Russia Drones Smash Power Network in Ukraine's Odesa, Leaving 1.5 Million without Power

Sunday, 11 December, 2022

All non-critical infrastructure in the Ukrainian port of Odesa was without power after Russia used Iranian-made drones to hit two energy facilities, leaving 1.5 million people without power, officials said on Saturday.

"The situation in the Odesa region is very difficult," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"Unfortunately, the hits were critical, so it takes more than just time to restore electricity... It doesn't take hours, but a few days, unfortunately."

Since October, Moscow has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure with large waves of missile and drone strikes.

Norway was sending $100 million to help restore Ukraine's energy system, Zelenskiy said.

Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesperson for Odesa's regional administration, said electricity for the city's population will be restored "in the coming days," while complete restoration of the networks may take two to three months.

Bratchuk said an earlier Facebook post by the region's administration, advising some people to consider evacuating, was being investigated by Ukraine's security services as "an element of the hybrid war" by Russia.

That post has since been deleted.

"Not a single representative of the authorities in the region made any calls for the evacuation of the inhabitants of Odesa and the region," Bratchuk said.

Odesa had more than 1 million residents before the Feb. 24 invasion that Russia calls a "special military operation" to "denazify" its smaller neighbor.

Kyiv says Russia has launched hundreds of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones at targets in Ukraine, describing the attacks as war crimes due to their devastating effect on civilian life. Moscow says its attacks are militarily legitimate and that it does not target civilians.

Ukraine's prosecutor general's office said two power facilities in Odesa region were hit by Shahed-136 drones.

Ukraine's armed forces said on Facebook that 15 drones had been launched against targets in the southern regions of Odesa and Mykolaiv, and 10 had been shot down.

Tehran denies supplying the drones to Moscow. Kyiv and its Western allies say that is a lie.

Britain's defense ministry said on Saturday that it believed Iran's military support for Russia was likely to increase in the coming months, including possible deliveries of ballistic missiles.

Source: Asharq al-Awsat.

Link: https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4036976/russia-drones-smash-power-network-ukraine%E2%80%99s-odesa-leaving-15-million-without.

Australia Imposes Sanctions on Iran, Russia over Protests Crackdown

Saturday, 10 December, 2022

Australia's foreign minister said on Saturday the government would place targeted sanctions on Russia and Iran in response to what it called "egregious" human rights violations.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement Australia was imposing sanctions on 13 individuals and two entities, including Iran’s Morality Police and Basij Resistance Force, and six Iranians involved in the crackdown on protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody in September.

Seven Russians involved in what the foreign minister said was the attempted assassination of former opposition leader Alexei Navalny would also have human rights sanctions imposed on them, Wong said in her statement.

In addition to human rights sanctions, Wong said Australia was placing further targeted financial sanctions on three Iranians and one Iranian business for supplying drones to Russia for use against Ukraine. Australia's foreign minister said on Saturday the government would place targeted sanctions on Russia and Iran in response to what it called "egregious" human rights violations.

Source: Asharq al-Awsat.

Link: https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4035596/australia-imposes-sanctions-iran-russia-over-protests-crackdown.

Fossil offers ultra rare piece of evidence showing a dinosaur eating a mammal

Edmonton, Canada (SPX)

Dec 22, 2022

An international team of researchers has uncovered an extremely rare piece of evidence that dinosaurs ate mammals. The foot of a small mammal about the size of a mouse was found preserved inside the gut contents of a Microraptor zhaoianus, a small feathered dinosaur from the early Cretaceous period, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. There is a lone earlier report of a dinosaur specimen with mammalian gut contents, however, that report pertains to a species that isn't closely related to Microraptor.

It's extremely rare to find conclusive evidence of a dinosaur's diet because of how difficult it is for a dinosaur's gut contents to be preserved, says Corwin Sullivan, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and co-author of the paper.

"There was always interest in [Microraptor's] diet because there had been previous specimens that contained remains of different vertebrates inside the rib cage, but we have the first one that contains parts of a mammal," he notes.

