Its Xavier Blog

 Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran is scheduled to visit Port Sudan on Saturday for high-level discussions with Sudanese officials. The visit comes as part of Turkey’s efforts to mediate between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help resolve ongoing tensions and end the conflict in Sudan. This diplomatic initiative follows a phone conversation on December 13 between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. During the call, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to serving as a mediator between Sudan and the UAE. Ankara has long expressed its interest in helping to resolve the complexities surrounding the conflict and the regional rifts affecting Sudan’s stability. A Sudanese diplomatic source informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Duran's visit is specifically focused on advancing Turkey’s mediation efforts. The Turkish deputy foreign minister is expected to present a document outlining pr...

  The Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC), in collaboration with the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Cluster Association (OSSA), organised the "UAE- Türkiye Defence Industry Cooperation Forum”, aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in defence industry between the two friendly countries. Supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the Forum was held at the Tawazun Defence Hall in the presence of officials from the two sides. A number of UAE and Turkish companies specialising in defence industries participated in the event. The EDCC and OSSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Forum’s margin to promote collaboration between defence and security companies in the UAE and Türkiye. The MoU also calls for organising joint events, seminars, and bilateral meetings to build strategic partnerships between the two sides. The forum provided an important platform for discussing opportunities and challenges in the defence sector. Leading companies...

  In a diplomatic rendezvous laden with potential implications, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's journey to Hungary to confer with Prime Minister Viktor Orban reveals a complex tapestry of energy security concerns and the ongoing dilemma of Sweden's NATO membership. As both leaders converged on Sunday, the discussions held the promise of forging not only bilateral partnerships but also pivotal regional collaborations. For Turkey, energy security has been a cornerstone of its strategic priorities. The meeting with Hungary holds the prospect of further fortifying energy ties that could serve as a cornerstone of regional stability. As global energy dynamics shift and vulnerabilities become increasingly apparent, collaboration in this arena holds the potential to not only safeguard energy resources but also foster greater resilience against external shocks. The spotlight, however, remains on Sweden's journey towards NATO membership. The intricate dance around this topic...

  As Turkey grapples with economic uncertainties and societal challenges, a growing wave of doctors is leaving the country, citing deteriorating conditions and increasing violence in the workplace. The departure of medical professionals is not just a personal choice; it is sounding an alarm about the state of healthcare in the nation. Last year, approximately 2,700 doctors submitted applications for good conduct certificates, a necessary step to explore job opportunities abroad. This number marks a significant jump from the figures in 2021, a clear indication of the urgency of the situation. The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) reports that the rate of doctors leaving the country has surged by a staggering 70-fold over the past 11 years, highlighting the depth of the issue. Earlier this month, medics across Turkey went on strike, demanding better working conditions and protesting against extended hours, meager pay, and a concerning rise in violence targeting hospital staff. The st...

  In a significant development, Washington has announced its decision to proceed with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, as confirmed by national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The move comes just a day after Turkey gave its approval for Sweden to join NATO, marking a positive shift in regional alliances. Previously, Turkey had been a major obstacle in Sweden's path toward NATO membership. However, the recent green light from Ankara has opened the doors for closer cooperation. In October 2021, Turkey had submitted a request to purchase $20 billion worth of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, along with approximately 80 modernization kits for its existing aircraft. Addressing the media ahead of a Nato summit in Lithuania, Mr. Sullivan emphasized that President Biden has been clear in his support for the transfer. The decision to proceed with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets will be carried out in consultation with Congress, ensuring transparency and adherence to established ...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a deeply ingrained tradition of assisting others. The UAE's commitment to humanitarian efforts has been unwavering, whether it is responding to natural disasters, providing aid during times of crisis, or addressing global issues. One of the key areas where the UAE has excelled is in disaster response. The country has a proven track record of success in providing aid and support to those affected by earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. The UAE's expertise in this field has elevated it to the forefront of humanitarian aid, with its efforts frequently serving as a model for other countries. In recent years, the UAE has had great success in providing humanitarian aid to those affected by floods, storms, and other natural disasters in countries such as Sudan, Pakistan, and elsewhere. Its assistance has made a real difference in the lives of countless people by providing critical necessities such as food, shelter, and medical suppli...

The recent agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates (UAE ) and Turkey to increase trade between the two countries to $40 billion over the next five years is a significant step forward for both economies. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed during UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Turkey in 2021, is expected to focus on strategic sectors such as agritech, food security, and clean energy. These sectors have been identified as key areas for cooperation and investment, and both countries stand to benefit from increased trade and collaboration. The agreement builds on the existing economic and trade relations between the UAE and Turkey, which have been growing steadily over the past few years. The UAE is Turkey's largest trading partner in the Gulf region, and the two countries have been working to deepen their economic ties through various initiatives and agreements. The UAE's $10 billion investment fund, establishe...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE ) has been a leading force in providing humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria, with 97 relief flights carrying over 2,600 tonnes of aid to the affected regions. As part of Operation Gallant Knight/2, the UAE's Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and the Emirates Red Crescent have been working tirelessly to support those affected by the disaster. The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have caused widespread devastation, with the death toll exceeding 44,000 and millions of people affected by the trail of destruction. The UAE's response to this crisis has been commendable, with cargo planes delivering food, medical supplies, and tents to the affected regions. Moreover, Emirati rescue teams have been deployed to provide life-saving operations and essential medical equipment to those in need. The UAE's 50-bed field hospital,...

  UAE 's Emirati Relief Field Hospital in Gaziantep has commenced its humanitarian mission by receiving victims of the earthquake that recently hit Turkey. This first-level III field hospital in Turkey has 50 beds and four ICU beds and measures 40,000 square meters, contributing to local humanitarian relief efforts. The hospital's inauguration was attended by Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Turkey, accompanied by several Turkish officials. The Emirati Relief Field Hospital is a part of the ‘’Gallant Knight / 2'' initiative launched by the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence. According to Al Dhaheri, the field hospital's establishment embodies the UAE's humanitarian approach stipulated by the ninth principle of the Principles of the 50, highlighting the country's commitment to its humanitarian obligations and its keenness to stand by victims of conflicts and disasters worldwide. The Emirati team responsible for the field hospital coo...

  President His Highnes s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended a helping hand to the victims of the recent earthquake that hit Syria and Türkiye. The President has ordered an aid package of $100 million to provide relief to the affected regions. The earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction and claimed numerous lives in both countries. Buildings, infrastructure and homes were damaged, leaving thousands of people in need of assistance. The aid package from the President will help to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the disaster. The $100 million will be divided equally between Syria and Türkiye to ensure that the aid reaches all those in need. The funds will be used for emergency relief and recovery efforts, such as providing food, shelter, and medical aid to the affected communities. The aid will also go towards repairing damaged buildings and infrastructure to help get people back on their feet and rebuild their lives. Th...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE ) has taken a two-pronged approach in responding to the recent earthquake in Syria. On one hand, the country has pledged 13 million dollars in aid to support relief and recovery efforts in the affected areas. The aid, which was announced by the UAE’s Red Crescent Authority, will be used to provide essential items such as food, shelter, and medical aid to those in need. On the other hand, the UAE President has directed the launch of the "Gallant Knight 2" operation to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake. This operation will involve sending a team of rescue and medical personnel to the affected area to provide support and help those in need. The operation will also involve providing aid and supplies to those affected by the disaster. The earthquake in Syria, which struck on February 5, 2023, resulted in the loss of many lives and caused significant damage to infrastructure and buildings. The UAE’s aid pledge and the launch of ...