Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan
TT

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

Ninth Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The ninth Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport on Sunday.

The aid included 30 tons of foodstuff and medical supplies, as part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to help the Sudanese people.

This comes in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Delivering aid is a reflection of the noble humanitarian role played by the Kingdom through KSrelief in all countries in need.



GCC Leaders Meet in Doha, Stress Need for Truce in Gaza

A handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C-L) and Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C-R) posing for a group picture with Gulf leaders and officials meeting in Doha on December 5, 2023. From L to R: The Secretary General of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, the Qatari leader, Türkiye's president, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and the United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. (UAE Presidential Court / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C-L) and Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C-R) posing for a group picture with Gulf leaders and officials meeting in Doha on December 5, 2023. From L to R: The Secretary General of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, the Qatari leader, Türkiye's president, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and the United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. (UAE Presidential Court / AFP)
TT

GCC Leaders Meet in Doha, Stress Need for Truce in Gaza

A handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C-L) and Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C-R) posing for a group picture with Gulf leaders and officials meeting in Doha on December 5, 2023. From L to R: The Secretary General of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, the Qatari leader, Türkiye's president, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and the United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. (UAE Presidential Court / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C-L) and Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C-R) posing for a group picture with Gulf leaders and officials meeting in Doha on December 5, 2023. From L to R: The Secretary General of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, the Qatari leader, Türkiye's president, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and the United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. (UAE Presidential Court / AFP)

Gulf leaders stressed on Tuesday the need for the truce to be reinstate in Gaza, leading to a sustainable ceasefire and the delivery of aid for the Palestinian people.

Qatar hosted the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The leaders discussed the critical and dangerous challenges facing the region, especially the Israeli attack on Gaza and the West Bank, including the city of Jerusalem and Islamic and Christian holy sites.

They expressed deep concern and great dissatisfaction with the “blatant Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, and condemned the escalation of acts of violence and indiscriminate bombing carried out by the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.”

They slammed “the forced displacement of the civilian population, and the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, health facilities and places of worship, in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

They praised the joint mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt and the United State, which resulted in reaching an agreement for a humanitarian truce in Gaza.

They stressed the need for “immediately resuming this humanitarian truce to achieve a complete and sustainable ceasefire and ensure the arrival of all humanitarian and relief aid and basic needs, the resumption of the work of electricity and water lines, and the entry of fuel, food and medicine for the residents of Gaza.”

The GCC stands by the brotherly Palestinian people and continues its support to alleviate the suffering of the residents of Gaza, declared a statement after the summit.

It highlighted the aid the Gulf has been extending to Gaza since 2009.

In 2009, the GCC countries established the “Cooperation Council Program for the Reconstruction of Gaza”. They pledged $1,646,000,000 billion, as well as direct bilateral aid, both in kind and financial, and unofficial aid. The most recent of which was the pledge in October of an additional amount of $100 million for humanitarian efforts, in addition to popular campaigns that mobilized hundreds of millions of US dollars to support the Palestinian people.

The Gulf leaders warned of the danger of the expansion of the Gaza conflict in the region if Israel continues its aggression.

The spillover will have “dire consequences on the peoples of the region and international peace and security,” they added.

They called on the international community to intervene to establish a ceasefire and protect Palestinian civilians, and “take the necessary measures in line with international law to respond to Israel’s practices and its policy of collective punishment against the defenseless residents of Gaza.”

The Supreme Council reiterated its firm stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, demanding an end to the occupation and supporting the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all the occupied Palestinian territories.

It underlined the need for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, guaranteeing the rights of refugees according to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions. The Council stressed the need to double the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict in a way that fulfills all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Moreover, the Council commended Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts and its initiative in partnership with the Arab League, European Union, Egypt, and Jordan to revive the peace process in accordance with international law, United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The leaders welcomed the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit hosted by Saudi Arabia on November 11 that was aimed at discussing the situation in Gaza.

They praised the efforts of the ministerial committee formed by the summit with the aim of “formulating an international movement to stop the war on Gaza and exert pressure for a genuine and serious political process to achieve permanent and comprehensive peace, in accordance with the recognized international references.”

The Gulf leaders welcomed the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a guest at the Supreme Council, which witnessed discussions on ways to enhance cooperation between the Gulf and Ankara. They also tackled issues of common interest, particularly the Palestinian issue and the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

The Supreme Council praised the role played by Erdogan and the Turkish government and people for their support for the Palestinian cause and people.

