Consultations in Jeddah to Consolidate Truce in Sudan, Open Humanitarian Corridors

Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
TT

Consultations in Jeddah to Consolidate Truce in Sudan, Open Humanitarian Corridors

Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)
Smoke rises over a neighborhood in Khartoum as a result of clashes (AFP)

The envoy of the President of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Ambassador Daffallah Al-Hajj, announced that a delegation from the Sudanese army will participate in the scheduled consultations in Jeddah on stabilizing the truce and opening humanitarian corridors, along with representatives of the Rapid Support Forces.

 

However, Hajj stressed that the consultations would not include any talks on a political solution.

 

The Rapid Support Forces did not confirm their participation in the consultations, while sources said that they had identified three representatives to participate in the talks.

 

Meanwhile, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), said on Friday that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed, during a telephone call, Cairo’s willingness to provide assistance to his country.

 

Hemedti tweeted that Shoukry called him by phone and discussed with him “issues related to the current crisis ... and local, regional and international initiatives aimed at finding a comprehensive solution.”

 

Meanwhile, a document showed on Friday that a group of countries was preparing to request an urgent meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Sudanese crisis next week, in a move that human rights activists hope will increase scrutiny of the warring parties’ abuses.

 

The letter, dated May 5, showed that Britain, the United States, Germany and Norway are expected to ask the council president to hold a meeting to discuss the outbreak of violence in Sudan since April 15.

Diplomats told Reuters they had the support of at least a third of the council’s 47 members, according to council rules.

 

The clashes continued in Sudan on Friday despite the truce that the two conflicting military sides pledged to abide by, and the US threats to impose sanctions.

 

Since April 15, fighting between the army led by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF has resulted in about 700 deaths and thousands of injuries.

 

Among the dead were children in “terrifyingly large numbers,” according to the United Nations, in a country where 49 percent of the population is under the age of 18.



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
TT

GCC Secretary-General Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Saturday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act.

"This move represents a positive development that supports ongoing efforts to restore stability and improve the humanitarian and economic conditions in Syria," Albudaiwi said in a statement.

The decision will foster a more conducive environment for economic recovery and reopen Syria’s economic and investment sectors to regional and international cooperation, he said.

It will also facilitate the delivery of essential services to the Syrian people, serve the interests of the region's peoples and enhance security and stability, Albudaiwi added.

He reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and underscored the Council’s commitment to standing by the Syrian people in their aspirations for a future characterized by security, stability, and sustainable development.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
TT

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Emir of Qatar on Organizing the FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L), and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) and Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein stand on the podium for the awards ceremony after the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his country’s success in organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed to the Emir his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and success and to the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity


Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Decision to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Congratulates Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, affirming that this step will contribute to supporting the country’s stability, prosperity, and development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Kingdom commended the significant and positive role played by US President Donald Trump, beginning with his announcement to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh in May 2025, and culminating in his signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which included the repeal of the Caesar Act.

The Kingdom also extended its sincere congratulations to the Syrian leadership, government, and people on the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.

The statement expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the steps taken by the Syrian government to restore stability across all Syrian territories, create conducive conditions for rebuilding the state and economy, and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.