Saudi-Africa Summit…Strategic Collaboration Across All Domains

The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
TT

Saudi-Africa Summit…Strategic Collaboration Across All Domains

The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)

Riyadh is hosting a summit between Saudi Arabia and African nations, signaling the beginning of a strategic partnership covering political, economic, investment, security, and cultural domains.

The Saudi-Africa summit, which launches on Friday, aims to strengthen shared interests, foster development, and ensure stability.

Saudi Arabia enjoys significant trust and respect among African leaders, being considered a linchpin for both the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Kingdom pursues a wise policy focused on economic and developmental interests, according to Khaled Manzlawiy, the assistant secretary-general for international political affairs at the Arab League.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Manzlawiy highlighted that the Kingdom’s hosting of a substantial number of African leaders in Riyadh signals the establishment of a strategic collaboration that serves the interests of both parties.

“As we know, Africa is a focal point for major powers such as the US, China, and Russia, in addition to emerging nations,” said Manzlawiy.

“Saudi Arabia's growing global role necessitates expanding relations with both the East and the West, including the African continent,” he added.

The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and African countries reached SAR 74.735 billion ($20 billion) in 2023.

Exports accounted for SAR 53.071 billion ($14 billion), while imports totaled SAR 21.664 billion ($5.8 billion).

This underscores the increasing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations, reflecting the mutual benefits derived from their collaboration.

In a demonstration of Saudi leadership, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has actively supported international and regional efforts aimed at establishing security, stability, and resolving conflicts in the African continent.

This commitment resulted in the historic Jeddah Agreement for Peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Moreover, negotiations between conflicting parties in Sudan resumed in Jeddah, aiming to reach a political agreement that ensures security, stability, and prosperity for Sudan and its people.



Saudi Arabia Ranks Second Globally in Humanitarian Aid for 2025

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
TT

Saudi Arabia Ranks Second Globally in Humanitarian Aid for 2025

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A
Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025. (SP)A

Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025, leading in contributions to Yemen with 49.3% of total aid and ranking second for aid to Syria, according to the United Nations Financial Tracking Service.

A recently released 2024 report on development assistance showed that the Kingdom ranks second among 16 non-member donor countries and tenth globally in aid volume among all 48 donor countries, including both members and non-members.

Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah stressed that the Kingdom's leadership in humanitarian efforts reflects its commitment to generosity and prioritizing human dignity.

These figures are documented in real time on the Saudi Aid Platform, the region's largest aid platform. This approach, supported by 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, has been crucial in achieving these international rankings and making a tangible global impact.

Al Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia remains a constant source of generosity and a beacon of goodwill, committed under its leadership to providing assistance to those in need worldwide.


Saudi Crown Prince, Syria’s Sharaa Discuss Opportunities to Boost Bilateral Ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Crown Prince, Syria’s Sharaa Discuss Opportunities to Boost Bilateral Ties

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Sunday a telephone call from Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

They reviewed relations and opportunities to boost them in various fields.

They also discussed the latest regional developments and a number of issues of mutual interest.


Al-Mahrami: Saudi Arabia Backs the Solution for Southern Yemen without Preconditions

Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Al-Mahrami: Saudi Arabia Backs the Solution for Southern Yemen without Preconditions

Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the consultative meeting on southern Yemen in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A consultative meeting on southern Yemen kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday. The meeting brings together leaderships, elders and senior figures from southern Yemen. 

In a statement, the gatherers said the meeting reflects the South’s “collective will to search for a just, secure and guaranteed solution” to the southern cause “away from escalation or attempts to create secondary conflicts that do not serve the South and its future.” 

They praised Saudi Arabia’s “clear” support for their cause as demonstrated in direct meetings with its leaders and officials, said the statement that was read by member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Abou Zaraa Al-Mahrami. 

Saudi Arabia’s positions “align completely with the just demands of the people of the South and back their right to reach a comprehensive political solution that guarantees their dignity, security, stability and future without preconditions or political demands.” 

These positions allow the people to determine their political fate and destiny, including reclaiming full sovereignty, added the statement. 

Al-Mahrami said the upcoming Saudi-sponsored intra-southern dialogue “is a rare historic opportunity that should not be squandered or undermined through sparking internal southern disputes.” 

He cautioned against antagonizing the Kingdom or creating disputes with it, saying this “serves the parties that are opposed to our cause.” 

Furthermore, he stressed that no one will be marginalized, explaining that the dialogue is based on the greatest possible partnership and representation of the South. 

“Since arriving in Riyadh, we sensed clear and sincere support for the southern cause. Our presence here played a direct role in meeting the demands of our people and forces,” he continued. 

Al-Mahrami noted the Kingdom’s keenness on supporting the Yemeni people’s daily needs, as well as the country’s economy. 

“We also received direct assurances from Saudi officials that support for the southern forces will continue,” he added. The forces are protecting the South and its security and are deployed at battlefronts. 

The support will consolidate the stability of the South and block attempts to weaken the southern front or raise doubts about its people, he went on to say. 

The statement said Saudi Arabia’s economic and development support “are the pillars for the future partnership” between the South and the Kingdom. 

“Today’s meeting will pave the way for a real strategic future based on security, stability and development,” it stressed. 

Moreover, the statement noted that Saudi Arabia had been at the forefront in protecting the South against all threats. “It is the main partner in maintaining its security and stability and backing its just cause,” it added. 

“Saudi Arabia’s stances have proven that the Kingdom has and continues to be a sincere supporter and guarantor of the South’s security and stability,” it said. 

“The real danger against the South lies in the Houthi militias and their expansionist agendas against the South and entire region,” it warned. The statement also warned against the threat of ISIS and al-Qaeda. 

“We therefore categorically reject any attempts that aim to raise doubts against the Kingdom’s role,” it said, while also dismissing campaigns against the southern military and security forces led by the Giants Brigades and National Shield forces.