Furthermore, the Council expressed concern about the rising racism and hatred against Arabs and Muslims in several countries, as well as the alarming spread of anti-Islamic discourse, which has created a negative political climate in international relations. They condemned the burning of the Holy Quran and the increasing deliberate attacks on Arabs and Muslims.

The Council emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to confront this phenomenon through political and diplomatic channels.


Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Co-Chair Meeting of Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council

A handout picture released by the Qatar Emiri Diwan shows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Doha during a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on December 5, 2023. (Qatar Emiri Diwan / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Qatar Emiri Diwan shows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Doha during a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on December 5, 2023. (Qatar Emiri Diwan / AFP)
TT

Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Co-Chair Meeting of Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council

A handout picture released by the Qatar Emiri Diwan shows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Doha during a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on December 5, 2023. (Qatar Emiri Diwan / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Qatar Emiri Diwan shows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Doha during a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on December 5, 2023. (Qatar Emiri Diwan / AFP)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani co-chaired in Doha on Tuesday the meeting of 7th session of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the outset of the meeting, Sheikh Tamim welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed on his current visit to Qatar. In turn, the Crown Prince expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Tamim for the warm reception and generous hospitality.

The meeting reviewed aspects of fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in various fields. The latest regional and international developments and the efforts made in this regard were also discussed.

Crown Prince Mohammed and Sheikh Tamim oversaw the exchange of a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, President of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan, and Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasser bin Othman Al-Rumayyan.

The meeting was also attended by Qatari Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and a number of senior officials.


Qatar’s Emir: Principle of Self-Defense Doesn’t Apply to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the GCC summit in Doha. (QNA)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the GCC summit in Doha. (QNA)
TT

Qatar’s Emir: Principle of Self-Defense Doesn’t Apply to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the GCC summit in Doha. (QNA)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the GCC summit in Doha. (QNA)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated on Tuesday the 44th Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Doha affirming his genuine confidence in the capability of Gulf nations in contributing to resolutions of regional crises.
The Emir said that the summit convened amid an ongoing tragedy and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, adding that inaction by the international community in halting the conflict was "shameful".
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad stressed that the principle of self-defense does not apply to Israel and does not allow the crimes of genocide committed by Israel. He condemned the targeting of civilians of all nationalities and religions.
He said that Israel violated humanitarian and moral standards in Gaza, targeting the fragile infrastructure and cutting off all vital supplies. He renewed the call for an international investigation into the massacres committed by Israel.

The Emir underscored that tragedies could have been avoided if Israel realized the right of the Palestinians to their state. The Gaza issue is not separate but requires an end to the occupation on Palestinian territories, he stated.
He said that Israel must be forced to return to credible negotiations for a two-state solution. The negotiations should not be open without a time limit.
Al-Thani concluded saying that efforts are ongoing to renew (the truce) and to alleviate the burden of the people in the Gaza Strip, but truces are not an alternative for a comprehensive ceasefire.


GCC Summit: Customs Union, Railway Link, Unified Tourist Visa on Agenda

GCC Summit: Customs Union, Railway Link, Unified Tourist Visa on Agenda
TT

GCC Summit: Customs Union, Railway Link, Unified Tourist Visa on Agenda

GCC Summit: Customs Union, Railway Link, Unified Tourist Visa on Agenda

The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to delve into prominent economic issues during the GCC’s 44th Supreme Council Summit in Doha on Tuesday.

Among the key topics to be discussed are the completion of steps towards establishing a customs union by the end of 2024, the railway project connecting member states, and the approval of the unified Gulf tourist visa project.

The GCC’s 43rd Supreme Council Summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, last year, mandated the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee to oversee the completion of steps towards establishing a customs union by the end of 2024.

This encompasses the unhindered movement of goods between GCC countries without customs or non-customs restrictions and treating goods produced in any of the GCC countries on par with national products.

Another critical agenda item for the summit is the Gulf Railway project, which was endorsed in 2003.

At that time, the leaders of the six nations tasked the Ministerial Committee of Transport and Communications with conducting an economic feasibility study for the joint railway project named the “Gulf Railway.”

The project was officially approved in 2009.

In its initial phase, the project will connect the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman. The second phase will witness the linkage of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

During the Middle East Rail Conference held in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2023, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed that the six GCC member states were going ahead with efforts to complete the railway project.

He spoke highly of the project as being a significant step towards joint integration in the Gulf region.

Furthermore, the tourist visa issue is also expected to be on the agenda of the gathering as part of the Gulf tourist visa strategy for 2023-2030.

