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MBZ, Raimondo discuss technology investment

The discussions also touched on the importance of investment in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies..reports Asian Lite News

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce of the United States, to discuss areas of collaboration between the two countries.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing development of UAE-US relations in the fields of economics, trade, investment, and technology, which align with both nations’ shared vision for achieving sustainable economic prosperity.
The discussions also touched on the importance of investment in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to ensure a more prosperous, growth-oriented, and sustainable future for all.

The two sides explored the recent announcement by UAE-based technology firm MGX regarding its global partnership with several American companies to invest in AI infrastructure. This initiative reflects the UAE’s development vision, in which technology and AI play a central role.

Attendees of the meeting included H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America; and a number of senior officials.

US Senators call on UAE President

As part of his official visit to the United States, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with a number of US Senators. Topics of discussion included opportunities to develop UAE-US relations at various levels, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

In separate meetings with Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Senator Markwayne Mullin; Senator Joni Ernst; Senator Tom Cotton; and Senator John Thune, His Highness expressed his pleasure at meeting the Senators and noted that the US Congress has always played a vital role in strengthening relations between the UAE and the US.

His Highness emphasised that his visit comes in the context of a shared commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and elevating these relations to serve the mutual interests of both countries, particularly in key areas such as the economy, trade and investment, climate action, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and sustainability. He highlighted that ties between the two countries are based on solid foundations of trust, mutual respect, and common interests, noting that the US remains a key ally of the UAE and has been a central tenet of its foreign policy for more than 50 years.

His Highness also pointed to the importance the UAE places on dialogue and consultation with the US regarding Middle Eastern issues, recognising the crucial role the US plays in supporting stability and peace in this strategically important part of the world. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to countering extremism, violence, and terrorism, and its willingness to work alongside the US in addressing these challenges.

His Highness reiterated the UAE’s steadfast support for US initiatives and efforts to end the war in Gaza, and its hope that Congress will play a meaningful role in furthering these endeavours.

ALSO READ: UAE, US sign deal to boost customs cooperation

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Sheikh Mohammed reviews prep for MBZ-SAT launch

The MBZ-SAT is scheduled for launch no earlier than October 2024 on a SpaceX rocket…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) team at the Union House in Dubai.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has established itself as a major global player in the field of space science and technology. This achievement has been driven by an ambitious vision aimed at strengthening the UAE’s standing among the leading countries in space exploration and the growing capabilities of Emirati talent, he said.

The senior officials His Highness met with included Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors MBRSC; Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, Assistant Director-General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC; astronaut Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut, and astronaut Mohammad Al Mulla.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the efforts of the MBRSC team and their significant contributions to enhancing the UAE’s growing position in space technology. He highlighted the need to intensify efforts to achieve more milestones in space technology and other fields that are shaping the future. These advancements are crucial for developing solutions that improve the quality of human life and help overcome various challenges, he said.

During the meeting, His Highness was briefed by the Centre’s team on the latest updates of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region and the second satellite being fully developed by an Emirati team. The briefing included details on the ongoing phase, which involves environmental testing crucial for ensuring the satellite’s resilience and functionality in space.

The team confirmed that once the environmental testing is successfully completed, the final launch preparations will commence. The MBZ-SAT is scheduled for launch no earlier than October 2024 on a SpaceX rocket.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the latest developments in the UAE Astronaut Programme and its role in inspiring a new generation of space explorers. Astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla, who completed a two-year training programme at NASA, shared with His Highness details about their preparations for future space missions. His Highness urged them to persevere in seeking the highest levels of excellence in this vital field.

Also attending the meeting were Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and other senior officials.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBRSC, expressed his deep gratitude to the leadership for their continuous support, which has enabled the Centre and its team to reach new heights of excellence in space technology and science.

“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspires us to further strengthen the UAE’s leadership in the field of space. We are proud to be working on the most advanced satellite in the Arab world, named after the President of the UAE. We have great ambitions for our country in the future of space exploration, and we pledge to continue achieving milestones that contribute to its global leadership in this field,” he said.

Launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Astronaut Programme is the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world that seeks to train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts for space missions focused on scientific research. The programme, launched as part of the UAE National Space Programme, aims to foster a culture of scientific exploration and inspire youth to pursue studies in science and space technology.

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MBZ holds talks with Emir of Kuwait

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his best wishes for the continued prosperity, progress, and development of Kuwait…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today spoke by telephone to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait.

During the call, His Highness the UAE President congratulated the Emir of Kuwait on the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah as Crown Prince.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his best wishes for the continued prosperity, progress, and development of Kuwait and its people under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Emir of Kuwait conveyed his appreciation for the warm sentiments, which reflect the strong bonds between the two countries and their peoples.

He also wished the UAE continued development and prosperity.

ALSO READ: UAE President welcomes Al Wasl Football Club

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UAHR praises MBZ as role model for peace

As part of His Highness’ efforts, the statement highlighted that the UN General Assembly, backed by 34 nations, unanimously passed a resolution designating the 4th of February annually as the International Day of Human Fraternity…reports Asian Lite News

The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) has commended President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a leader and role model for promoting peace and coexistence worldwide. It also noted His Highness’ role in advancing the UAE’s efforts to promote principles of human fraternity globally, solidifying its position as a leading hub for peace and human coexistence.

This came in UAHR statement which was delivered by Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Kaabi, President of the UAHR, as part of the 8th item of the agenda of the United Nations Human Rights Council related to combating racism and racial discrimination, and following up on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). This was within the framework of its participation in the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC55) held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

As part of His Highness’ efforts, the statement highlighted that the UN General Assembly, backed by 34 nations, unanimously passed a resolution designating the 4th of February annually as the International Day of Human Fraternity.

This coincides with the day on which His Eminence the Grand Imam, Professor Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together in Abu Dhabi in 2019, under the patronage and presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Al Kaabi stressed the importance of working to combat racism and racial discrimination, promote the values of tolerance and coexistence, and reject hate speech. She also stressed the importance of evaluating the commitment of states and measuring the progress made in this regard.

UAHR called on the UN Human Rights Council to promote international efforts to eradicate racism and the associated racial discrimination that contradicts human values and principles, as well as the associated forms of intolerance and non-acceptance of others.

UAHR emphasised the significance of following the UAE’s example in promoting peace, tolerance, and cultural diversity. The UAE serves as a model for hosting over 200 nationalities living together harmoniously, experiencing justice, equality, and fair opportunities. The country’s overarching vision aims to establish global peace, tolerance, and human coexistence, fostering a worldwide environment that upholds justice and equality for all, free from discrimination.

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MBZ, Erdogan discuss enhancing bilateral ties

The meeting took place during today’s reception in Dubai for His Excellency President Erdogan, who is in the UAE to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024, with Türkiye as a guest of honour…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye discussed strengthening bilateral relations and working together to meet the aims of the two countries’ wide-ranging economic partnership. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas that would benefit both countries and their peoples. The meeting took place during today’s reception in Dubai for His Excellency President Erdogan, who is in the UAE to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024, with Türkiye as a guest of honour.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting the considerable growth in UAE-Turkish relations, especially in investment, trade, energy, technology, and sustainable development. Both leaders are committed to furthering this progress to bolster bilateral ties. His Excellency President Erdogan expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s honoured guest status at this year’s summit.

His Excellency President Erdogan also extended his deepest condolences and sympathies to His Highness over the passing of UAE Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in a terrorist act in the Federal Republic of Somalia while on duty training the Somali Armed Forces. His Highness expressed his appreciation to the Turkish President for his sincere sentiments towards the UAE and its people.

