GCC Affirms Strategic Partnership with Yemen

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
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GCC Affirms Strategic Partnership with Yemen

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), received Jasem Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in the interim capital of Aden on Thursday, in the first such visit in approximately eight years.

During their meeting, Al-Alimi and Albudaiwi discussed the strategic partnership between the GCC and Yemen.

The meeting with Albudaiwi and his accompanying delegation took place at the Presidential Palace.

Al-Alimi briefed the GCC secretary-general and attending delegates on developments in Yemen.

He tackled the latest developments related to the mediation efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to renew the ceasefire and build upon it for the launch of a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace, stability, and development.

The PLC leader also spoke about the violations and infringements committed by Houthi militias, their overt support for terrorist organizations, and the regional and international pressures required to end the prolonged humanitarian suffering in Yemen.

Al-Alimi, on behalf of himself, PLC members, and the Yemeni government, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the GCC for its stance regarding Yemenis and their constitutional legitimacy.

Throughout various phases, the GCC has helped Yemen confront risks that threaten its identity and national economy following the coup by the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

Al-Alimi commended the support provided by the GCC to the PLC and the legitimate government, as well as all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the country under the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and relevant international resolutions, especially Resolution 2216.

For his part, Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s consistent stance in supporting UN efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in Yemen, based on the three references: the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The secretary-general also reiterated support for the implementation of the remaining provisions of the Riyadh Agreement.

Albudaiwi acknowledged the efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman to preserve Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence, emphasizing the support of GCC countries for the PLC in achieving security and stability in the country.

He ultimately stressed the significance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and Yemen.



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


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.