The strategy is meant to boost the number of incoming flights into Gulf countries on an annual basis of seven percent at a time when the number of visitors hit 38.8 million last year, a growth rate of 136.6% , compared to 2021.

The target is to increase the number of tourists into Gulf countries up to 128.7 million by 2030.

The tourist visa project, which has already been approved by the interior ministers of the GCC member states, is most likely to be put in place by the end of 2025.


Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza
TT

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will gather in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday December 5 for the GCC’s 44th Supreme Council Summit.

Gulf leaders will deliberate on a range of issues, with a primary focus on enhancing political, security, and economic coordination among member states of the GCC.

The summit’s proceedings are heavily overshadowed by the ongoing tragic events in Gaza.

Gulf nations, condemning the Israeli war on civilian populations in Gaza, are actively pursuing efforts to halt the conflict and initiate a political process that brings an end to the occupation, enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.

Since the commencement of the Israeli military operations in Gaza on Oct. 7, the toll has been devastating, resulting in the deaths of 15,523 individuals, predominantly children and women, with another 41,316 individuals sustaining injuries and thousands reported missing.

These alarming statistics are according to the latest data released by health authorities in Gaza.

On the eve of the GCC’s 44th Supreme Council Summit, Qatar announced progress in mediating efforts between Israel and Hamas, aiming to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Participating in the Tuesday Summit is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar Mustafa Goksu stated in media remarks that Erdoğan will engage in the GCC leaders’ summit during his visit to Qatar, and will also participate in the ninth session of the High Strategic Committee between Turkiye and Qatar.

Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday discussed the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.

“During the meeting, the latest developments in Israel’s Gaza massacre, efforts for a cease-fire and permanent peace, and steps taken and to be taken to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were discussed,” said a statement from Turkiye’s Communications Directorate.

In other news, a Turkish diplomatic source cited by the Russian news agency Sputnik confirmed that the conflict resolution communication group for Gaza is set to engage in negotiations with the US administration this week.

Although the source expected negotiations by the communication group to take place in the US this week, they declined to comment on the expectations from the talks.

This development follows the formation of a communication group on Gaza by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar.

The group was established after the joint summit between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in Riyadh on Nov. 11. The group has conducted negotiations in Beijing, Moscow, London, and Paris.


KSrelief Extends Winter Aid to Syrian, Palestinian Refugees and Needy Families in Lebanon

The assistance effort is conducted in collaboration with the Beyaz Eller Association - SPA.
The assistance effort is conducted in collaboration with the Beyaz Eller Association - SPA.
TT

KSrelief Extends Winter Aid to Syrian, Palestinian Refugees and Needy Families in Lebanon

The assistance effort is conducted in collaboration with the Beyaz Eller Association - SPA.
The assistance effort is conducted in collaboration with the Beyaz Eller Association - SPA.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed shopping vouchers enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing from approved stores in Lebanon.

The initiative benefited 31,000 Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as the most vulnerable families in Lebanon, as part of the winter clothing distribution project (KNF) for the year 2023.

The assistance effort is conducted in collaboration with the Beyaz Eller Association, SPA reported.

The aid comes as part of the projects presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, aimed at alleviating the suffering of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as Lebanese families, from the harsh cold wave with the approach of the winter season.


Saudi Arabia Showcases its Military Capabilities at EDEX 2023 in Egypt

President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Showcases its Military Capabilities at EDEX 2023 in Egypt

President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is participating, together with its private sector partners, in the Egypt Defense Expo 2023 (EDEX), an international defense and military industries exhibition.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, officials and investors from the military industry sector were present at the opening of the exhibition on Monday.

Sisi was briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion, such as GAMI, the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) and the Saudi Chemical Holding Company, which are showcasing the latest advancements in the military industry.

They are working to develop the sector and leverage local capabilities that align with the sector's practical requirements. This effort is responsible for rapid growth of the sector, which aims to attract high-quality investments that contribute to building a robust military economy and a sustainable industry.

GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali said the Saudi participation in the exhibition is bound to attract influential players and will highlight the attractive investment environment in the military industry sector.

The goal is to foster international cooperation with major regional and global companies, offer investment opportunities and facilitate partnerships between local and international counterparts.

The Kingdom's military industry system, led by GAMI and its public and private sector partners, strives to boost cooperation and exchange of knowledge with a strategic objective to spend over 50% on military equipment and services in the Kingdom by 2030.


