GCC Supports Peaceful Efforts Aimed at Resolving Russian-Ukrainian Crisis

The GCC Secretary General meets with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The GCC Secretary General meets with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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GCC Supports Peaceful Efforts Aimed at Resolving Russian-Ukrainian Crisis

The GCC Secretary General meets with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The GCC Secretary General meets with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, said Thursday that the GCC countries support the peaceful efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

He also stressed the importance of resuming the grain export agreement from Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea to facilitate the export of grain, food, and all humanitarian supplies that would contribute to providing food security for affected countries.

This statement came during the Secretary General's meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Anatolii Petrenko, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General stressed that the GCC's position concerning the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, the preservation of the international order based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and non-use or threat of force.

The two officials discussed ways to strengthen GCC-Ukrainian relations in a way that contribute to serving common interests.



Saudi Crown Prince, Canadian PM Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Canadian PM Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held official talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Jeddah on Thursday.

Discussions focused on regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards them.

They also tackled bilateral ties between their countries and opportunities to develop them in various fields.

Carney’s office had previously said talks will address bilateral relations with focus on energy, critical minerals, investment, infrastructure, advanced technologies and defense cooperation.

The visit reflects the strength of relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada and the keenness of their leaderships on bolstering political coordination and expanding economic cooperation and investments amid the regional and international changes.

The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s political and economic standing and its pioneering role on the international stage. It reflects Ottawa’s desire to bolster consultations with Riyadh on issues of common interest and elevate bilateral ties.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed and Carney also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs): 

First: An MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Canada, signed by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. 

Second: An MoU between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Canada on establishing the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council as a platform to implement a joint action document serving as a roadmap for the next phase of bilateral relations, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Anand. 

Third: An MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, on artificial intelligence investment and skills development, signed by Saudi Data and AI Authority President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi and Anand. 

The meeting of talks was attended by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, and Saudi Ambassador to Canada Amal Almoallimi. 

The meeting was also attended by Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jean-Philippe Linteau, Member of Parliament Sameer Zuberi, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Marc-André Blanchard, Foreign and Defense Policy Advisor at the Privy Council Office Jennifer May, Chief Executive Officer of the Defense Investment Agency Doug Guzman, and Prime Minister's Senior Advisor on Foreign, Defense, and Security Policy Scott Gilmore. 


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Jeddah on Thursday with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand to review bilateral relations and discuss ways to expand cooperation and partnership between Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations targeting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz alongside the heinous attacks targeting a number of countries in the region.

They stressed the need to de-escalate tensions, return to the negotiating track, and prioritize dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement that consolidates regional and international peace and security.


Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil participated in the Security Council session on sexual violence in areas of armed conflict, during which he delivered the Kingdom's statement affirming that such violence threatens international peace and security and necessitates holding perpetrators accountable to end impunity.

He stressed the importance of full adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, alongside the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid, SPA reported.

He also commended the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting those affected by conflicts, including victims of sexual violence, in cooperation with international organizations.

Furthermore, Alwasil pointed out that violations in the Palestinian territories, including sexual violence, constitute a grave breach of international law, calling for urgent international action to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.

He concluded by emphasizing that protecting civilians from sexual violence is a shared legal and moral responsibility, requiring enhanced international cooperation and a response to the suffering of victims.