Gulf-US Consensus on Combating Terrorism, Extremism

Foreign Ministers of GCC Countries and the US Secretary of State Meet in Riyadh (GCC)
Foreign Ministers of GCC Countries and the US Secretary of State Meet in Riyadh (GCC)
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Gulf-US Consensus on Combating Terrorism, Extremism

Foreign Ministers of GCC Countries and the US Secretary of State Meet in Riyadh (GCC)
Foreign Ministers of GCC Countries and the US Secretary of State Meet in Riyadh (GCC)

A recent joint Gulf-US statement underscored the global significance of combating terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing the protection of navigation rights and freedoms and the need to address threats posed to ships.

Notably, the statement welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

During a meeting at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) headquarters, attended by foreign ministers from GCC member states, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and GCC Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the significance of the longstanding relations between the US and Arab Gulf countries was highlighted.

They reiterated their joint dedication to further advance cooperation, coordination, and consultation, building upon the accomplishments of prior ministerial meetings and the “Jeddah Summit” held on July 16, 2022.

Moreover, the focus was on strengthening ambitious strategic partnerships between the US and GCC member states. The objective is to enhance peace, security, stability, integration, and economic prosperity in the Middle East.

 

De-Escalation, Support for Diplomacy

The two sides also emphasized the importance of joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting diplomacy in achieving these goals. They further agreed on the significance of infrastructure projects in enhancing integration and connectivity in the region, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

The importance of supporting navigation rights and freedoms and collective efforts to counter threats targeting the security of ships in the waterways of the region was also stressed.

The officials also emphasized the significance of confronting terrorism and violent extremism worldwide and welcomed the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, which took place in Riyadh on Thursday.

 

US Commitment to Regional Security

Blinken affirmed the US steadfast commitment to the region’s security, recognizing its vital role in the global economy and international trade.

 

Iran

GCC countries and the US reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region. They expressed their determination to confront any aggressive or unlawful acts at sea or elsewhere that could threaten international trade, maritime passages, and oil facilities in GCC countries.

The two sides also reiterated their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The officials also welcomed the decision of Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations, emphasizing the importance of regional states’ commitment to international law, including the UN Charter.

Regarding Yemen, both sides reiterated the significance of the ongoing peace efforts led by the UN following the April 2022 ceasefire and the subsequent calm.

They expressed deep appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UN Special Envoy, and the US Special Envoy in this regard.

GCC countries and the US expressed their hope to witness a comprehensive intra-Yemeni political process that leads to a lasting resolution of the conflict, addressing the Yemeni people's calls for justice, accountability, and the prosecution of human rights violations. This process should aim to put the country on the path to recovery.

 

Yemen’s Sovereignty

Support for Yemen's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity was reaffirmed.

The officials also expressed their support for the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in Yemen and urged the Houthi group to seize this opportunity and make use of the past 14 months, which have been marked by relative calm and stability, to provide relief to millions of Yemenis.

They emphasized the importance of continuing to meet the humanitarian needs of the people in all regions of Yemen and providing economic and developmental support throughout the country.

Officials also affirmed support for UN-led efforts to address the environmental and economic threat posed by the derelict oil tanker Safer off the coast of Yemen.

 

Two-State Solution

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution, in accordance with the 1967 borders and any mutually agreed land swaps, in line with internationally recognized criteria and the Arab Peace Initiative.

They also stressed the necessity of refraining from any unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution, escalate tensions, and maintaining the historical status quo in the holy sites of Jerusalem, emphasizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.

 

A Political Solution for Syria’s Crisis

As for Syria, both sides reiterated their commitment to reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the country’s unity and sovereignty, meets the aspirations of its people, and complies with international humanitarian law, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).

In this regard, the officials welcomed Arab efforts to resolve the crisis in a step-by-step manner, in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, as agreed upon during the Amman Consultative Meeting of the Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria on May 1.

Furthermore, they reiterated support for US and International Coalition forces working to defeat ISIS in Syria, condemning all acts that threaten the safety and security of these forces.

 

Iraq

Additionally, the officials praised the positive and growing partnership between the GCC and Iraq, welcoming the ongoing progress in the electricity connection project that links Iraq to the GCC’s power grid.

