From left, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, National Security Adviser of Saudi Arabia; Wang Yi, China's highest-ranking diplomat; and Ali Shamkhani, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing in March. Reuters
From left, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, National Security Adviser of Saudi Arabia; Wang Yi, China's highest-ranking diplomat; and Ali Shamkhani, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing in March. Reuters
From left, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, National Security Adviser of Saudi Arabia; Wang Yi, China's highest-ranking diplomat; and Ali Shamkhani, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security C
Zhai Jun is China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs
July 20, 2023
The Middle East enjoys a time-honoured history and civilisation, rich energy resources and an important position in the global landscape. China is a sincere friend of Middle Eastern countries. China always supports Middle Eastern countries in solving regional security issues through unity and co-ordination, and independently pursuing a path of modernisation with their own regional characteristics. China has always been a promoter of security and stability, and a partner for development and prosperity in the Middle East.
China firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. President Xi Jinping has put forward proposals for a just solution of the Palestinian question on several occasions. Last month, President Mahmoud Abbas came to China for another state visit. In his talks with President Abbas, President Xi put forward a three-point proposal for resolving the Palestinian question.
He stressed that the fundamental solution to the Palestinian question lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital; Palestine's economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine; and it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks and convene a large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference.
As was announced, China established a strategic partnership with Palestine and voiced its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
China firmly supports countries in the Middle East in resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation. In March, the Beijing dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran achieved milestone results. In April, the two foreign ministers announced in Beijing the resumption of diplomatic relations between their countries. This opened a new page in their bilateral relations.
It is a step toward reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran and also a big step for the region and the international community in rising above conflicts. It has inspired a trend of dialogue and reconciliation in the region, thus creating favourable conditions for building a common, comprehensive, co-operative and sustainable Middle East security architecture. Facts once again prove that mutual respect, dialogue and consultation are the fundamental way of resolving disputes, and only through independence, solidarity and co-operation can countries in the region safeguard their common interests.
China firmly grows its relations with Middle Eastern countries. China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with 13 countries in the region, and signed Belt and Road co-operation documents with 21 countries in the region.
In December last year, the first China-Arab States Summit was successfully held. China and Arab states agreed to make full efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, and jointly implement the eight major initiatives for China-Arab states' practical co-operation. This charted the course for the development of China-Arab states relations in the new era. Last year, trade between China and Middle Eastern countries topped $500 billion for the first time, growing by 27 per cent year over year.
Both China and Middle Eastern countries are important members of the developing world. China will continue to respect Middle Eastern countries as masters of their regional affairs. We will continue to work with Middle Eastern countries to act on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative. Together, we will generate positive energy for realising enduring peace and security in the Middle East, and contribute to the common interests of developing countries and the just cause of peace and development for humanity.
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
When is VAR used?
• Goals
• Penalty decisions
• Direct red-card incidents
• Mistaken identity
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 640hp
Torque: 760nm
On sale: 2026
Price: Not announced yet
McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