The two leaders discussed the World Governments Summit and its agenda, underlining its role in enhancing governmental operations with innovative ideas and strategies for development, as well as boosting governmental capacity to navigate current and future challenges. They also reviewed several regional and international matters of mutual interest and shared their perspectives, including on recent developments in the Gaza Strip. The two sides stressed the need for international efforts to halt hostilities in the Strip and ensure the full protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law, as well as guarantee the safe and sustained provision of humanitarian aid without risking further harm or forced displacement. Moreover, they underscored the critical need to prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which poses a threat to regional peace and stability.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council.

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MBZ’s care eases Modi’s concerns

Highlighting the UAE President’s consistent praise for the Indian diaspora, PM Modi recalled how Indian people came out in huge numbers to express gratitude to President Al Nahyan in Gujarat…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for acknowledging the significant contribution of Indians to UAE’s development.

PM Modi expressed gratitude for President Al Nahyan’s assurance and proactive measures to ensure the well-being of Indians in the UAE when the COVID pandemic struck.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event, PM Modi said, “How much concern he (UAE President) has for you all, I also saw during Covid. When I said that we were trying to bring back the Indians from there due to the pandemic, he asked me not to worry. He took care of everyone and made all arrangements for vaccinations, alleviating my concerns. I really didn’t need to worry.”

Highlighting the UAE President’s consistent praise for the Indian diaspora, PM Modi recalled how Indian people came out in huge numbers to express gratitude to President Al Nahyan in Gujarat.

“Few days back, we came to Gujarat, when lakhs of people had gathered to welcome him by standing on both sides of the road. The public was thanking him for the way he takes care of Indians in UAE by keeping their concerns in mind,” he said.

He added, “Whenever I meet my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, he praises you all very much. He praises your role in UAE’s progress. Even in this Zayed stadium, one can smell the sweat of Indians. I am glad that Emirates have made us a part of their family of all times.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering of the Indian diaspora in UAE that he has brought with him the fragrance of the soil where they were born and a message of 140 crore citizens of India that “Bharat is proud of you”.Speaking at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event at Zayed Sports Stadium here, PM Modi said people from various regions of the UAE and different states of India have gathered at the venue and “everyone’s hearts are connected”.

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Raisi invites UAE President to visit Iran

During the call, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and joint cooperation between their countries…reports Asian Lite News

Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State, received a letter of invitation for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, from Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to visit Iran.

The invitation was delivered during Almarar’s meeting today, Wednesday, with Reza Amiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UAE, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi.

Last month, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has received a phone call from Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the call, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and joint cooperation between their countries to achieve their mutual benefits and support the stability and prosperity of the region and its peoples.

In June, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed received Iranian foreign minister at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. Abdollahian conveyed to His Highness the greetings of President Raisi, who expressed his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his greetings to his Iranian counterpart, along with his wishes for further growth and development for Iran and its people.

His Highness and Amir-Abdollahian also discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation.

The UAE President and the Iranian Foreign Minister also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, and also discussed the importance of building on positive developments to benefit the people of the region and enhance regional stability and prosperity.

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Modi to visit UAE after France to cement ties

Modi meets UAE President Sheikh Mohamed

Modi will visit Abu Dhabi on July 15. The prime minister will hold talks with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been steadily strengthening and Prime Minister’s visit will be an opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also visit the UAE this week along with France. He will pay an Official Visit to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from July 13-15, 2023. He will be the Guest of Honour at Bastille Day celebrations on July 14. Tri-services contingent from India will participate, including IAF aircraft.

This will be his fifth visit to the UAE since 2015 which has a strong partnership with India across sectors and is a key state in India’s extended neighbourhood.

Modi will visit Abu Dhabi on July 15. The prime minister will hold talks with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been steadily strengthening and Prime Minister’s visit will be an opportunity to identify ways to take this forward in various domains such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defence and culture. It will also be an opportunity to discuss cooperation on global issues, particularly in the context of UAE’s Presidency of COP-28 of the UNFCCC and India’s G-20 Presidency in which UAE is a Special Invitee.

