Category: Key Issues

The media office at Dar El-Fatwa announced in a statement on Sunday that the Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Academy of the Muslim World League has issued a decision selecting the Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, as a member of the Academy in addition to his membership in the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League since 2018.

Mufti Derian participated in the Academy’s 23rd session held in Riyadh, where he thanked the Academy’s leadership and members for their entrusted confidence and pledged to endeavor for the best interests of the Islamic and Arab nation.

In his word during the conference, the Mufti said: ‘The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Lebanon’s support and breathing lung, and the relations between the two countries are stable and deeply-rooted.’

Derian valued the Kingdom’s charitable initiatives, alongside the Arab brothers, that aim to help Lebanon overcome its crises and which reflect the Arab chivalry and devotion towards the Lebanese.

He thanked the Saudi Kingdom for the
absolute support extended to Dar al-Fatwa, to the Lebanese people, and their constitutional institutions.

‘We affirm our permanent call to the Lebanese leaders to work to fortify national unity and end the accumulated crises. We ask God Almighty to remove the black cloud from the skies of Lebanon so that it may rise again and play its civilized and fraternal role as before alongside its Arab brothers,’ the Mufti concluded.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Free Patriotic Movement Chief, MP Gebran Bassil, on Sunday, toured the city of Jezzine, which he began by meeting former MP Ibrahim Azar at his residence.

Bassil expressed joy at making this tour, saying: “We are facing a major challenge, and to preserve our options we must join efforts…Jezzine will be a major center of attraction…and together with former MP Amal Abu Zeid and Municipalities Union Head Khalil Harfouche, we hope to join efforts to the people’s benefit…”

In turn, Azar welcomed Bassil and assured him that “his home is open to everyone.”

Bassil then visited the commercial market in the city of Jezzine and patronized the opening of its businesses there, accompanied by Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar, former MP Amal Abu Zeid, Jezzine Municipalities Union Head, Khalil Harfouche, and several city and judicial officials.

In a brief word, Bassil said: ‘I learned to love Jezzine and its people from President General Michel Aoun, and this project is the beginning of a journey tha
t began with those who built Jezzine hundreds of years ago. When I saw Al-Sadd Street and the works carried out by the municipality, I was encouraged and asked why not continue…? All we are trying to do is development and marketing, and Jezzine has all the ingredients to be a polarizing area.’

He considered that “the restoration process must be completed by the people of the district and the city, and the development process must take place in stages.”

Bassil affirmed: ‘Competition is necessary for people to develop…A destructive mind will not help us advance, and every person resists war in his way, and this is our way of resisting, which is building…We must believe that our role is to connect and unite, not to divide and fragment…”

“Our strength is through our openness without dissolving into others and remaining open to others. This is the strength of Jezzine to attract people. We have spread culture and history throughout the past, and this is something that we agree on,’ Bassil underlined.

In
turn, former MP Amal Abu Zeid noted that ‘the aim of opening this market is to demonstrate the will to survive and be hopeful for the future…and for the people of the region to remain in it and for it to be strengthened…’

For his part, Harfouche stressed that ‘the goal of reconstructing the market is to attract a larger number of tourists to Jezzine,” adding, “Culture is at the heart of development and social work.”

Later, Bassil participated in a Mass service held in the Church of Saint Anthony in Jezzine, in the presence of a crowd of believers and townspeople.

Finally, Bassil concluded his visit by inaugurating the youth hostel in Jezzine, where he said: “Jezzine must remain the fortress of FPM through our work, as the Movement and Lebanon are built with positive energy.”

He hoped that ‘this place will bring together the new FPM generation to aspire for a better future.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Head of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, began his tour in Jezzine, by meeting with former MP Ibrahim Azar at his home, in the presence of former MP Amal Abu Zeid, former MP Salim Al-Khoury, and head of the Jezzine Municipalities Union, Khalil Harfouche.

During the meeting, MP Bassil expressed his happiness with this visit and the implications it holds, considering that “the FPM faces a major challenge and the partisans must help in order to preserve the party’s options.”

‘Jezzine will be a major attraction, and with former MP Amal Abu Zeid and union Mayor Khalil Harfouche, we hope to help in the interest of the people,” Bassil added.

In turn, Azar welcomed MP Bassil, considering that ‘this house is open to everyone, as it was open to His Excellency the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, in 2009.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

ABU DHABI: The upcoming state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to the UAE on Monday holds outstanding historical significance in the ongoing development of bilateral relations between the two nations, which have evolved into a robust strategic partnership across multiple domains and sectors.

