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Oman’s Sultan to Travel to Iran on Sunday

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (ONA)
Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (ONA)
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Oman’s Sultan to Travel to Iran on Sunday

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (ONA)
Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (ONA)

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said will travel to Iran on Sunday for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Ebrahim Raisi, said the Diwan of Royal Court on Wednesday.

The visit comes after Sultan Haitham visited Egypt last Sunday, where discussed with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "the overall regional and international developments," Oman state news agency said.

Saudi Arabia and Iran announced in March that they would restore diplomatic relations, in a deal brokered by China. Both countries thanked Oman for hosting previous talks between them.

The visit to Iran stems from the fruitful relations and good neighborliness between the two countries, said the Royal Court.

“The visit comes within the context of the continuous consultation and coordination between the two leaderships to discuss various developments at the reginal and international arenas. The visit will also touch on means of promoting cooperation between Oman and Iran in different spheres to serve their current and future interests and aspirations,” it added.

Sultan Haitham will be accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking officials, including Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

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Gulf

GCC Sec-Gen Welcomes UN General Assembly's Resolution on Palestine's Right to Full Membership

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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GCC Sec-Gen Welcomes UN General Assembly's Resolution on Palestine's Right to Full Membership

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi welcomed the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of a resolution supporting Palestine’s right to full membership at the world body and recommendation that the UN Security Council reconsider the Palestinian bid, SPA reported.
The GCC secretary-general pointed out the fact that the resolution received a vote from 143 countries comes as an affirmation and belief in the Palestinian right to this recognition, so that the State of Palestine can exercise all its rights and duties at this world body.
He stressed the GCC's firm position in supporting the Palestinian cause, and reaching a solution based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with east Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bahrain's King on Death of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bahrain's King on Death of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the death of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the king and the families of the deceased, praying Allah to protect King Hamad.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar cable of condolences and sympathy to King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, in which he expressed deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the king and the families of the deceased, praying Allah to protect King Hamad.

Gulf

Royal Saudi Air Forces Conclude Participation in 'Desert Flag' Exercise in UAE

Royal Saudi Air Force group - File photo / SPA
Royal Saudi Air Force group - File photo / SPA
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Royal Saudi Air Forces Conclude Participation in 'Desert Flag' Exercise in UAE

Royal Saudi Air Force group - File photo / SPA
Royal Saudi Air Force group - File photo / SPA

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) concluded its participation in the mixed air exercise "Desert Flag," which was carried out at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with forces from several sisterly and friendly countries.
The commander of the Saudi air forces in the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Adel bin Saeed Abu Malhah, said that the exercise, which lasted for three weeks, included the implementation of offensive and defensive air counter-operations and support for surface forces within new and complex scenarios under various threats, SPA reported.
He noted that RSAF is participating with six fighter jets from the F-15SA system with full air, technical, and support crews, while carrying out 80 daytime and night sorties and aerial refueling.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims

A part of the massive reception held for Hajj 2024 pilgrims (SPA)
A part of the massive reception held for Hajj 2024 pilgrims (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Batch of Hajj Pilgrims

A part of the massive reception held for Hajj 2024 pilgrims (SPA)
A part of the massive reception held for Hajj 2024 pilgrims (SPA)

Saudi Arabia welcomed the first group of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season, as well as participants of the “Makkah Road” initiative.

Arrivals from Bangladesh were received at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, while those from Türkiye and Pakistan were greeted at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the Madinah region.

Authorities at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah also welcomed the first group of pilgrims from Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, and Consul General in Jeddah, Khalid Majid, greeted Pakistani pilgrims, totaling around 179,210 this year. About half will perform the rituals through the government, while the rest through private companies.

Saudi authorities are committed to easing entry for pilgrims by upgrading ports with the latest technology and qualified staff. Flights from Malaysia and Türkiye, part of the Makkah Road initiative, are arriving within hours.

The company handling pilgrims from non-Arab African countries welcomed the first group from South Africa, comprising 49 pilgrims.

