CAIRO: Arab states should work together, reject division and overcome any differences to put the interests of their countries above all, the Egyptian president said on Monday.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi made the remarks during the inaugural session of the Arab Intelligence Forum, which marked the opening of its headquarters in Cairo.
Presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said El-Sisi spoke about making the forum a strong and supportive mechanism for close intelligence cooperation between brotherly Arab countries.
The forum would also work to develop an integrated system to combat terrorism, Radi added.
The forum discusses the growing foreign intervention in Arab regional affairs, as well as threats to the unity and integrity of Arab territories.
Chiefs of intelligence taking part in the virtual session o on Monday stressing the importance of the forum as a platform to enhance joint action to preserve Arab national security
El-Sisi warns Arab intelligence officials over ‘foreign intervention’
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El-Sisi warns Arab intelligence officials over ‘foreign intervention’
- El-Sisi made the remarks during the inaugural session of the Arab Intelligence Forum
GCC states ‘face reliance on Saudi Arabia for food imports’
- With 70 percent of food coming through Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn of inevitable shortages
DUBAI: Some Gulf states may have to rely on overland food deliveries from Saudi Arabia if the US-Israel-Iran war continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and restrict regional airspace, analysts warned on Thursday.
The region is up to 90 percent dependent on food imports, and price surges and scarcity of some goods are expected.
“With over 70 percent of GCC foodstuffs being imported through the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states face shortages if the war persists,” said Neil Quilliam of the Chatham House think tank.
“While GCC countries have taken steps to diversify suppliers and ensure sufficient stores to withstand disruption, this can only last several months. At this point, price increases and longer lead times will start to hit the markets.”
Commodities analyst Ishan Bhanu said: “The biggest immediate effect will be due to the blockade of Jebel Ali in Dubai, serving about 50 million people. Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq effectively become landlocked and will depend on overland routes through Saudi Arabia.”
Bottlenecks are yet to show and the UAE has said its strategic reserves of vital goods cover four to six months of needs. It urged residents to report unjustified price increases through a dedicated hotline.
Supermarket staff throughout the Gulf said shelves remain largely stocked, though suppliers are taking longer to replenish certain products. Iran’s strikes on the Gulf since Saturday prompted panic buying in supermarkets, a dry run for what could come.
“Perception of risk matters, and even if stocks are sufficient now, public runs on supermarkets can spook the public,” Quilliam said.