KSrelief Signs Agreement to Drill Artesian Wells, Provide Potable Drinking Water in Somalia

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
TT

KSrelief Signs Agreement to Drill Artesian Wells, Provide Potable Drinking Water in Somalia

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz signed on Sunday a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to drill several artesian wells and supply clean drinking water in Somalia.

According to Director of the Health and Environmental Aid Department at KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Muallem, the agreement entails drilling 15 water wells at a depth of 250 meters. Each well will have a 20-cubic-meter concrete upstream reservoir standing at a height of 5 meters.

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag.

Some 400,000 individuals will benefit from this project valued at $2,590,000.

This is part of the broader efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, to provide clean drinking water and support water and environmental sanitation projects in countries in need worldwide.


Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
TT

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed Sunday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed on upscaling the aspirations to advance bilateral ties.

The Saudi minister and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman co-chaired the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the beginning of the meeting, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed the Saudi minister and his accompanying delegation.

Working groups of the council's general secretariat presented their progress on preparatory work and the outcomes achieved recently by the subcommittees and their respective working groups.

The outcomes encompassed targets, initiatives, and memoranda of understanding that are to be signed during the forthcoming meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

During the meeting, they commended the cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the subcommittees and the working groups of the council's general secretariat in both countries.

They also stressed the importance of continuing coordination between the two sides in a way that meets the aspirations of the leadership and serves the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

The Saudi FM arrived in Doha on Sunday to participate in the 158th ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will be attended by foreign ministers.

The meeting serves as preparation for the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC to take place on Tuesday.

For his part, the Qatari FM said in a post on X that the first meeting of the Executive Committee discussed ways “to develop bilateral relations within the framework of the Executive Committee," and "to deepen cooperation through initiatives that would advance relations in ways that meet the aspirations of the leadership of our countries and achieve the interests of our two brotherly people.”


Saudi Relief Efforts to Help Palestinians in Gaza Continue

Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
TT

Saudi Relief Efforts to Help Palestinians in Gaza Continue

Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA

Saudi Arabia, represented by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip to alleviate their suffering.

In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, KSrelief on November 2 launched a fundraising campaign through "Sahem" platform for the relief of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah announced a donation of SAR30 million to this campaign by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and SAR20 million by the Crown Prince, while donations from the public totaled SAR544,710,000, and the number of donors participating in the campaign has exceeded one million.

In this context, KSrelief operated an airlift to El Arish International Airport in Egypt, which included 24 relief planes carrying food baskets, shelter bags, tents, blankets, mattresses, winter clothing bags, dried baby formula, dates and medical materials, weighing a total of 573 tons. The center also sent ambulances, including 14 that entered the Palestinian enclave, out of 20 that will arrive in Gaza.

The KSrelief also sent three ships from Jeddah Islamic Port to Port Said Port in Egypt carrying 401 containers, 258 of which contained medical supplies to meet the needs of hospitals there, and 143 stocked with foodstuffs and shelter materials (tents, blankets, mattresses, shelter bags), to be transported to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, KSrelief signed four cooperation agreements with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Food Program, with a total value of SAR150 million to provide relief to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

KSrelief signed the agreement with the UNRWA to fund the agency's food, shelter, water, and environmental sanitation activities in the Gaza Strip.

With a total value exceeding SAR56 million, the agreement aims to provide ready-to-eat meals, distribute blankets, mattresses and personal care and hygiene kits, procure medications, provide doctors and nurses in the 97 UNRWA shelters in Gaza, and ensure the physical and mental well-being of the residents and displaced individuals.

The second agreement was signed with the World Food Program (WFP) to support emergency response in providing food to displaced Palestinians in the territory. The aim is to fulfil their food and nutrition needs by distributing meals and food baskets. The agreement was valued at SAR18.75 million.

The third agreement, valued at SAR37.5 million, was signed to support WHO in treating malnutrition and improving health in the Gaza Strip. The objective is to provide life-saving medicines, medical supplies, and support for urgent health interventions. This aid includes strengthening primary and secondary health care programs, treating malnutrition in vulnerable groups and supporting mental health.

The fourth agreement was signed between KSrelief and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in response to an urgent humanitarian appeal for aiding Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Valued at SAR 37.5 million, the agreement primarily focuses on supporting hospitals, providing medical personnel, offering medical care for the wounded and burn victims, supplying intensive care kits and ambulances, ensuring water purification and access to clean drinking water, and raising awareness about the risks of explosive remnants.

These efforts are part of the Kingdom's ongoing humanitarian projects through KSrelief, assisting the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. They affirm the historical role played by the Kingdom in extending support during crises, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to helping those in need.