French National Day, or Bastille Day, occupies a special place in French consciousness. This day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789 during the French Revolution. Bastille Day Parade is the highlight of the Bastille Day Celebrations. Akin to our Republic Day Parade. However, foreign leaders being invited as Guests of Honour for Bastille Day is not common (the last time was in 2017 when US President was invited). Even rarer is having foreign marching contingents and foreign aircraft participate in it.

Modi’s visit on Bastille Day coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India –France Strategic Partnership. France is a key strategic partner for India and one of the earliest. Special gestures by French President Emmanuel Macron. These include multiple meetings and presence with PM, particularly a private dinner and joint meeting with CEOs. Also, hosting the State Banquet at the iconic Louvre Museum on Bastille Day.

Hiroshima, May 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

There will be interaction with the entire political leadership of France, including President Macron, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and the Presidents of the Senate (Upper House) and National Assembly (Lower House).  A strong focus will be given on trade and economy with a CEO Forum comprising big names from the Indian and French sides.

Interaction with the prestigious La Seine Musicale with the Indian community is on the cards. PM’s visit has been preceded by numerous activities including Namaste France earlier this week Ambitious outcomes are expected on defence, space, geostrategy, infrastructure, energy, climate action, museology, student mobility, people to people, sports, and culture from the meetings.

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MBZ meets  Putin to spark  peace process

The UAE president reiterated the UAE’s principled position aimed at de-escalation and the necessity for a negotiated political solution to the crisis in Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reinforced the importance of communication and dialogue to support regional and international stability and peace.

He reiterated the UAE’s principled position aimed at de-escalation and the necessity for a negotiated political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

His Highness also stressed the importance of accelerating efforts to mitigate the humanitarian repercussions of the crisis and supporting prisoner-exchange initiatives on both sides.

The UAE President’s call for dialogue and diplomacy came during a working visit to St. Petersburg today, where he met with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

The two leaders discussed the longstanding relations as part of the UAE-Russia strategic partnership framework. His Highness and President Putin expressed their ongoing commitment to further build on the bilateral ties between the two nations.

The working visit of His Highness comes as part of the UAE’s continuous communication with all nations in an effort to build bridges and foster positive partnerships to ensure regional and international security and stability.

The UAE President was accompanied during the working visit by a delegation including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation.

First batch of tactical nuclear weapons moved to Belarus: Putin

Moscow, June 17 (IANS) Russia has already stationed a first batch of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted by a media outlet as saying.

 Putin made the remarks during his speech at St Petersburg International Economic Forum. He told the forum that they (tactical nuclear weapons) would only be used if Russian territory or state was threatened, the BBC reported.

 The US government says there is no indication that the Kremlin plans to use nuclear weapons to attack Ukraine.

 “We don’t see any indications that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after Putin’s comments.

 Putin said that transferring the tactical nuclear warheads would be completed by the end of the summer, the British news broadcaster reported.

 The Russian President said that the move was about “containment” and to remind anyone “thinking of inflicting a strategic defeat on us”.

 When asked by the forum’s moderator about the possibility of using those weapons, he replied: “Why should we threaten the whole world? I have already said that the use of extreme measures is possible in case there is a danger to Russian statehood.”

 Tactical nuclear weapons are small nuclear warheads and delivery systems intended for use on the battlefield, or for a limited strike. They are designed to destroy enemy targets in a specific area without causing widespread radioactive fallout.

 The smallest tactical nuclear weapons can be one kiloton or less (producing the equivalent to a thousand tonnes of the explosive TNT). The largest ones can be as big as 100 kilotons. By comparison, the atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 was 15 kilotons.

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MBZ, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region Prez review ties

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Advisor of Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of Supreme Council for National Security…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani have reviewed the prospects of advancing cooperation between the two sides.

This came as H.H. Sheikh Mohamed received Barzani at Qasr Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi today, where they addressed various aspects of UAE’s relations with Iraq in general and with the Kurdistan Region in particular.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Advisor of Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of Supreme Council for National Security.

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