DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed with Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, the latest developments in the Middle East with a focus in Gaza and its humanitarian repercussions.
This came during Sheikh Abdullah’s reception of Minister Joly in Dubai, where the two sides exchanged views on an array of issues of mutual interest.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed the importance of enhancing the efforts of the international community to reach a sustainable ceasefire, emphasising the urgent priority to scale up the humanitarian response to the needs of the Palestinian people and the need to provide protection for all civilians and end extremism, tension, and violence in the region.
The two ministers also reviewed the initiative recently announced to activate a maritime corridor to deliver more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The meeting further explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the opportunities available to bolster cooperatio
n in several sectors in order to serve the mutual interests of the two countries and their people.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the distinguished relations between the two countries, expressing the UAE’s wishes for Canada and its people for continued progress and prosperity.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi presided over Sunday’s Mass in Bkerke. Bishops and priests assisted him. Political figures and officials attended the ceremony.
After the Gospel, the Patriarch stated, “The world’s problems stem from the ease of killing, war, destruction, displacement of innocent citizens, leaving them vulnerable to hunger, thirst, disease, and exhaustion, all of which result from the state of sin.”
The Patriarch emphasized that this is evident in the Israeli war on Gaza and the tragedy of the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing genocide and calling the world to stop it.
He said, “We reject the silence of the world’s nations, sacrificing a deprived people’s right to their land and their right to a state of their own, as per United Nations Resolution 181 adopted on November 29, 1947, regarding the partition of Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab, with defined borders.”
Regarding Lebanon, al-Rahi said, “We seek to avoid sliding into this blind and
malicious war, protect the South and its citizens, and immediately proceed to elect a president to ensure the functioning of the parliament, government, and all constitutional institutions.”
He added, “From this perspective, we view the initiative of the National Moderation Bloc and the efforts of the Quintet Ambassadors Committee with great positivity, hoping for their success and expressing gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices.”
On another note, the Patriarch addressed recent events and highlighted the celebration of International Women’s Day and Teacher’s Day on March 8th and 9th.
He congratulated and appreciated women and teachers, acknowledging their roles as wives, mothers, sisters, and professionals, expressing solidarity with them in their rights and responsibilities across society.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of teachers in combating illiteracy and shaping Lebanon’s future, assuring them of the church’s support.
He urged cooperation to overcome economic challenges and called
on political leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests over personal and sectarian agendas, stressing their accountability for the country’s paralysis.
In his closing remarks, the Patriarch urged prayers for spiritual, moral, and physical healing. He called on “brothers and sisters to unite in seeking divine intervention for the well-being of all humanity.”
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon