Category: Politics

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke on the phone with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about critical regional and international issues.

The leaders prioritised improving bilateral relations between Abu Dhabi and Jakarta. They investigated ways to strengthen their comprehensive economic partnership, which includes trade, investment, and economic coordination. Both sides emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Indonesia and the UAE have been actively striving to strengthen connections across a variety of industries. The day before this talk, Indonesia’s Transport Minister, Dudy Purwagandhi, met with UAE Ambassador Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri in Jakarta. Their conversations focused on advances in aviation, notably aircraft maintenance and industry expansion.

The UAE has also pledged to invest $10 billion in Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, which was inaugurated by President Subianto on February 24. The funding will benefit a variety of enterprises, including renewable energy and agricultural production.

At the World Government Summit in Dubai in mid-February, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, agreed to increase yearly bilateral trade to $10 billion. By the end of 2024, their trade turnover had surpassed $5 billion.

Pure Harvest Smart Farms of the UAE and PlanTFarm of South Korea have officially opened a freshly redeveloped high-tech farming facility in Al Ain, UAE. This cutting-edge farm uses AI-powered technology to improve controlled environment agriculture, resulting in more sustainable and efficient food production.

One of the farm’s most significant inventions is a trial project for animal fodder production that consumes 95% less water than traditional agricultural techniques. The effort seeks to minimise the Gulf region’s dependency on imported feed while also providing a cost-effective and sustainable option for local farmers. If the experiment is successful, Pure Harvest intends to expand it throughout the region.

The facility also uses hybrid farming technology, which allows for the year-round cultivation of superior Korean strawberries and leafy greens. Korean strawberries, which are traditionally cultivated in frigid climes, may now be produced in the UAE because of this unique approach, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, locally grown product.

At the February 20th inauguration ceremony, Pure Harvest CEO Sky Kurtz expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising the farm’s importance in increasing food security, sustainability, and resource efficiency.

Kuwait celebrated its 64th National Day on February 25, the anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah’s accession to the throne in 1950. This yearly event is a source of national pride, reflecting on Kuwait’s history and diplomatic relationships, particularly its longstanding ties with Thailand.

Kuwait achieved independence from British protection on June 19, 1961. However, due to the extreme summer heat, National Day was formally shifted to February 25, 1963. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah was instrumental in building contemporary Kuwait, enacting political and social changes that created the groundwork for the country’s development.

Thailand and Kuwait have had diplomatic ties since 1963, promoting cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and tourism. In December 2024, the first round of political negotiations was held in Bangkok, where both countries explored increasing bilateral ties.

Thailand and Kuwait inked a mutual visa-exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders in 2023 to commemorate their 60th anniversary. Furthermore, conversations between Thailand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) about a potential trade pact demonstrate Kuwait’s expanding regional prominence.

Beyond politics, cultural and economic contacts continue to thrive. As Kuwait looks to the future, its cooperation with Thailand is critical in forging a profitable and productive path.

During a high-level session in Rome, the UAE revealed ambitions to invest $40 billion in Italy. While both countries confirmed the investment, no particular timetable was given.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has prioritised increasing connections with Gulf nations since taking office in 2022, despite concerns raised by political opponents about human rights violations. Under her leadership, Italy removed arms embargoes on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which had been imposed in response to the conflict in Yemen.

Meloni welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Rome on Monday, and the two leaders reiterated their commitment to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” The joint press statement highlighted over 40 agreements in crucial industries involving significant Italian corporations such as Eni, Telecom Italia, Leonardo, and Fincantieri.

Eni secured agreements with UAE-based MGX G42 and G42 to create data centres in Italy utilising carbon capture technology. The company also collaborated with Masdar and Taqa Transmission on renewable energy projects in Albania’s energy industry.

Intesa SanPaolo, Italy’s biggest bank, has inked an MoU with Masdar to investigate mergers and acquisitions in international renewable markets. Leonardo, the defence giant, has reached an agreement with the EDGE Group of the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Albania have inked a key framework agreement, paving the way for advancing sustainable energy solutions. The signing was held in Tirana, Albania, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and His Excellency Edi Rama, Albanian Prime Minister. This pact, part of the Tripartite Initiative, intends to stimulate energy transition in the Mediterranean.

Key representatives from many entities attended the signing event. The signatories included His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA, Erald Elezi, CEO of Korporata Elektroenergjitike Shqiptare (KESH), and Elisian Bici, CEO of OST sh.a.

This arrangement expands on an earlier three-way relationship between the UAE, Albania, and Italy, which was announced during an Abu Dhabi sustainability event. The alliance focuses on renewable energy, infrastructure development, and common environmental objectives.