The Microraptor was found within Jurassic and Cretaceous lake deposits in what is now northeast China.

Previous Microraptor specimens from this area have been found with gut contents of a fish, bird and lizard, indicating that these small dinosaurs had diverse diets. However, it remains unclear whether Microraptor consumed the contents in a predator-prey relationship or by scavenging. Researchers can only say conclusively that Microraptor was carnivorous.

Sullivan says information about dinosaurs' diets is a key piece in the puzzle to learning more about what was going on at the time they roamed the Earth.

"We're slowly gathering pieces of information about these past ecosystems and the animals that inhabited them. So what this discovery does is fill in a little bit of information in that it's showing the diet of Microraptor was even broader, even more generalist, than we thought previously."

"That tells us something about this animal and, by extension, tells us that there were generalist carnivores in these ancient ecosystems - that that niche existed."

Source: Terra Daily.

Link: https://www.terradaily.com/reports/Fossil_offers_ultra_rare_piece_of_evidence_showing_a_dinosaur_eating_a_mammal_999.html.

Increasing forest cover in the Eifel region 11,000 years ago resulted in the local loss of megafauna

Mainz, Germany (SPX)

Dec 22, 2022

Herds of megafauna, such as mammoth and bison, have roamed the prehistoric plains in what is today's Central Europe for several tens of thousands of years. As woodland expanded at the end of the last Ice Age, the numbers of these animals declined and by roughly 11,000 years ago, they had completely vanished from this region. Thus, the growth of forests was the main factor that determined the extinction of such megafauna in Central Europe.

This is the conclusion reached in a study conducted by Professor Frank Sirocko of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), together with researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, the University of Wollongong in Australia, and the University of Gottingen.

The project involved the analysis of sediment layers taken from two Eifel maars, i.e., former volcanic craters that had subsequently become lakes. The researchers used these to reconstruct landscape changes and megafauna abundance in the area over the last 60,000 years. The results showed that human hunters and large mammals had actually co-existed here over several thousand years.

"The sediments from the Eifel maars have provided us with no evidence that it was humans who were responsible for the eradication of these animals," stated Sirocko. The so-called overkill hypothesis discussed in North America could thus not be confirmed for Central Europe.

Previous vegetation and animal populations can be identified from pollen and fungal spores in sediments

For the purpose of their study, the research partners used sediment cores from the Eifel maars that Sirocko and his team had systematically drilled and archived over the past 20 years. The recent article published in Scientific Reports details the investigation of pollen and spores present in the cores obtained from Holzmaar lake and the infilled maar of Auel located in the Volcanic Eifel. While pollen documents the vegetation of the past, fungal spores provide evidence of the presence of large mammals because certain mold fungi only colonize the dung of bigger herbivores.

On the basis of the grains of pollen, the researchers established that some 60,000 to 48,000 years ago the Eifel region was covered by spruce woods that succumbed to several cold phases, which transformed the landscape into more open forest steppe. This kind of terrain remained predominant from 43,000 to 30,000 years before the present. Subsequently, the forest tundra of the Eifel became an Ice Age polar desert where only grass grew.

The megafauna fecal fungal spores show that it was these environments which were continuously inhabited by large mammals from 48,000 to some 11,000 years ago. Datable bones found in caves in Belgium and gravel deposits in the Rhine valley document that mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, bison, horses, reindeer, and giant deer found the cold phases more accommodating. The sparse forests of the warmer phases were the preferred habitat of red deer, elk, and the European bison.

Development of woodlands deprived megafauna of their food source

The primary cause of the decline and eventual extinction of large mammals in Central Europe was the growth of forests. "As the trees began to take over, the large herbivores lost access to their main staple food, namely grass," explained Sirocko. Neither the extreme climatic fluctuations of the last 60,000 years nor local volcanic activity and associated fire events appear to have played a role in their extinction.

At the same time, the arrival of modern humans in Central Europe 43,000 years ago also had little effect on the presence of local megafauna. Instead, times at which extensive numbers of large mammals were living here coincided with periods in which there was a denser population of humans.