This project represents years of diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving greater regional integration and connectivity, in the best interest of the Iraqi people and the region.

 

Sudan Crisis

Regarding the war in Sudan, GCC countries and the US expressed grave concern over the recent outbreak of fighting in Sudan.

They reaffirmed the GCC’s support for diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the US in Jeddah to reach an agreement between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces for the full implementation of a short-term ceasefire agreement and the unhindered access of humanitarian aid.

 

Ukraine War

Considering the war in Ukraine, the officials reiterated the importance of respecting the principles of sovereignty and international law, including the UN Charter, and the commitment to refrain from the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

They urged all countries and the international community to intensify their efforts to reach a peaceful solution, end the humanitarian crisis, and support refugees, internally displaced persons, and other affected individuals from the war in Ukraine.

They also emphasized the importance of facilitating the export of grains and other food supplies, as well as supporting food security in the affected countries.

 

The strategic partnership between the GCC, US

Officials also affirmed their joint determination to contribute to achieving regional security and stability within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the US.

They commended the outcomes of the joint working group meetings on integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, and Iran, which took place in Riyadh from February 13 to 15.

 

They also praised the discussions of the fourth trade and investment dialogue meeting held on March 9 in Riyadh.



Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack
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Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) announced Friday the death of a fourth serviceman who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a Houthi drone attack against forces stationed at Saudi Arabia's southern border.

In an official statement, the BDF identified the serviceman as First-Lieutenant Hamad Khalifa al-Kubaisi, who succumbed to the injuries while performing his sacred patriotic duties defending the southern borders of Saudi Arabia.

Kubaisi was a member of the BDF task force participating in the Arab Coalitions to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, actively participating in Operation Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope.

BDF General Command extended sincere condolences to the family of the fallen serviceman and wished a speedy recovery for those wounded due to the act of aggression.

Earlier, the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning the attack, saying it constituted "a serious threat to the peace process and regional stability, including in Yemen."

The Council on the Houthis to end all attacks, reiterating concern at targeting civilian infrastructure in cities at the southern border of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement from Riyadh, the Coalition mourned those killed and claimed there had been attacks targeting an electrical distribution site and a police station on its southern border by "some Houthi elements."

Coalition spokesman Brig-Gen Turki al-Maliki said the leadership of the joint forces mourns the "heroic martyrs loyal to their religion and nation."

The leadership of the joint forces of the Coalition condemned the treacherous attack near the Saudi-Yemen border by some Houthi elements, Malki said.

He warned that last month's hostilities, including an attack on an electrical power distribution station and a police station in the border region, were "unacceptable" and "provocative."

"In line with the positive efforts being made to seek to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution, the leadership of the joint forces of the coalition affirms its rejection of repeated provocations and reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place," Maliki said in a statement.


UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attack on Southern Saudi Arabia

Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
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UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attack on Southern Saudi Arabia

Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the recent Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia's southern border that left four Bahraini servicemen from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen dead.

The Council warned in a statement Friday that the attack constituted a "serious threat to the peace process and regional stability."

It urged the Houthis to cease their "terrorist attacks" and expressed concern over the targeting of infrastructure in cities near the Saudi border.

The Council's members reiterated their apprehension about the impact of these actions on the broader area.

The statement urged all parties to honor their international and humanitarian law commitments.

The 15-member Council emphasized the importance of taking decisive steps towards a permanent ceasefire.

They expressed their support for efforts to achieve a political solution in Yemen that would alleviate suffering, endorsing the endeavors of the UN Envoy to Yemen to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Saudi Arabia and Oman are leading initiatives to persuade the Houthis to agree to a renewed truce in Yemen, expanding the ceasefire to include humanitarian issues and concluding with a roadmap to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department announced Thursday new sanctions against entities providing Iran with engines used to manufacture drones.

The sanctions included a Chinese company that supplied servomotors worth more than a hundred thousand dollars to the Houthis in Yemen.

Yemeni political and military observers believe the Houthis are not genuinely committed to reaching a peace agreement that would end the war, as they seem to be preparing for another round of conflict after receiving more weapons.