Masdar, TAQA, KESH, and OST will collaborate to assess and implement energy transition options across the Mediterranean. This program reaffirms the UAE’s objective of global energy leadership and emphasises the value of international collaboration in attaining energy security and sustainability.

An important step has been taken to improve defence cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. A framework for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, including joint military drills between the Philippine military and Japan’s Self-defence Forces, has been agreed upon by the two countries.

On Monday, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani Gen met in Manila to talk about regional security. Citing rising international tensions, Nakatani highlighted the growing need for defence cooperation at the start of the negotiations. He said he hoped both nations would intensify their strategic dialogue to improve security.

Both ministers reaffirmed the significance of tighter defence coordination while acknowledging China’s increasing military actions in the South and East China Seas. They decided to increase defence technology collaboration while looking for measures to safeguard shared military intelligence. A public-private team from Japan will visit the Philippines shortly to help export an advanced warning and control system.

The importance of cooperation with allies, such as the US and Australia, was also emphasised in the talks. Japan and the Philippines are dedicated to strengthening their defence cooperation, Nakatani said during a joint news conference. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to preserving Indo-Pacific peace and stability.

On Monday, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said that the UK and India have decided to resume negotiations on a long-standing trade pact. The two nations intend to expedite negotiations and finalise important trade measures.

Goyal made the announcement during a joint press briefing with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Reynolds is in India to restart conversations that were stopped last year owing to general elections in both nations.

With global trade facing increasing uncertainty, including potential retaliatory tariffs from the US, the resumption of discussions is viewed as critical. Both governments intend to sign a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment treaty.

This was the first trade talk between India and the UK since the Labour Party took administration in July 2024. Reynolds emphasised that reaching an agreement is a “top priority” for his administration.

Meanwhile, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson plans to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru. She will meet with Indian investors and encourage them to consider prospects in the UK.

Trade between India and the UK has been steadily increasing. According to UK official estimates, bilateral trade in commodities and services totalled $52 billion in the 12 months preceding September 2024.

With several cultural and commercial events aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, Thailand and Singapore commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations. The collaboration has expanded to include technology development, travel, and cultural exchange in addition to conventional diplomacy.

The PromptPay-PayNow cross-border payment system, which has transformed financial transactions between the two countries, is one of the major advancements. In addition to improving ease, this smooth integration establishes a standard for digital financial cooperation throughout Southeast Asia.

Another highlight was the cultural festivals. The captivating Khon puppet show by the Aksara Theatre enthralled audiences and highlighted Thailand’s rich creative legacy. The concert, which Thailand’s Tourism Authority sponsored, demonstrated the nation’s dedication to conserving traditional art.

Over 60 orchid species were on display at the Thai Embassy’s “Orchids from the Land of Smiles” exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Long-lasting friendship was symbolised by a special planting ceremony. Indranee Rajah, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, was present, highlighting the event’s importance.

Up to 2025, commemorative activities will take place, such as scholarly conferences and displays examining the development of Thailand-Singapore ties.

India and Malaysia have agreed to improve their defence ties by increasing cooperation in critical sectors such as maritime security, defence production, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The decision was made during the 13th meeting of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee, which was held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s defence secretary, and Lokman Hakim Bin Ali, Malaysia’s defence secretary-general, co-chaired the meeting. Both parties engaged in comprehensive discussions about practical steps to strengthen bilateral defence engagements, as well as exchanging perspectives on regional and global security issues.

A notable outcome of the talks was the completion of the ‘Terms of Reference (ToR)’ for the establishment of a cooperative forum on Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. Both India and Malaysia employ Russian-made aircraft, and India has trained Malaysian pilots to fly them. The new forum will foster closer collaboration between the two air forces by sharing best practices in maintenance and operational expertise.

The two countries also agreed to look into new areas of defence partnership, particularly in defence industries and international initiatives. Furthermore, a joint focus group will be formed to address non-traditional maritime security issues, demonstrating their commitment to regional stability.

Qatar pledged to spend USD 10 billion in India, ushering in a new chapter in the two countries’ economic partnership. This statement followed Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to India, during which both countries took important steps to strengthen bilateral ties.

The investment will largely target infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, and hospitality. Furthermore, India and Qatar have set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, with talks on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ongoing.

To boost financial cooperation, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will open an office in India. In a significant fintech development, India’s UPI payment system will be made available at Qatar National Bank (QNB) points of sale. QNB will also increase its presence in India by opening an office in GIFT City.

Both nations have signed important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on finance, sports, youth, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation. A bilateral strategic partnership agreement has also been signed.

Qatari nationals can now use India’s e-Visa service, thereby enhancing people-to-people links. Furthermore, the two countries will commemorate a “Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports” to foster greater collaboration.