"This is most apparent some 15,000 years ago. At that time, we find the largest herds of megafauna along with the archaeologically confirmed presence of human hunters in the Rhine valley," Sirocko pointed out. The Magdalenian culture site at Gonnersdorf in northern Rhineland-Palatinate has been extensively excavated by the Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Mainz - Leibniz Research Institute for Archaeology (RGZM) in Mainz.

The researchers claim that even in this period, towards the end of the last Ice Age, grassed landscapes were still spreading. This was the era in which the solar irradiation of the Northern Hemisphere began to increase and global sea levels started to rise, eventually flooding the formerly land regions in the English Channel and the North Sea and thus presumably progressively forcing the herds of megafauna away to seek refuge in Central Europe.

"The many late glacial maar lakes and silted-up swamps in dried-out maars in the Eifel region must have proved particularly attractive to megafauna," concluded Sirocko. "And it was the resultant large herds that must have enticed the late Ice Age hunters."

Sediments of the Eifel maars do not substantiate the overkill hypothesis

According to the research team, the fact that hunters and megafauna occupied the same region concurrently demonstrates that human beings did not cause the disappearance of large mammals from Central Europe - in other words, the maar sediments of the Eifel region do not furnish proof that the overkill hypothesis put forward for North America can be corroborated here.

The large mammals migrated away only when birch forests began to predominate in the terrain 13,300 years ago. From 11,000 years ago there is no longer evidence of the presence of large herds of megafauna as thick woods had taken over the Eifel, a setting in which large mammals could not survive.

Source: Terra Daily.

Link: https://www.terradaily.com/reports/Increasing_forest_cover_in_the_Eifel_region_11000_years_ago_resulted_in_the_local_loss_of_megafauna_999.html.

Gulf Countries, China to Invest in the Future, Energy

Saturday, 10 December, 2022

The Gulf-Chinese summit on Friday concluded the importance of joint work and integration in future projects, namely investment in innovation, technology, and energy, and in collaborative work on regional security and stability.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz said that regional security and stability can't be achieved without "the exit of mercenary militias from all Arab territories and the cessation of external interference in their affairs."

The Crown Prince gave a speech at the Riyadh Gulf-China Summit for Cooperation and Development, which he chaired on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Several leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the summit on Friday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

Crown Prince Mohammed indicated that the GCC's member states view China as an essential partner for them, and the favorable fruits of this partnership have been reflected in their common interests and the security and stability of the region.

In his speech, he stressed that GCC countries are interested in working with Beijing to explore practical ways to address global challenges, including food security and improving the integration of global supply chains and energy security.

The GCC states affirm that they will continue their role as a reliable source to meet the energy needs of the world and China.

The Crown Prince welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing them success in their endeavors and efforts to preserve security and stability and achieve peoples' aspirations for a better future.

"We meet today in light of the many challenges facing the region and the world amid exceptional circumstances that require us to activate joint collective action to face these challenges, and based on the noble goals and objectives upon which the GCC was established, and based on the depth of the historical relationship and friendship that bind our countries with the People's Republic of China."

The Crown Prince said the summit establishes a new historic start for the relationship between China and Saudi Arabia, aiming to deepen cooperation with the People's Republic of China in all fields and coordinate views on regional and international issues.

He indicated that GCC countries consider China an "essential and important partner," noting that the favorable fruits of this partnership have been reflected in the common interests and regional security and stability.

The rapid economic growth and significant technological development that China has reached under the leadership of President Xi is a success story reflected in China's position as the global economic leader.

The Crown Prince asserted that the GCC countries look forward to exchanging experiences and creating diverse partnerships in light of the ambitious development plans of the GCC states.

He asserted: "We commend the rapid development in the GCC-China relationship and the solid diversity in strategic cooperation between the two sides, such as trade, investment, energy, education, scientific research, environment, and health."

The GCC countries also look forward to increasing this cooperation to broader horizons.

In his speech, the Crown Prince also referred to the remarkable increase in trade exchange between the GCC countries and China during the past years, which "we expect to continue to grow after discussing the negotiations for the establishment of a free trade zone."

The GCC countries value the strategic partnership between them and China and praise the joint action plans for the period (2023-2027) for their importance in strengthening the strategic framework for cooperation between the two sides, said Crown Prince Mohammed.

He announced that GCC countries are interested in working with China to explore practical ways to address global challenges, including food security and improving the integration of global supply chains and energy security.

The GCC countries appreciate China's endeavors to put forward initiatives concerned with revitalizing the course of cooperation and strengthening international multilateral action, foremost of which is the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative.

"We share the thinking with our friends in the People's Republic of China about the importance of reorienting the international community's focus towards cooperation, development, and addressing the common challenges facing humanity."

The Crown Prince asserted that Gulf countries are going to exert all efforts to enhance regional security and stability as well as support political solutions and dialogue for all regional and international tensions and conflicts, based on the fact that this is the path that guarantees to achieve peace, security, and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed extended his thanks, on behalf of the GCC countries, to China, led by President Xi Jinping on the continuous endeavor to deepen Chinese-Gulf relations.

For his part, the Chinese President expressed his sincere thanks to Saudi Arabia for its efforts to host the first GCC-Chinese summit.

During his speech before the summit, he reviewed the beginnings of Chinese-Gulf relations, during which the two sides wrote impressive chapters of solidarity, support, cooperation, and mutual gain.

He indicated that China and the GCC countries always exchange support for the sovereignty, independence, and respect of each other's development paths, uphold the equality of all nations, whether big or small and firmly advocate multilateralism.

The Chinese leader pointed to the high integration between the two sides, pointing out that China enjoys a broad consumer market and an integrated industrial system.

The GCC is characterized by rich energy resources and the successful development of diversifying the economy.

The President said: "The Chinese side highly commends the efforts exerted by the GCC countries to make the council the most vital regional organization in the Middle East and the GCC."

He called for consolidating mutual trust and firm support for the vital interests between China and the GCC countries, working together to maintain the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and exerting joint efforts to implement genuine multilateralism in a manner that preserves the common interests of developing countries.

"We must strengthen the harmonization between our development strategies, activate the advantages of integration, and generate an impetus for development," said the President, expressing the aspiration to join efforts with all parties in implementing the global development initiative and implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He asserted that China would continue its unwavering support for the GCC countries in maintaining their security and support the region's countries to resolve differences through dialogue, consultation, and building a collective security system in the Gulf.

Xi welcomed the GCC countries to participate in the global security initiative to maintain regional peace and stability with joint efforts and be partners in advancing civilization.

The President explained that during the next three to five years, China is keen on concerted efforts with the GCC's member states to cooperate in priority areas.

He indicated that priority areas include building a new formula for comprehensive cooperation in energy, whereby China will continue to import crude oil and a large amount from the GCC states and increase the import of liquefied natural gas.

He also reiterated the need to enhance cooperation in engineering services, storage, and refining of oil and gas, using the Shanghai Stock Exchange for oil and natural gas as a platform for oil and gas trade settlement in the Chinese currency.

He said China would also enhance cooperation in clean and low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen energy, energy storage, and smart electric grids.

Xi explained that Beijing seeks to enhance cooperation in consolidating the production of equipment related to new energy, the establishment of the Chinese-GCC Forum for Peaceful Uses of Energy Nuclear Power, and participate in the establishment of the Chinese-GCC Excellence Center for Nuclear Security and Specialized Training in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear technology for the GCC states.

The second area includes pushing for new progress in finance and investment, as China is keen to cooperate with the GCC's member states in financial supervision.

Xi hoped this would facilitate the entry of GCC companies into the Chinese capital market, establish a joint investment council with the GCC side, and support cooperation between sovereignty funds in different ways.

