bne IntelliNews’ Post

''Over the past several years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a critical role in bringing Syria back into the Arab diplomatic fold. Since Abu Dhabi reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018, high-ranking Emirati and Syrian officials have consistently engaged in manners that serve to shore up the standing of Bashar Al-Assad’s government in the Arab world. The Syrian president’s Mar. 2022 visit to the UAE was a watershed in terms of his gradual rehabilitation as a “legitimate” head of state in the eyes of Sunni Arab statesmen. The Emiratis have a host of interests in bringing Assad back in from the cold. In the UAE’s thinking, it is not useful for Arab states to avoid engaging with Damascus, an ally of Iran and Russia. As Abu Dhabi sees it, having clout in Syria requires a dialogue with the Damascus regime. And though western sanctions so far prevent Gulf Arab states from making economic gains in Syria, the UAE would like to eventually seize on opportunities when it comes to Syria’s reconstruction and redevelopment.'' Giorgio Cafiero for Amwaj.media #uae #syria #iran #diplomacy

Source: @Somali Guardian Eritrea says it will consider cutting ties with Somalia over recent deal with Ethiopia December 25, 2024 MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Eritrea has signaled the possibility of severing diplomatic ties with Somalia following the recent Turkish-brokered agreement aimed at resolving nearly a year of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. Asmara has sharply criticized the deal, describing it as “rushed and ambiguous,” according to BBC Somali. Abdulkadir Idris, an advisor to the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Somalia and Africa, stressed that while Somalia, as a sovereign nation, is entitled to engage in diplomatic agreements with foreign countries, Eritrea did not anticipate Somalia’s hasty acceptance of what Idris called a detrimental and poorly conceived deal. Idris further asserted that Ethiopia’s interest in Somalia lies not in securing a commercial port but in establishing a military naval outpost along the Red Sea. He warned that should Somalia concede to Ethiopia’s request for such a strategic foothold, Eritrea would view it as a significant security threat, prompting a reconsideration of its diplomatic relations with Somalia. The December 13 agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, hastily brokered under Turkish pressure, has sparked widespread backlash among the Somali public. Many have expressed disappointment in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of reneging on his commitments and failing to maintain a consistent foreign policy toward Ethiopia. The accord, which was intended to resolve tensions arising from Ethiopia’s January sea access agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, has fueled further outrage in Mogadishu, where Ethiopia had previously been branded “enemy number one.” In addition to Eritrea’s concerns, Egypt—having strengthened its ties with Somalia in response to escalating tensions with Ethiopia—has also raised alarm. This week, Somalia’s Foreign Minister reassured his Egyptian counterpart that Ethiopia would not be granted military access to Somalia’s coastline, but would only be allowed a commercial outlet. Mr. Idris, reflecting on the tripartite agreement signed weeks ago in Asmara between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt, emphasized that the three countries had agreed to defend Somalia’s coastline against any Ethiopian aggression, particularly in the event of a full-scale assault on Somalia’s waters and territory. This pact was negotiated prior to the rushed Ethiopia-Somalia deal. https://lnkd.in/eE77bP-Q

India is deepening diplomatic ties with Arab nations amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. The recent appointments of Jordan's Ambassador Yousef Mustafa Ali Abdelghani and Egypt's Ambassador Kamel Galal highlight this intensified engagement, bringing in seasoned diplomats experienced in the Gaza, West Bank, and Lebanon conflicts. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is leading these discussions, meeting with key figures like Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister and the UAE's Foreign Minister. These talks focus on the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and developing strategic partnerships. The Saudi Crown Prince has notably called for an end to hostilities and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 boundaries. The conflict raises concerns about the future of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), initiated during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Prolonged Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon could undermine the initiative's feasibility. Former diplomat Dr. Zikrur Rahman pointed out that Saudi Arabia's formal engagement with Israel hinges on resolving the Palestinian issue, reinforcing the kingdom's support for a two-state solution. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gYavzcqA

🇪🇬🇸🇴 #Somalia and #Egypt are forming a close alliance following a defense deal signed during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's visit to Cairo. An Egyptian embassy is set to open in Mogadishu, enhancing diplomatic ties that have grown since Mohamud's visit to Egypt in July 2022, a move that has caused concern in #Ethiopia🇪🇹. Egypt's influence in Somalia has increased, marked by the awarding of a banking license to an Egyptian bank and agreements to train Somali troops. The alliance was strengthened during the MoU crisis regarding #Somaliland, with Egypt and Somalia viewing Ethiopia as a common adversary. Egypt has supported Somalia's stance in the Arab world and signed another defense pact during the crisis in January, committing to training and intelligence sharing. Economic ties are also expanding, with direct flights between Cairo and Mogadishu. Tensions with the #UAE have allowed Egypt to play a larger role in Somalia, and Egypt is expected to lead the new African Union mission, AUSSOM, set to replace ATMIS in 2025. #Djibouti has committed forces to the mission, and Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda are expected to follow. The presence of #Ethiopian troops in #Somalia under the new mission depends on #Turkey's mediation efforts in the #MoU crisis.

