GCC Secretary-General Condemns Desecration of Another Copy of the Quran in Sweden

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency SPA on July 19, 2023 shows a general view of the GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah. (SPA / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency SPA on July 19, 2023 shows a general view of the GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah. (SPA / AFP)
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Desecration of Another Copy of the Quran in Sweden

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency SPA on July 19, 2023 shows a general view of the GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah. (SPA / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency SPA on July 19, 2023 shows a general view of the GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah. (SPA / AFP)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi expressed on Friday his strong condemnation of the continued provocations against Muslims, and the desecration of another copy of the holy Quran in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

He stressed that these disgraceful and unacceptable acts provoke the feelings of Muslims all over the world, and that the Swedish authorities must take immediate and serious action to stop these behaviors and hold extremists accountable, said SPA.

Albudaiwi stressed that these heinous incitements contradict the principles of tolerance and freedom of religion, and are indicative of hatred, and extremism.

He also referred to the emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which convened last week, and condemned the acts of religious hatred. The Council stressed the need for all countries and international organizations to prevent and address irresponsible acts in accordance with international laws, treaties and norms that protect and preserve religions.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.