He also addressed expanding technological innovation cooperation to new areas, as China is keen to cooperate with the GCC states in establishing hubs for big data and cloud computing, enhancing collaboration in fifth-generation technology, sixth generation communications, designing a batch of incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship, and carrying out projects for the economy in areas of cooperation on cross-border e-commerce.

He called for innovations for space cooperation, as China is keen to launch a series of cooperation projects with the Gulf countries in remote sensing satellites, space communications, applications, space infrastructure, and cooperation in selecting the training of astronauts.

China will cooperate in teaching the Chinese language with universities and schools in the GCC countries and will establish smart schools for teaching the Chinese language, said the President.

Xi concluded his speech by reiterating that Gulf countries and China bear a message for the nation's development and renaissance, as a long history and a promising future characterize the Chinese-GCC relations.

"Let us work hand in hand to follow up the past march, move hand in hand forward, and work together to create a beautiful future in Chinese-Gulf relations."

Also at the summit, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that these three summits are held under complex political conditions that require intensifying joint efforts to spare the region the repercussions of regional and international conflicts and crises.

The King asserted the importance of unity between the GCC member states as the bulwark of stability and the catalyst of growth and development.

He underscored the significance of commitment to implementing all resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council and Al-Ula Summit communique.

He called to continue coordinating the GCC stances in international gatherings to convey the summit's message of fostering just and comprehensive peace and maintaining global security based on mutual respect.

The summit later issued a final communique addressing the issues discussed during the meeting.

Source: Asharq al-Awsat.

Link: https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4035811/gulf-countries-china-invest-future-energy.

The Arab-Chinese Riyadh Summit: Race for Progress, Renaissance

Saturday, 10 December, 2022

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman asserted that "Arabs will race for progress and renaissance once again. We will prove that every day."

Speaking on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz during the closing ceremony of the Arab-Chinese Summit, the Crown Prince reiterated the resolve of the Arabs to strive for their progress and prosperity.

The Crown Prince concluded the work of the "Riyadh Arab-China Summit for Cooperation and Development" in the presence of Arab leaders, heads of delegations, and the President of China, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on Friday.

He stressed that the historical relationship between the Arab countries and China is based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation in many fields.

"Our countries attach utmost importance to supporting the development process to develop their economies and the well-being of their peoples," noted the Crown Prince.

He added that the Arab region looks with great interest at China's steady growth and rapid technological progress, which has made it among the world's leading economies.

"The convening of this summit establishes a new phase for advancing the relationship between our countries and strengthening partnership in areas of common interest."

Prince Mohammed noted that to "achieve the future that our peoples aspire to, and for future generations to enjoy the desired prosperity, we must continue to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and financial fields between the Arab countries and the People's Republic of China in their bilateral and multilateral framework, and develop political coordination on the international arena, towards regional and international issues of common concern."

The Crown Prince noted that Saudi Arabia works to promote international cooperation to meet the world's challenges and support global multilateral action within the framework of the principles of the UN to achieve a promising future for the people and future generations.

"We are aware of the challenge posed by climate change, and we believe in the need to find more sustainable and comprehensive solutions within the framework of a balanced approach that seeks to mitigate the negative effects while maintaining the levels of growth of the global economy, as we aim to reach carbon neutrality without affecting growth and supply chains."

Saudi Arabia values the cooperation of its international partnerships with the Arab countries and China within the Green Middle East Initiative framework, said Crown Prince Mohammed.

He said: "We affirm our readiness to interact positively with the initiatives that enhance our joint environmental work, taking into account the development interests of the countries and the varying capabilities between them."

As other international challenges, including food security and energy security, grow, it is essential to interact with serious initiatives seeking to activate cooperation and collective action, according to the Crown Prince.

He lauded the role of China in putting forward several valuable initiatives, notably the Friends of Global Development Initiative, which matches many aspects of Saudi Arabia's priorities towards supporting sustainable development and promoting food security.

Prince Mohammed added that regional and international development requires stable and secure environmental, political and social efforts, intensifying the international community's efforts to address regional and international issues.

"Saudi Arabia continues to exert all efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and support political solutions and dialogue to resolve regional and international conflicts."

