Arab, Gulf States Welcome Resumption of Diplomatic Representation between the UAE, Qatar

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
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Arab, Gulf States Welcome Resumption of Diplomatic Representation between the UAE, Qatar

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)

Arab and Gulf countries welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between the UAE and Qatar and the reopening of embassies, based on the AlUla Summit between Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah in January 2021.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between Qatar and the UAE, describing it as a "positive step" that confirms strong relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The ministry said the resumption of relations boosts joint Gulf action to achieve the "aspirations of the region's nations and peoples."

GCC Sec-Gen Jassim al-Budaiwi welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between the two gulf countries, which is an implementation of the agreement of the leaders of GCC countries at the Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit.

Budaiwi praised this step, saying it embodies the leaders' keenness on the GCC bonds, friendship, brotherhood, history, and shared destiny.

Egypt also welcomed the re-establishment of diplomatic representation, praising this positive step in strengthening joint Arab action and consolidating Arab unity.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at strengthening Arab relations at various levels and protecting the interests of the Arab people.

Furthermore, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs lauded the step, saying it extends fraternal relations and ties between Gulf nations, and consolidates joint Gulf action to promote stability, and prosperity for all countries in the region.

For its part, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs welcomed the initiative.

The ministry's spokesman, Sinan al-Majali, stressed the importance of this agreement in strengthening cooperation efforts between Arab countries, and activating joint Arab action, in a way that serves common Arab interests.

Qatar and the UAE announced on Monday the restoration of work at their respective embassies. Qatar’s embassy reopened in Abu Dhabi, and its consulate in Dubai. The UAE reopened its embassy in Doha.

A statement by the Qatari foreign Ministry said that the decision implements the outcomes of the AlUla summit and the desire of both countries to boost ties.

It indicated that the two sides affirmed that this step embodies the will of both leaderships to strengthen joint Arab action to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

 



Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Wednesday from Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

Discussions stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and addressed regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.