South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is gearing up for a critical visit to Washington this week, where he hopes to deepen diplomatic ties with the US by pursuing investment from Elon Musk's companies. According to official sources, Ramaphosa will make a trade and investment proposal to US President Donald Trump during his meeting, to reduce tensions and encourage American enterprise in South Africa. Ties between the two countries have been strained throughout Trump's second term, particularly after his harsh comments about South Africa's land reform programs. Ramaphosa expects that econ
The United Arab Emirates and the United States have reached a groundbreaking agreement to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside of America. The agreement, announced during former President Donald Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi, marks a major turnaround in US policy, which was previously cautious due to concerns over China's access to advanced technology. Although no specifics about Nvidia or other chip suppliers were given, insiders estimate that the UAE could begin importing 500,000 of Nvidia's top-tier chips per year starting in 2025. The pact includes strong security assu
As a key step towards deepening renewable energy cooperation, the UAE and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to develop large-scale clean energy and battery storage projects. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC will collaborate on a 24/7 renewable energy plan. This project seeks to provide up to 500MW of continuous renewable power, supplemented by 2GW of battery energy sto
President Donald Trump paid a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, promising to strengthen bilateral ties and unveiling agreements worth more than $200 billion. During his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increased collaboration in trade, aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence. The visit's centrepiece was Etihad Airways' $14.5 billion investment in 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. Trump also unveiled a new 5gw AI complex in the UAE, which is set to become the larges
Iran has proposed forming a regional uranium enrichment partnership with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to resolve US concerns about its nuclear project. According to a report, the effort aims to create a collaborative Middle Eastern nuclear framework while strengthening Tehran's position that enrichment rights should be retained. The proposed consortium would have shared control and oversight, with enrichment efforts limited to 3.67% purity, with the original provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The enrichment would take place
The United States has approved a significant arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the sale of military assets worth around $1.45 billion. The declaration comes as former President Donald Trump begins a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, which will include a stop in the UAE. The proposed package includes the sale of six CH-47F Chinook helicopters, as well as related systems and equipment, valued at $1.32 billion. These heavy-lift helicopters are expected to increase the UAE's operational capability in missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaste
Albania had a historic election, with Prime Minister Edi Rama seeking a fourth term and promising the country's integration into the European Union. Rama, Albania's longest-serving democratic leader, gained a substantial majority with the Socialist Party, putting the country on track to join the European Union by 2030. With nearly 85% of votes counted, the Socialist Party is expected to win over 82 seats in Albania's 140-seat parliament, much exceeding the 71 required for a majority. Rama's pro-EU stance was crucial to his campaign, and he remains optimistic about Albania's future in th
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, in Abu Dhabi for a diplomatic discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation and tackling important regional issues. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed Minister Sa'ar and expressed happiness with the UAE's expanding bilateral partnership with Israel. The conversation focused on current regional developments, including the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Both ministers discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of an interim ag
Kazakhstan and the UAE inked more than 20 commercial agreements worth more than $5 billion during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to Kazakhstan on May 12. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed the agreement, citing the UAE as one of Kazakhstan's most important strategic allies. During the meeting, both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to promoting economic cooperation. In 2023, a Joint Declaration was made to encourage strategic investment initiatives. In just the first few months of 2024, direct investments from the UAE into Kaz
India has reaffirmed its support for the Maldives by providing critical financial help amidst the island nation's ongoing debt crisis. On Monday, the Indian government confirmed the extension of its $50 million subscription to a treasury bill issued by the Maldives' Ministry of Finance for another year. The decision was taken at the Maldivian government's formal request and enabled by the State Bank of India, according to a statement released by the Indian High Commission in Male on X. The Maldives' Foreign Minister, Abdulla Khaleel, officially expressed gratitude to India, calling the ass