The Kingdom also affirms the need for a just and permanent solution to the Palestine issue under international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative in a way that guarantees the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, said the Crown Prince.

"We appreciate the People's Republic of China's support of the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative."

Saudi Arabia also supports efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen to end the crisis, based on the three references, and "we commend the support of the People's Republic of China for Saudi initiatives towards Yemen."

The Kingdom also stresses the importance of doubling efforts to find political solutions to end the crisis in Syria and Libya to ensure security, stability, and prosperity in the two countries and their return to the joint Arab action circle.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming the importance of continuing Arab-Chinese cooperation in a way that serves both peoples' shared goals and aspirations and plays an influential role in the international arena.

The Crown Prince also expressed appreciation to the Arab League Secretary-General and the staff of the General Secretariat for their successful efforts in this regard.

For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping described the summit as a landmark in the history of Chinese-Arab relations that will lead ties and cooperation between China and Arab states towards a brighter future.

In his speech at the summit, the President said the friendship between China and the Arab States continues with "its roots in the depths of history, where they met and got to know each other through the old Silk Road, shared through the struggle for national liberation."

The President considered equality and mutual benefit an inexhaustible driving force for Chinese-Arab friendship. The Chinese-Arab cooperation based on mutual benefit and typical gain is a role model, as 17 cooperation mechanisms were established between the two sides within the framework of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

During the past ten years, trade exchange exceeded $300 billion, the balance of direct mutual investment amounted to $27 billion, and more than 200 projects were implemented within the framework of cooperation in building the "Belt and Road" initiative, which eventually benefited nearly two billion people.

He added: "The Middle East region is witnessing new and profound changes, where the desire of the Arab peoples for peace and development has become more urgent."

"The Chinese and Arab sides, as strategic partners, must develop the spirit of friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and build a joint society, which will bring more benefits to the peoples of both sides."

He stressed the importance of adhering to independence and preserving common interests, supporting the Arab efforts to explore ways of development that align with their national circumstances and control their future and fate.

Xi said that China is keen to deepen mutual strategic confidence with the Arab side and exchange firm support to preserve the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.

The President added that the two sides adhere jointly to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, the application of genuine multilateralism, and the defense of rights and the legitimate interests of developing countries.

He affirmed the Chinese side's keenness to work with the Arab side to implement the global development initiative and to strengthen South-South cooperation to achieve sustainable development, stressing the importance of maintaining peace in the region and attaining common security.

The President pointed out that China supports the Arab side in finding political solutions to thorny issues and building a standard, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security system in the Middle East.

He urged the international community to respect the peoples of the Middle East and add positive energy that serves security and stability in the Middle East.

Xi indicated that the Chinese side welcomes participation with the Arab side in the global security initiative and is ready to continue contributing with Chinese wisdom in promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

The President stressed the importance of devoting shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, freedom, and mutual benefit between civilizations in the new era.

He highlighted China's keenness to work with the Arab side to implement the eight joint actions during the next three to five years, which cover the eight areas, namely "development, food security, health, green development and innovation, energy security, dialogue among civilizations, youth rehabilitation, and security and stability."

The President asserted that the Palestinian cause concerns peace and stability in the Middle East and puts the moral conscience of humanity at stake.

"The historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people cannot continue indefinitely, and it is not permissible to compromise on legitimate national rights, and we look forward to the establishment of an independent state that does not accept rejection, and the international community must consolidate faith in a two-state solution, firmly adhere to the principle of lands in exchange for peace."

President Xi concluded that the Chinese-Arab strategic partnership has become based on comprehensive cooperation and joint development for a better future.

Xi urged the international community to respect the peoples of the Middle East and add positive energy that serves security and stability in the Middle East.

China established comprehensive strategic partnership relations with 12 Arab countries, each separately, and signed a cooperation agreement to build the Belt and Road with 20 Arab countries, as 17 Arab governments expressed their support for the global development initiative, and 15 Arab countries joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

He stressed that the Chinese-Arab relations achieved a historical leap, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, noting that the Chinese-Arab summit was a complete success, as the two sides agreed to work with all efforts to build a collaborative community for a shared future towards the new era.

