UAE hits Qatar for supporting terrorism
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Energy Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei says it depends on Qatar whether four Arab nations cut ties with the country, which has been accused of supporting extremism and terrorism.
At a press briefing at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul on July 19, the minister said the four nations — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain — hoped to solve the situation diplomatically and called for Qatar’s responsible behavior. The minister visited Seoul for talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha.
The four countries said earlier this month they would cut ties with Qatar, claiming Qatar supported terrorist groups. They issued a 13-point ultimatum, which Qatar said was “unrealistic.” The list included shutting down the Al Jazeera news network and downgrading relations with Iran.
Al Mazrouei blamed Qatar’s irresponsible behavior for the leak of the 13 demands, saying it has undermined serious mediation.
The demands were agreed on by the Emir of Qatar during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in 2014, the minister said.
He said the four Arab nations will take all necessary action within international law to protect themselves.
Al Mazrouei and Kang met at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul earlier in the day and discussed ways to cooperate in the energy sector.
Korea and the UAE established ties in 1980 and have cooperated closely in sectors, including construction, defense and culture, especially after the two established a strategic partnership in 2009.
The nations signed a deal to set up a joint venture to operate four nuclear reactors under construction in Bakarah last year. Under the deal, the UAE’s nuclear operator and the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the prime contractor for the UAE’s first nuclear plant, will set up the venture to operate the reactors for the next 60 years, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) recently launched a global forum — the Smart & Sustainable Cities Platform — with a ceremony in Seoul. The Dubai-based organization chose Seoul because it has become a leading example of a green economy, organizers said.
The WGEO was set up by Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in October 2016 and is supported by the United Nations Development Program.