During a meeting in Riyadh, Yemen Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sagheer bin Aziz asserted to the US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, that Iran continues to supply its Houthi militias with advanced weaponry.

During the discussions, bin Aziz highlighted the Houthi threats to the security of Yemen, the region, and international navigation.

According to Saba news agency, he further touched upon the implications these groups have on counter-terrorism efforts.

The official noted that Yemen's experiences with peace talks with the Houthi militia have been bitter at various stages, indicating that the militia adheres to a doctrine of violence and racial discrimination and consistently violates agreements.

The Armed Forces Chief accused the Houthis of persisting with hostile operations against cities, public facilities, military positions, and resistance forces despite the UN-sponsored ceasefire.


Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom's strong condemnation of “cowardly terrorist attacks” that took place on Friday in several provinces in Pakistan, killing and injuring dozens of people.

The Ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on renouncing violence and terrorism, expressing full solidarity with Pakistan and its people.

The Ministry also expressed the Kingdom’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the Pakistani government and people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.


Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan Sign Free Trade Agreement

GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
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Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan Sign Free Trade Agreement

GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan initialized a free trade agreement, the GCC said on messaging platform X on Thursday.

The agreement was signed by GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and Pakistani trade minister Gohar Ejaz.

Al-Budaiwi stated that the preliminary free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and Pakistan comes in recognition of the importance of strengthening trade relations and economic cooperation with countries and international blocs, SPA reported.

The statement came during the signing ceremony of the preliminary FTA between the council and Pakistan, with the agreement being signed by both the GCC Secretary General and Pakistani Commerce Minister, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, on Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

The GCC Secretary General also noted that this historic economic agreement represents an important turning point in cooperation and would contribute to growth and prosperity in a way that serves the common interests of both sides, as it emphasizes the vital importance of close cooperation between countries to strengthen economic relations.

Al-Budaiwi stressed that the GCC countries are proceeding with free-trade negotiations with other countries, aiming to open and enhance the prospects for trade and economic cooperation for the council member states regionally and internationally.

He also voiced his thanks and appreciation to the GCC negotiating teams and the General Secretariat for their efforts and dedication during the negotiation process.


Political Committee of Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council Concludes Meeting

SPA
SPA
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Political Committee of Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council Concludes Meeting

SPA
SPA

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Bahraini counterpart, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, chaired the second meeting of the Political Coordination Committee of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council in Manama on Thursday.
At the meeting's onset, the two parties evaluated their bilateral relations and deliberated on diverse methods to enhance and develop them bilaterally and multilaterally in the international arena.

The discussions were conducted within the Political Coordination Committee's framework. The parties examined numerous initiatives to deepen and strengthen cooperation between them, leading to more extensive horizons and fulfilling the leaders of both countries' aspirations and their peoples' interests, SPA reported.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Dr. Al-Zayani chaired the first meeting of the preparatory committee for the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.

The progress made by the council and its committees in the past period was reviewed, and the latest developments and preparations for the third council meeting were discussed.
At the meeting, the committee evaluated the advancements achieved by the sub-committees and deliberated on the proposals presented during the council's second meeting in Manama on November 9th, 2021.

Additionally, they scrutinized a roster of upcoming initiatives projected to be launched at the third meeting of the council, along with a list of draft agreements and memoranda of understanding that will be signed between the parties during the meeting.

The two sides praised the cooperation and coordination between the sub-committees and working groups of the Coordinating Council, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this pace to achieve common goals.

At the end of the meeting, the minutes of the second Political Coordination Committee meeting and the first preparatory committee meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council were signed.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Written Message from President of Chad

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji meets with Chad’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi in Riyadh. (SPA)
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji meets with Chad’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Written Message from President of Chad

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji meets with Chad’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi in Riyadh. (SPA)
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji meets with Chad’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi in Riyadh. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Thursday written message from President of Chad Lieutenant General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The message tackled bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Chad and ways to bolster them in all fields.

The message was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji during a meeting with Chad’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Hassan Saleh Algadam Aldjinedi at the ministry in Riyadh.

