi group vowed to “hit vital targets in Israel” while Lebanon’s Hezbollah retaliated with rockets after Israel had launched airstrikes on different areas in Yemen and Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets targeted “military targets” of the Houthi militia, as a response to “the hundreds of attacks carried out against the State of Israel in recent months.”

The statement came after Houthi top negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam said the Israeli strikes would not stop the military group from targeting “Israeli cities and ships.”

Hodeidah residents said a big column of black smoke and fire at the scene could be seen from miles away. Fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene as authorities cordoned off the area near the Red Sea.

Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition to support the Yemeni government forces in confronting the Houthi group.

The Israeli airstrikes came a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a building in Tel Aviv that killed a person and injured 10 others.

Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, targeting a kibbutz for the first time in nine months in retaliation for an Israeli drone strike earlier in the day.

A few hours before Hezbollah’s attack, seven people, including four children, were injured when an Israeli drone strike hit a tent belonging to a displaced Syrian, and a car parked next to it, in the southern Lebanese village of Burj al-Muluk.

Later that night, Israeli warplanes targeted an ammunition warehouse belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon’s southwest town of Adloun, wounding at least five citizens and completely demolishing the house, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

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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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GCC condemns continued Israeli aggression

The council rejected any justifications for the continued aggression against the Palestinian people…reports Asian Lite News

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and expressed its support for the Palestinian people.

In a joint statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, the GCC called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.

The council also rejected any justifications for the continued aggression against the Palestinian people.

The GCC expressed regret over the findings of the International Commission of Inquiry report and held Israel fully responsible in front of the international community.

Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Hend Abdalrahman Al-Muftah, speaking on behalf of the GCC, emphasised the Israeli occupation’s ongoing violations and attacks against innocent civilians, resulting in the deaths of 38,000 people in the Gaza Strip.

These actions were described as clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

Dr. Al-Muftah expressed disappointment that the committee’s report seems to equate the victim, the Palestinian people, with the perpetrator, the occupying power, which has been committing acts of genocide and violating the rights of Palestinians for over 75 years with disregard for international laws.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command has announced the lifting of security restrictions in numerous communities near the Gaza Strip, marking a significant easing of measures since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.

The new guidelines, applicable to the “Gaza Envelope” area extending up to 7 km from the Gaza border, exclude 25 communities, such as Sderot and Kerem Shalom, situated closer to the border.

According to a statement from the military, the decision follows a comprehensive assessment by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, Xinhua news agency reported.

Under these revised directives, outdoor educational activities can resume without constraints, gatherings of up to 1,000 people are permitted, and workplaces and essential economic activities can proceed unrestricted.

The adjustments in the Home Front Command’s defensive protocols are aimed at easing restrictions on civilian life by the current operational assessment to help revitalise agriculture, economy, and education, said the military in a statement.

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Al Marar heads UAE delegation in GCC Ministerial Council

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, joint ministerial meetings were held separately with the Republic of Yemen and the Republic of Türkiye…reports Asian Lite News

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, has headed the United Arab Emirates delegation participating in the 160th meeting of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Ministerial Council, which was held today in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The final statement issued by the 160th session of the GCC Ministerial Council included the latest developments in joint Gulf action and developments in regional and global political issues.

The statement also referred to strengthening partnerships with other countries, and continuing communications and strategic relations between the GCC member states and regional and international countries and organisations.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, joint ministerial meetings were held separately with the Republic of Yemen and the Republic of Türkiye, during which aspects of cooperation and reinforcing coordination were discussed. Furthermore, views were exchanged on regional and international developments within the framework of the strategic dialogue.

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US steps up defence ties with GCC

The representatives of the US and GCC member states convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday to enhance defence cooperation through defence working groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Maritime Security….reports Asian Lite News

The United States is intensifying its defence cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to tackle what has been described as one of the region’s “most challenging periods in recent years,” the US Department of Defence has announced.

The representatives of the US and GCC member states convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday to enhance defence cooperation through defence working groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Maritime Security.

This meeting follows a significant escalation in regional tensions, including a massive drone and ballistic missile strike by Iran on Israel and ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The meeting, chaired by GCC Assistant Secretary General for Military Affairs Major General Eisa Al Mohannadi and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro, included representatives from all GCC countries and senior officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Joint Staff, Missile Defence Agency (MDA), and Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

In the IAMD Working Group, participants addressed the pressing air threats in the region, including missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and discussed multilateral strategies to counter these shared threats. The U.S. Department of Defence and CENTCOM presented plans to bolster and integrate regional air and missile defence and early warning systems.

Both the U.S. and GCC committed to prioritizing IAMD development and are preparing for a significant meeting for the GCC Early Warning Study later this summer, aiming to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive integrated defence system.

Assistant Secretary Shapiro stressed the increased importance of US-GCC defence dialogues, stating, “The US-GCC defence working groups are rooted in a strong US partnership with the GCC and our collective commitment to cooperating on regional security issues.”

He highlighted the decade-long collaboration aimed at addressing regional threats and crises, noting the US’s vested interest in deepening these partnerships.

The meeting also emphasized the critical importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in regional waters. Discussions included strategies to enhance information sharing, counter proliferation, and improve the efficiency of combined interdictions.

Highlighting the pervasive threats from Iran and its proxies, Shapiro condemned Yemen’s Houthi militia for its acts of terrorism in the Red Sea targeting civilian shipping.

The discussions were heavily influenced by the April 13 Iranian attack on Israel, which Shapiro described as a “watershed moment in the Middle East.” He underscored the necessity of integrating air and missile defences across the region, citing the successful defence against Iran’s attack as proof of the effectiveness of such cooperation.

“This attack demonstrated the real-world impact of our integrated air and missile defence efforts, showing that collaboration saves lives and prevents conflicts from escalating,” Shapiro said. He added that ironically, Iran’s aggression had inadvertently strengthened US-GCC cooperation on air and missile defence.

Looking ahead, Shapiro indicated that Washington’s Gulf partners are committed to increasing integrated air and missile defence capabilities, aiming to establish a GCC-wide air defence system. Additionally, US officials proposed joint military training to ensure operational coherence among the forces.

A senior US defence official, speaking anonymously, noted that Gulf partners are “laser-focused” on understanding the Iranian threat, Arab News reported.

He remarked that the nature of the conversation with the GCC in May 2024 is markedly different from any prior to the April 13 attack, reflecting the heightened urgency and collaboration in the wake of recent events, it was reported.

During the meetings, US and Gulf officials discussed enhancing information sharing, countering proliferation, and improving the effectiveness of combined interdictions against illegal maritime shipments to the Houthis.

Both working groups underscored the strategic importance of continued collaboration, building on the foundations laid during the 2023 discussions.

The US and GCC states reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing periodic meetings to further strengthen their cooperation in IAMD and Maritime Security.

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