The visit epitomises the unique and extraordinary bond between the UAE and Oman, bolstered by a shared history, societal closeness, and a genuine commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination across broader and more comprehensive avenues. This endeavour is fuelled by the guidance and backing of the esteemed leaders of both nations, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

The two nations enjoy close ties across multiple levels, evident in continuous dialogue, high-level meetings, and ongoing ministerial and governmental engagements. These interactions underscore the significant importance both nations place on advancing the
ir bilateral relations.

Strengthening ties with the Sultanate of Oman stands as a key priority for the leadership of the UAE. This was clearly expressed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan when he said, “The UAE and Oman are a deep-rooted brotherhood bound by extended relations that only increase with time in firmness, strength and affection.” In turn, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, embodied the uniqueness of Emirati-Omani relations and their historical depth, as His Highness said, ‘Oman is from us, and we are from them, our brothers, and our support in the face of adversity.’

The deep-rooted ties between the two fraternal nations trace back through history, marked by numerous significant milestones over the past decades, including the historic meeting between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1968.

The historic visit of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the Sultanate o
f Oman in 1991 marked a significant turning point in the cooperation between the two nations. This visit led to the establishment of a joint higher committee, which achieved notable milestones in joint economic cooperation and coordination in areas such as economy, trade, culture, education, communications, transport, in addition to increasing opportunities for joint investment.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the Sultanate of Oman in September 2022 stands as a pivotal moment in the history of relations between the two countries. During this visit, approximately 16 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, paving the way for joint cooperation across various domains including scientific, economic, political, security, cultural, and others.

The two countries prioritize ongoing coordination and consultation on bilateral, Arab, and international matters. They share a common vision for peace and stability in the region, coupled with a sincere commitment to bols
tering the unity and cohesion of the Gulf and the Arab world as a whole.

The economic ties between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman underscore the depth of their robust partnership. Both nations recognize the significance of collaborative economic and trade cooperation, emphasising the need to enhance it through increased trade volume and the reinforcement of bilateral economic relations across various sectors including industry, commerce, and investment, both in the private and public spheres.

The economic and investment relations between the two countries are experiencing steady growth, evidenced by the non-oil trade exchange volume reaching AED 48.7 billion in 2022.

The UAE holds the position of being the Sultanate’s foremost trading partner, serving as both its largest exporter and importer. It constitutes over 40 percent of Oman’s total imports globally and approximately 20 percent of its exports to international markets.

The UAE stands out as one of the leading countries globally in terms of invest
ment in the Sultanate of Oman across various sectors. These include manufacturing industries, real estate and rental activities, commercial project activities, construction, financial intermediation, transportation and storage, hotels, among others. Additionally, the UAE ranks first as a destination for Omani direct investments abroad.

Cultural relations serve as one of the most significant pillars of Emirati-Omani relations, marked by continuous growth and prosperity. These relations have consistently garnered attention and oversight from the wise leadership in both countries.

The two countries share a common cultural heritage of arts and literature, which has contributed to the development of a cohesive cultural identity for their respective populations and for all the peoples of the Arabian Gulf region.

In 2022, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating the exchange of experiences, information, and experts in the cultural and youth sectors, with a particular focus on a
rts and libraries. This agreement seeks to bolster the role of cultural dialogue and youth gatherings, promote exchange visits among cultural and youth authorities, and support collaboration among writers, thinkers, experts, and youth practitioners to enhance youth policies and initiatives.

Sports collaboration shines brightly in UAE-Oman relations, as sports entities in both countries are committed to enhancing joint cooperation across various sports federations, encompassing technical, and administrative realms. This includes organizing training camps for national teams, facilitating friendly matches among clubs, and other initiatives that bolster the sporting landscape.

Historically, the Sultanate of Oman served as the launching pad for the first professional experiences of Emirati football coaches abroad, notably exemplified by coach Hassan Ali in the 1980s.

In recent years, the UAE Pro League has emerged as a preferred destination for Omani players, exemplified by talents like Fawzi Bashir, who has ma
de notable stints with Bani Yas, Al Dhafra, and Ajman clubs, Hassan Muzfar with Al Wahda club, Arshad Al Alawi with Emirates club, and Ahmed Kano with Al Ain club.

Presently, there is robust participation from various Omani sports teams in the inaugural Gulf Youth Games hosted by the UAE. Additionally, the Omani athletics team is gearing up to compete in the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships set to be held in Dubai from 24th to 27th April.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, hosted a reception this evening on the occasion of her country’s National Day.

In a speech marking the occasion, the Irish Ambassador praised the wise policies of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the strong relations of cooperation that bind the two countries at all levels. The Irish Ambassador explained that the UAE is the second-largest trading partner in the region for Ireland.

The reception, which was held at the Ambassador’s residence, was attended by a number of officials and members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the UAE, as well as Irish businessmen and members of the Irish community in the UAE.

The reception was infused with the spirit of Ireland through traditional dances and music

Source: Emirates News Agency