Category: Politics

Officials from Iran and the UAE met to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation. Anwar Gargash, the UAE President’s Diplomatic Adviser, met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in Abu Dhabi. Both sides praised recent political conversations between their countries and emphasised the necessity of improving economic and trade ties. The gathering also addressed regional and international topics of common concern.

Saif Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Iran, and Reza Ameri, Iranian Ambassador to the UAE, were both present during the conversations. Iran emphasised its commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbours, emphasising the importance of collaboration and diplomacy in maintaining regional stability. The UAE, a big commercial partner of Iran, has been pursuing diplomatic attempts to increase economic cooperation. Non-oil commerce between Iran and the UAE totalled $16.2 billion in the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year.

The discussions also included geopolitical concerns, such as the Middle East’s security situation. In reaction to foreign pressures and obstacles, Iran emphasised the importance of regional Muslim solidarity. Both parties agreed to continue communicating and working to strengthen their shared interests.

Thailand, as a BRICS partner country, is committed to improving energy security and guaranteeing a stable supply chain, according to Meechai Thaocharean, a BRICS International Alliance of Strategic Projects representative in Thailand. He emphasised that BRICS collaboration provides Thailand with the potential to increase trade, enhance economic relations, and stimulate innovation. “Thailand’s participation in BRICS is a gateway to broader economic collaboration and investment,” he told reporters.

He emphasised Thailand’s willingness to share knowledge, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, digital transformation, and financial inclusion. “BRICS thrives on diversity and resilience, resulting in balanced economic ecosystems. Thailand loves open and productive commerce, and BRICS offers a road to long-term cooperation,” he noted.

Thailand has traditionally been a global trading hub, regularly striking ties with major economic blocs. The country thinks that diversification promotes technological developments and industry cooperation rather than replacing existing links.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with a letter of intent in June 2024, stating Thailand’s desire to join the BRICS in full. Following that, Thailand formally accepted Russia’s request to become a BRICS partner, taking a critical step towards full membership.

Russia and the UAE have emerged as major investors in Belarus, significantly contributing to the country’s economy. According to Anzhelina Syromyatnikova, a member of the Standing Commission on Housing Policy, Trade, and Construction of the House of Representatives, Russia holds the largest share of foreign investment in Belarus, accounting for 24.9% of total inflows. The UAE follows closely, contributing 14.3%.

Syromyatnikova highlighted that China is also playing an important role, with a 4.3% share of total investments. She emphasized that Belarusian businesses are expanding trade beyond traditional markets, strengthening ties with Asia, Africa, Latin America, and China.

She pointed to the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone as a prime example of growing investor confidence. In the past, foreign businesses only rented land for operations there. However, investors are now purchasing both land and production facilities.

“This shift reflects a strong belief in Belarus’s economic future and its appeal as an investment destination,” Syromyatnikova said.

The data was revealed ahead of the 22nd National Professional Contest, Leaders in the Construction Industry of Belarus. This event aims to promote modern construction technologies and foster knowledge exchange within the industry, further strengthening Belarus’s position as an attractive investment hub.

India is to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel and Saudi Arabia to enhance its supply of vital minerals. Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced the decision on Thursday, saying it intends to minimize reliance on imports while increasing domestic processing capabilities.

The arrangement with Israel will include a technology transfer for potassium extraction from saltwater. It will also use artificial intelligence in mining operations to increase efficiency. The union government has already accepted the agreement. A policy framework is being developed and is expected to be completed in the next months.

Collaboration with Saudi Arabia stems from a recent high-level meeting between Reddy and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. This collaboration will strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector and provide new investment opportunities. Similar accords are proposed for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

India is also deploying 20 nodal officials in major global areas to identify essential minerals and monitor mining activities. Fourteen states have joined the minerals action plan, with more anticipated to follow shortly.

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.