Global Diplomacy and Security: Saudi Arabia Condoles UAE Leader, Strengthens Climate Cooperation at UN, While Qatar Joins US Visa Waiver Program and Extremist Trial Unfolds in France
Saudi leaders mourn Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mualla's death; at UN, Saudi FM Adel Al-Jubeir and Qatar's Emir discuss climate cooperation and Middle East peace.
On September 24, 2024, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their condolences to Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al-Mualla, the ruler of Umm Al-Quwain, following the death of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Rashid Al-Mualla. The Saudi leaders expressed their sympathy and offered prayers for the deceased, who passed away on Tuesday morning.
Transitioning to global cooperation, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with UN Environment Program Executive Director Inger Andersen at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York City to discuss enhancing cooperation on Saudi Arabia’s climate initiatives. Al-Jubeir also sat down with the Netherlands’ Climate Envoy to review bilateral environmental and climate efforts.
In related diplomatic news, the United States announced that Qatar will join the Visa Waiver Program on December 1, becoming the first Gulf nation to enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days. This milestone, which facilitates deeper US-Qatar strategic partnerships, will also allow reciprocal visa-free travel for US citizens starting October 1.
Shifting to judicial developments, French extremist Peter Cherif admitted his involvement in the 2011 kidnapping of three French aid workers in Yemen during his trial in Paris. Known for his links to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo massacre, Cherif acted as a translator for the captors from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and is now facing terrorism-related charges.
Meanwhile, at the UN General Assembly, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad criticized the international community for failing to address the Palestinian issue and pointed to the ongoing violence. He reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to mediating peace in the Middle East and highlighted efforts in regions like Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, as well as broader conflicts.
In a call for decisive action, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the UN Security Council to push for peace against Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. Emphasizing the support of Western leaders, Zelensky highlighted the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on Ukraine’s future, particularly if former President Donald Trump returns to power.
Transitioning to global cooperation, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with UN Environment Program Executive Director Inger Andersen at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York City to discuss enhancing cooperation on Saudi Arabia’s climate initiatives. Al-Jubeir also sat down with the Netherlands’ Climate Envoy to review bilateral environmental and climate efforts.
In related diplomatic news, the United States announced that Qatar will join the Visa Waiver Program on December 1, becoming the first Gulf nation to enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days. This milestone, which facilitates deeper US-Qatar strategic partnerships, will also allow reciprocal visa-free travel for US citizens starting October 1.
Shifting to judicial developments, French extremist Peter Cherif admitted his involvement in the 2011 kidnapping of three French aid workers in Yemen during his trial in Paris. Known for his links to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo massacre, Cherif acted as a translator for the captors from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and is now facing terrorism-related charges.
Meanwhile, at the UN General Assembly, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad criticized the international community for failing to address the Palestinian issue and pointed to the ongoing violence. He reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to mediating peace in the Middle East and highlighted efforts in regions like Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, as well as broader conflicts.
In a call for decisive action, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the UN Security Council to push for peace against Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. Emphasizing the support of Western leaders, Zelensky highlighted the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on Ukraine’s future, particularly if former President Donald Trump returns to power.