UAE Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Syrian Transitional Government H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, welcomed Asaad al-Shibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Syria’s Transitional Government, in Abu Dhabi for a significant diplomatic meeting. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations, reaffirming Syria’s sovereignty, and addressing key regional challenges. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the UAE’s commitment to supporting Syria's independence and its ongoing efforts to contribute to peace, stability, and humanitarian relief. Key Highlights: Strengthening UAE-Syria fraternal ties and exploring areas of mutual interest. Reaffirming support for Syria’s territorial integrity and the aspirations of its people. Collaboration on security, development, and regional peace initiatives. Continued UAE humanitarian support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction. This meeting is a testament to the UAE’s active role in fostering regional stability and its commitment to helping Syria rebuild a prosperous future. The UAE remains dedicated to working closely with both regional and international partners to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development for the people of Syria. #UAE #Syria #Diplomacy #MiddleEast #RegionalStability #Peacebuilding #HumanitarianAid #ForeignAffairs #InternationalCooperation #Security #Sovereignty #Reconstruction #UAELeadership

Astana format meeting to discuss regional situation around Syria The Kazakh Foreign Ministry announced that the 22nd Astana format meeting on Syria will take place on November 11-12 ASTANA, November 11/ An international meeting on the latest developments around Syria and efforts toward resolving the situation in the country kicks off in the capital of Kazakhstan on Monday. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry announced that the 22nd Astana format meeting on Syria will take place on November 11-12. On Monday, delegations will hold bilateral and trilateral meetings, and on Tuesday a plenary session and a news conference will take place. Among other issues, participants in the Astana meeting will discuss the situation on the ground in Syria and confidence-building measures, including efforts to release hostages and search for those missing, according to Kazakhstan’s diplomatic agency. #business #finance #financialservices

Peace Please! Politicians decide about war and truce, which is a sine qua non for establishing peace. However, it are the ordinary civilians who are the peace builders by non-violent interaction with each other; reciprocally establishing empathy as equals. It is the only way to replace fear and hatred by trust and solidarity, solving a conflict forever. There no longer will be a need to fight or argue and this will moderate the radicals. www.pax.ngo & www.convergence.ngo

IGAD’s Call for Protection of Civilians and Diplomatic Missions Amid the Sudan Conflict The conflict in Sudan has seen yet another troubling development, with attacks targeting diplomatic missions, most recently the residence of the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Khartoum.… #Africa #IGAD #Sudani #UAE #War >>> Read more

𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬. Saudi Arabia and the United States held diplomatic talks focused on Sudan. The meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello aimed to address the ongoing crisis in the African nation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dfsufFzT #SaudiUS #SudanTalks #AfricanCrisis #ArabNews #ArabTimes #ArabTimesNews

#Somalia in 2024 Historically good bilateral relations with #Ethiopia in the last months of 2023 and a #Djibouti-mediated agreement with #Somaliland on 31 Dec 2023 have been shattered on 1 Jan 2024 by a Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU. The MoU, while non-binding and thus not advancing significantly anyone's political agenda, has brought Ethiopia-Somaliland and Somalia on the brink of war. The stakes were not only Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland's independence - which never occured - but Ethiopia's commercial access to the sea - which was otherwise secured - and the setting up of a military base in #Awdal, near Djibouti's border. After Ethiopian open jingoism, Ethiopian and Somali threats of (proxy) war, Ethiopian shows of force, Somali empty ultimatums, the situation has temporarily cooled down thanks to #Turkey's mediation. The Ankara declaration suffers from the same flaws as the MoU, being a declaration of intention, diversely interpretable, and of a dubious enforcement. As things stand, trust is shattered, and the old alliance might not be restored in the same terms, all having but stepped back from the brink. Ethiopia's lack of response, to this day, to a Djiboutian offer on access to the port of Tadjourah is also concerning. Nevertheless, it might have a first result by the integration of Ethiopian troops within the #AU peace mission, formerly #AMISOM, then #ATMIS, now known as #AUSSOM since 1 Jan 2025. A key aspect of the new mission shall be Egyptian oversight however, an uneasy situation for all involved. As the crisis developed, #Egypt and #Eritrea, major Somali allies since 2022, have doubled down on their support to the country in her spat against a common enemy. Eritrea's hostility to the Ankara declaration has been patent. Egyptian deliveries of material of war should continue and worsen tensions. Meanwhile Turkey has largely benefitted by striking important agreements with Somalia on space, the latter's navy and territorial waters, including the exploitation of natural resources therein, all the while maintaining cordial relations with Ethiopia. The spat has had other negative consequences beyond open hostility and Ethiopian continued dual track diplomacy, especially on the war on #AlShabaab as well as on Somaliland itself. While Ethiopia has been supporting Somaliland's depleted military, #SSCKhatumo, now formally reunited with Somalia and supported by #Puntland, is still keeping Somaliland forces at bay, with clashes now extending into Sanaag. SSC administration already controls most of their claimed area in Sool and Cayn. Meanwhile former Somaliland ally Djibouti is now embroiled in a proxy war with the same, through SSC, but also a new insurgency formed in Awdal in opposition to a hypothetical Ethiopian military base. On the other hand, Somaliland is supporting Djiboutian rebels. Somaliland has held elections on 13 Nov 2024, with the new administration announcing a review of the MoU with Ethiopia. [...]