GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting
Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament, an official report said.
'The importance of this meeting lies in its timing, which comes at a time when Gulf-European relations are witnessing a growing trend on most levels and a convergence of views on many regional and international issues,' he said in an official statement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
Taiwan, EU face threats of ‘external infiltration,' president tells European lawmakers
Taiwan and the European Union share the same values of freedom and democracy, but both also face similar threats from 'external infiltration', President Lai Ching-te told visiting European lawmakers on Tuesday. Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the bloc has had to balance its support for the Chinese-claimed island with relations with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory. China confirmed on Monday it will hold a top-level summit with the EU in Beijing this week marking 50 years of diplomatic ties as both sides seek to navigate trade disputes amid broader global trade uncertainties. Lai, meeting members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield at the presidential office in Taipei, said Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic and trade ties, but also share the values of democracy and freedom. 'But in recent years, both have encountered information interference and infiltration by external forces which have attempted to manipulate the results of democratic elections, create confrontation in society, and shake people's confidence in democracy,' he said, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has repeatedly accused China of interfering in its democracy, spreading fake news and undermining public trust in the government. China denies the accusations, but says Taiwan's government is seeking foreign support to push its own 'separatist' agenda. For their part, many European countries say Russia has similarly been seeking to discredit European governments and destabilize the EU. Moscow rejects the allegations. Lai said that democracies work not to fight against anyone, but to safeguard a 'treasured' way of life, just as Europe strives to promote the spirit of pluralism and human rights. 'Standing at the forefront of the world's defense of democracy, Taiwan is determined to work to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity around the world, and hopes to share its experience with Europe,' he added.
Arab News
20 hours ago
- Arab News
Madinah presents SDG progress at UN in New York
RIYADH: The Madinah Region Development Authority participated in the main session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. In the session, titled 'Transformation from the Ground Up: Acting at Local Level,' the authority highlighted Madinah's pioneering role and the Kingdom's leadership in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals. Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the authority's chief data and innovation officer, said Madinah had become a model for international best practices. Key initiatives include the 2023 Madinah City Voluntary Local Review — the first in the Kingdom and second in the Arab region; the 2024 State of Sustainable Development Report for Madinah Region — the first Voluntary Subnational Review in the Arab region; and the launch of the Atlas of Sustainable Development in Madinah City Neighborhoods, a global first for precise, neighborhood-level SDG assessment. The session also reviewed successful local and regional approaches to accelerating sustainable SDG solutions, discussing key enablers and opportunities to expand local action. The authority's participation, part of the Saudi delegation led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to sustainable development aligned with Vision 2030. The UN forum, running through to July 23, also featured dialogue sessions on global frameworks for resilient urban development and strategies to create value for cities through data-driven trends.
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Pakistan condoles passing of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences at the recent passing of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Monday, noting that his 'courageous' struggle drew admiration and prayers from across the world. Prince Alwaleed passed away on July 19 after spending more than two decades in a coma following a traumatic car accident. As per media reports, the Saudi prince received urgent medical care from specialized American and Spanish physicians but never regained full consciousness. 'Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal,' Sharif wrote on the social media platform X. 'His long and courageous struggle drew admiration and prayers from many across the world.' Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal. His long and courageous struggle drew admiration and prayers from many across the world. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques HM King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 21, 2025 The Pakistani premier offered condolences to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia on the prince's passing. 'May Allah grant him exalted ranks in Jannah,' Sharif concluded. Prince Alwaleed's funeral prayers were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on July 20, as per the Saudi Press Agency.
