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.



Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanged views on the latest developments of mutual interest.


Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi jets took part in the "Desert Flag" air drill in the United Arab Emirates.

The pilots took part in over 70 hours of flight training at the al-Dhafra air base.

Several friendly countries were also involved in the three-week exercise, including Oman, Türkiye, the United States, France and South Korea.

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams.

The exercise aims to exchange military expertise in planning and execution and raising the combat readiness of forces. It also seeks to bolster relations between the participating forces.

The drill kicked off at the al-Dhafra base on April 22.


Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched on Tuesday the Nusuk card that will facilitate the movement of all pilgrims at the holy sites.

It also offers a number of services and privileges that can be accessed through the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps.

Nusuk acts as an identification card for pilgrims. It is a comprehensive platform that allows the user to register their personal and health data and other important information. The user can also benefit from a broad array of services.

The user can receive the card through Hajj offices after they obtain their Hajj permit.

Nusuk also works to deepen the Hajj experience by allowing the user to access different services, such as places of accommodation and transport. It provides information about historic, cultural and Islamic locations.

It also allows workers involved in the Hajj pilgrimage to meet the needs of and service the pilgrims.

Nusuk is part of a greater plan the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is aiming to launch with the goal of utilizing technology to ensure pilgrims have a smooth journey that begins from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom to the moment they leave.

Saudi Arabia is keen on developing procedures and regulations and dedicating technology to facilitate the holy journey and ensure the largest number possible of Muslims can travel to the Kingdom to perform the Hajj and Umrah.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah was in Indonesia where he handed the first Nusuk card to Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas.

He also met with senior officials, heads of companies and investors to discuss the available opportunities to elevate the services offered during the Hajj.

Along with Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, he oversaw the signing of an air transport agreement aimed at increasing the number of flights transporting Indonesian pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired on Wednesday a meeting of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) in his capacity as its chairman.

Officials reviewed GEOSA’s efforts in building and developing the national geospatial infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted GEOSA's participation at international events and the strategic partnerships it has forged with various entities from the government and private sectors.

The officials were briefed on sectoral and institutional strategies; current and future plans in the fields of geospatial information, aerial imagery, and remote sensing; and the data, services, and products provided by the authority to entities from both the government and private sectors in line with global best practices.

The officials followed up on the progress made on decisions related policies, standards, evidence, regulations, and regulatory conditions for the sector. They reviewed efforts aimed at boosting and developing national capabilities in the geospatial information sector.

The GEOSA board made decisions related to administrative and financial committees.

Prince Khalid underscored the unlimited support accorded by the Saudi leadership to GEOSA in organizing, elevating and supervising the geospatial and remote sensing sector in the Kingdom, ensuring quality and performance improvement.

This approach has allowed GEOSA to assume a leading role in the field of geospatial information at regional and international levels, he remarked.


Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
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Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)

Kuwaiti authorities arrested a citizen for plotting to carry out a terrorist attack against American forces deployed in the country.

The General Prosecution said on Wednesday that it ordered the arrest of the suspect on charges of “joining a banned organization and plotting terrorist attacks in the country.”

In a post on the X platform, it said the suspect had posted on social media recordings belonging to the banned group.

Other suspects were also involved in the plot.

The main suspect had learned how to manufacture explosives and had incited others to learn how to do so with the purpose of bombing US army barracks, continued the prosecution.

It has interrogated the accused and he confessed to the charges against him. It has also ordered the arrest of other suspects related to the case.

On January 25, Kuwaiti authorities announced that they had thwarted a terrorist plot to attack Shiite places of worship.

Three people were arrested in connection to the case. They were all members of the terrorist ISIS group and were Arab nationals working in Kuwait.


Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

The Saudi leadership sent a cable to the president of the UAE offering condolences over the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who died on Wednesday.
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, extended their sincere condolences and sympathy to UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
They extended their condolences to the family of the deceased, appealing to Allah the Almighty to bestow his mercy upon his soul.


Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

The talks focused on the developments in Sudan and their impact on the people.

Prince Faisal stressed the importance of protecting Sudan and its people from more destruction and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

He called for prioritizing the interests of the people, ending the fighting, protecting the country and leading it towards safety.


Saudi Crown Prince, BIE Secretary General Discuss Riyadh Expo 2030 Preparations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, BIE Secretary General Discuss Riyadh Expo 2030 Preparations

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meets with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes to discuss Riyadh’s preparations to host Expo 2030.

Present at the meeting were Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City Ibrahim Al-Sultan and Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yasser Al-Rumayyan.

Riyadh won the bid to host the Expo 2030 in 2023.

Crown Prince Mohammed has pledged to over an exceptional version of the global event.


OIC General Secretariat Condemns Deadly Assault on Mosque in Afghanistan

OIC
OIC
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OIC General Secretariat Condemns Deadly Assault on Mosque in Afghanistan

OIC
OIC

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Wednesday the heinous attack perpetrated by armed assailants in a mosque in Herat, western Afghanistan.
On Monday night, gunmen attacked a mosque in western Afghanistan during prayer time, killing at least five people, a spokesperson for the provincial governor said.
The OIC called on the authorities in Kabul to do more to put an end to the bloodshed of Afghan civilians across the country, identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice, the Saudi Press Agency said.
It also condoled the families of the victims, wishing the wounded complete and speedy recovery.


Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Bolstering Cooperation, Supporting Collective Arab Work

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
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Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Bolstering Cooperation, Supporting Collective Arab Work

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency)

Egypt and Kuwait agreed on Tuesday on the need to work together to bolster bilateral cooperation between their countries and support collective Arab work.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived in Egypt on Tuesday on his first official visit to the country since ascending the throne in December.

He was received at the airport by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. They later held bilateral talks at the presidential palace in Cairo. Expanded talks between delegations from both countries then followed.

The meetings tackled bilateral relations between Egypt and Kuwait, stressing their determination to boost trade and investment ties.

Sisi and Sheikh Mishal underscored the need to reach an immediate lasting ceasefire in Gaza. They stressed the need to deliver aid to the Palestinian people.

They expressed their rejection of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, warning against their expansion into Rafah. Such a step will lead to dire humanitarian consequences, they added.

They warned of the danger of Israel’s practices that may lead to the spillover of the conflict, which would threaten regional and international security and stability.

They urged the international community to work towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the implementation of the two-state solution. They also underlined the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland.

On Libya, they emphasized the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected all forms of foreign interference in its internal affairs. They called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya within a specified timeframe and the dismantling of militias and unification of military and security institutions.

On Sudan, Sisi and Sheikh Mishal stressed the inevitability of reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire to the conflict. They rejected foreign interference in support of any of the warring parties, adding that any real political solution must be based on a strictly Sudanese vision that is formed by the Sudanese people themselves, not foreign dictates and pressure.

Moroever, Kuwait stressed its full support to Egypt’s water security, saying it is indivisible from Arab water security. Sheikh Mishal categorically rejected any violation of Egypt’s right to the waters of the Nile River.