For his part, Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Ayman ben Abdelrahman stressed that the summit aims to deepen cooperation between the Arab countries and China in various fields, noting the importance of boosting strategic ties, which contribute to the emergence of a multipolar world away from unilateral policies.

Meanwhile, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani said in his speech that the Arab-Chinese summit is a dedication to the common political will to establish a cooperative model supporting a strategic partnership and a qualitative shift in the general path.

For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed the Arab-Chinese cooperation throughout history, stressing that the summit established the modern human civilization that "we are living, when the Pharaonic civilization, the civilization of Mesopotamia, as well as other civilizations in our Arab region connected with the ancient Chinese civilization to represent bright suns, guiding humanity in its cradle and helping it take its first steps."

He called for considering the summit as a new starting point for economic cooperation between the Arab world and China, urging Ethiopia to engage in good faith with Egypt and Sudan to reach a legally-binding agreement that secures the rights of development for "present and future generations and spares them from threats to their stability, security, and safety."

Furthermore, Tunisian President Kais Saied confirmed in his speech that there is no development in the absence of justice, asserting that everyone must work to build new foundations.

Saied noted that the Arab-Chinese summit seeks to open a new path in history.

The President of the United Republic of Comoros, Othman Ghazali, said the summit would contribute to clarifying policies on regional and international issues of common concern and promote political dialogue that aims to protect Arab-Chinese interests, support global peace, and achieve sustainable development in all fields.

Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh indicated that the Arab-Chinese Summit established a new era in the existing strategic partnership.

The head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohammed Yunes al-Menfi, explained that the rapid global economic and political developments require more flexibility in defining economic partnerships and moving away from traditional methods.

Menfi reiterated the importance of relations between the two countries for the stability of Libya, its independence, and territorial integrity.

In his speech, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the Arab world has many human and natural qualifications and is at the center of the world's concern, namely China, noting that the two sides are bound by friendship and shared interests.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the Saudi leadership for hosting the summit, which he described as "historic and important," culminating in years of Arab-Chinese dialogue.

Abbas stressed that Palestine would not abandon its commitment to international law, looking forward in these difficult circumstances to mobilize international support to implement the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

He also called for backing Palestinian efforts to obtain recognition of the State of Palestine, full UN membership, securing international protection for the Palestinian people, and implementing international legitimacy resolutions about the Palestinian cause.

Also, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch described the summit as a historical event and a significant turning point in the relations between the two sides, saying it is an opportunity to add a new brick to the existing strong ties between the Arab world and China.

The head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, lauded Saudi Arabia's hosting of the summit, saying it represents an opportunity for progress, prosperity, and development by formulating a common strategy for cooperation and unified visions for sustainable peace.

Alimi stressed that Yemen would continue to work to achieve the comprehensive peace that the people deserve, according to the three references.

Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani affirmed his country's support for all efforts to strengthen cooperation and friendship between Arab countries and China.

Sudani indicated that the summit is an opportunity for political and economic integration in the region by strengthening cooperation with China, noting that Iraq spares no effort to cooperate towards formulating a regional system that establishes stability and paves the way for prosperity.

Head of Sudan's Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, hoped the Riyadh summit would help boost and consolidate relations between the Arab world and China in all fields.

In his speech to the summit, he stressed that the Belt and Road Initiative is a practical model of cooperation, interdependence, and development worldwide.

For his part, the Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, stressed that Arab-Chinese relations have become crucial, during the past two decades, within the agenda of collective Arab diplomacy.

Aboul Gheit explained that China is the largest trading partner in the Arab world, pointing out that the relations between the two sides are not limited to economy and trade but rather stand on a solid foundation of cultural and human convergence between the two civilizations.

Source: Asharq al-Awsat.

Link: https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4035561/arab-chinese-riyadh-summit-race-progress-renaissance.