Pilgrims in Makkah were warmly welcomed by a team from “Ithraa Al-Khair Company for Pilgrims Services” which presented them with commemorative gifts.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry is continuing its “Makkah Road” initiative for the sixth year, part of the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030,” with designated halls in 11 airports across 7 countries: Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Ivory Coast.

The aim of the initiative is to provide smooth transportation for pilgrims from these countries to the Kingdom, including electronic Hajj visa issuance, biometric data collection, and streamlined entry procedures.

Baggage is handled and sorted, and pilgrims are directly transported to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah via dedicated routes, while partner agencies manage luggage delivery.

Gulf

New Delhi Confirms Strategic Partnership with Riyadh

Indian Assistant Foreign Minister Muktesh Pardeshi (Asharq Al-Awsat/PHOTO CREDIT:Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani)
Indian Assistant Foreign Minister Muktesh Pardeshi (Asharq Al-Awsat/PHOTO CREDIT:Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani)
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New Delhi Confirms Strategic Partnership with Riyadh

Indian Assistant Foreign Minister Muktesh Pardeshi (Asharq Al-Awsat/PHOTO CREDIT:Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani)
Indian Assistant Foreign Minister Muktesh Pardeshi (Asharq Al-Awsat/PHOTO CREDIT:Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani)

Indian Assistant Foreign Minister Muktesh Pardeshi reiterated India’s strong alliance with Saudi Arabia, highlighting that over 175,000 Indian Hajj pilgrims are visiting the Kingdom this year.
He stressed India’s deployment of 12 warships in the Red Sea to combat piracy and expressed concern over Houthi threats to maritime navigation.
Successful Talks
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Pardeshi revealed that he discussed his Riyadh visit goals and meetings with Saudi officials.
He highlighted talks with the Deputy Hajj Minister, Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, focusing on logistical arrangements for a smooth Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims.
Pardeshi noted that 175,025 Indian pilgrims will undertake the journey this year. Discussions also covered the welfare and integration of the 2.4 million-strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Partnerships
In his meetings, Pardeshi discussed with Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, ways to enhance diplomatic ties and cooperation on common interests. They also explored economic collaboration.
With Dr. Raad Al Barakati, President and CEO of the Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnerships, they looked into investment opportunities in infrastructure and technology transfer.
He also talked about energy cooperation with Dr. Nasser Al-Qahtani and Mohammed Ibrahim, Assistant Ministers for Electricity and Petroleum and Gas, respectively.
Additionally, he discussed strengthening Indo-Gulf relations with Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary-General for Gulf Cooperation Council Affairs, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Saudi-Indian Ties
Pardeshi noted that since gaining independence, Saudi-Indian relations have grown into a comprehensive partnership covering various areas like culture, defense, trade, and technology.
He mentioned the visits of Indian Prime Ministers to Saudi Arabia in 2016 and 2019, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in 2019, which led to the establishment of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.
Pardeshi also highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in 2023 for the G20 Summit, describing it as significant for signing agreements across different sectors.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030, presents numerous opportunities for expanding cooperation, including in renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and technology, aligning with India's own initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India.’
Pardeshi added that the unveiling of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) project during the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit was a significant moment.
The IMEEC project will open up opportunities in communication, logistics, energy, and data, boosting economic partnerships, explained Pardeshi.
He reiterated India’s commitment to keeping up the momentum and finalizing initial agreements in these areas.
Trade and Economy
The Indian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, while Saudi Arabia ranks as India’s fourth-largest. He revealed that trade between the two amounted to about $52.75 billion (2022-2023), with Indian exports to Saudi Arabia hitting $11.56 billion between 2023 and 2024.
Pardeshi mentioned that Saudi Arabia is crucial for India’s energy security, being its third-largest crude oil supplier during 2022-2023.
The focus has been on renewable energy, with agreements signed last year covering grid connectivity, joint projects, and clean energy production.
The energy sector has helped diversify trade, with Indian exports doubling over five years, including food, textiles, automotive, and machinery, with joint projects and innovation exchanges.
Investment Relations
Indian companies have invested in various sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as management, construction, telecommunications, IT, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, India has welcomed investments from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and its state-owned and private companies.
India has a thriving startup scene, and they plan to deepen collaboration with Saudi Arabia in this area through a startup bridge, revealed Pardeshi.
The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor agreement enhances communication, transportation, and logistics, changing the game across three continents, he noted.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi leadership sent cables of condolences to the President of the UAE over the death of Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, sent separate cables extending their sincere sympathy to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They appealed to Allah the Almighty to bestow his mercy upon the soul of the deceased, sending warmest condolences to the brotherly people of the UAE and to the family of the deceased.