The officials reviewed aspects of bilateral relations between their countries and discussed issues of common interest.


Bahraini Crown Prince Receives Saudi Foreign Minister

Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Manama on Thursday. (SPA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Manama on Thursday. (SPA)
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Bahraini Crown Prince Receives Saudi Foreign Minister

Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Manama on Thursday. (SPA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Manama on Thursday. (SPA)

Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at Al Zaher Palace in Manama on Thursday.

The officials discussed bilateral relations, ways to strengthen and develop cooperation and coordination in various fields, and the latest regional and international events and topics of common interest.

The Crown Prince of Bahrain held a luncheon honoring the Saudi minister and his accompanying delegation.

Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati, Director General of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Office Abdulrahman Al-Daoud, and Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Bahrain Saleh Al-Otaibi attended the meeting.

Prince Faisal had arrived in the Kingdom earlier on Friday.

He was received at the airport by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani. They later held talks on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop cooperation and coordination in various fields.

Prince Faisal expressed Saudi Arabia’s sincere condolences to Bahrain’s leadership and people over the martyrdom of military personnel participating in the “Operation Restore Hope” on the southern Saudi border, and extended the Kingdom's wish for a speedy recovery for the injured.


Saudi Leadership Condoles Iraqi President over Victims of Wedding Hall Fire in Nineveh

A firefighter checks the damage in an event hall in Qaraqosh, also known as Al-Hamdaniya, after a fire broke out during a wedding, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 150, on September 27, 2023. (AFP)
A firefighter checks the damage in an event hall in Qaraqosh, also known as Al-Hamdaniya, after a fire broke out during a wedding, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 150, on September 27, 2023. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Condoles Iraqi President over Victims of Wedding Hall Fire in Nineveh

A firefighter checks the damage in an event hall in Qaraqosh, also known as Al-Hamdaniya, after a fire broke out during a wedding, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 150, on September 27, 2023. (AFP)
A firefighter checks the damage in an event hall in Qaraqosh, also known as Al-Hamdaniya, after a fire broke out during a wedding, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 150, on September 27, 2023. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent on Wednesday a cable of condolences to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid over victims of a fire that broke out in a wedding hall in Nineveh.

He extended his deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy to the Iraqi president, families of the deceased, and the brotherly people of Iraq, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Rashid a similar cable.

A fire ripped through a packed wedding hall in northern Iraq late on Tuesday, killing more than 100 people.

Fire fighters searched the charred remains of the building in Qaraqosh, also known as Al-Hamdaniya, through Wednesday morning and bereaved relatives gathered outside a morgue in the nearby city of Mosul.


Saudi Embassy in Tehran Celebrates 93rd National Day

Officials are seen at the celebration held at the Saudi embassy in Tehran. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the celebration held at the Saudi embassy in Tehran. (SPA)
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Saudi Embassy in Tehran Celebrates 93rd National Day

Officials are seen at the celebration held at the Saudi embassy in Tehran. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the celebration held at the Saudi embassy in Tehran. (SPA)

Saudi Ambassador to Iran Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anzi hosted a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The event, held under the theme “We dream and realize”, was attended by Iranian Minister of Oil Javad Owji and several ambassadors in Tehran.

Al-Anzi extended his congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the occasion.

National Day is a source of immense pride for the homeland, tracing its roots back to the unification efforts led by late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, he added.

He acknowledged the tremendous efforts to build a robust nation, guided by the principles of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed. This commitment has allowed Saudi Arabia to make significant progress towards a brighter future for its people, the Islamic nation, and all of humanity.


Saudi FM Meets French Presidential Envoy to Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with French special presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with French special presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Meets French Presidential Envoy to Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with French special presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with French special presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received in Riyadh on Wednesday French special presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The officials discussed the latest Lebanese, regional and international developments.

They also tackled bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and France and means to bolster coordination in several fields.

Earlier on Thursday, Prince Faisal met with President of the Republic of Nauru, Russ Kun.

They reviewed the bilateral relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

The Saudi FM also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr. Vince Henderson.

The Riyadh talks focused on bilateral relations and ways to develop them in various sectors. They also discussed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas and the efforts exerted towards them.