Gulf

Faisal Bin Farhan, Mohammad Mustafa Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Thursday with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Thursday with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. SPA
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Faisal Bin Farhan, Mohammad Mustafa Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Thursday with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Thursday with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh on Thursday with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa.

The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries, and the latest developments in Palestine, especially developments in the Gaza Strip and the city of Rafah, in addition to the Palestinian government’s priorities and work program.

Also Thursday, Prince Faisal received a written message from his Belarusian counterpart, Sergei Aleinik, concerning bilateral relations and ways to develop them.

Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received the message during a meeting with Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Shestakov in Riyadh.

The two officials discussed ways to strengthen relations and regional and international developments.

Gulf

Muslim World League Condemns Attack on UNRWA

A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
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Muslim World League Condemns Attack on UNRWA

A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)

The Muslim World League (MWL) has condemned, in the strongest terms, the savage attack carried out by Israeli settlers on the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement by the Secretariat General, MWL Secretary-General, and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa held the occupation forces accountable for repeating these crimes committed against innocent civilians and workers in humanitarian and relief organizations.

He also called on the international community to take serious and effective action to stop these crimes and the continuous violations of all international and humanitarian laws in the Palestinian territories.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation of the blatant attack carried out by Israeli settlers on the UNRWA headquarters in occupied Jerusalem, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said the Kingdom holds the Israeli occupation responsible for these crimes committed against defenseless civilians and workers in humanitarian and relief organizations.
The Kingdom urged the international community to exert considerable efforts to halt all violations of the law and to ensure that the Israeli occupation is held accountable for its continuous aggressions, disregarding international laws and norms.

Radical Israeli settlers have been known to carry out attacks on Palestinian communities in response to violence or perceived Israeli plans to restrict settlement activity.

Gulf

Int’l Conference of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur Seeks to Strengthen Harmony Among Followers

Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Int’l Conference of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur Seeks to Strengthen Harmony Among Followers

Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The International Conference of Religious Leaders kicked off in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday, under the patronage of Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, and the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, and the presence of around 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from 57 countries.
The conference, which was jointly organized by the Malaysian Prime Minister and the MWL, comes within the framework of the efforts to establish a global religious platform that sets a road map for consolidating harmony among followers of religions, who constitute the majority of the world’s population, and solving coexistence problems.
At the beginning of the conference, participants observed a minute of silence in solidarity with Gaza.
Welcoming the audience, Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs Dato Haj Mohamed Naeem bin Haj Mukhtar, underlined his country’s keenness to support all initiatives that promote unity and harmony among all religions and sects.
He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the MWL Secretary-General, for his cooperation with the Malaysian government to organize the conference, stressing that his country will work to maintain this collaboration in the future.
For his part, Al-Issa delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing that the conference chose a distinguished group of religious leaders active in promoting harmony and concord between followers of religions and confronting extremist ideas, especially the dangers of cultural and civilizational clashes.
He stressed the need for religious leaders who have a “tangible impact and contribute through their sincere and effective efforts to enhancing the peace and harmony of societies.”
In turn, the Prime Minister of Malaysia noted that the conference represented an important opportunity for religious leaders to provide advice, whether on the social or religious aspect, warning against cultural allegations about a civilizational and political clash that seek to divide humanity.
“Let the religious leaders take the place they deserve, and let them be more influential and effective,” he stated, adding: “With the unfortunate events in Gaza, here is an opportunity for religious leaders to take charge and provide advice... If we do not seek justice and charity, what is the value of our faith in our religions?”