Saudi-Africa Summit…Strategic Collaboration Across All Domains

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



Arab, Islamic Countries Slam Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Arab, Islamic Countries Slam Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Iran-backed Houthi militias’ terrorist attack against Saudi Arabia on Monday sparked Arab and international outcry and condemnation of what was seen as a violation of international law and a direct threat to the security of the region.

The United States declared its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting the latest Houthi attacks, saying the strategic relationship between Washington and Riyadh was stronger.

The State Department said the Houthi group remains designated as a foreign terrorist organization. It added that efforts to protect marine navigation in the Red Sea and combat terrorist groups in Yemen continue.

The Saudi Defense Ministry had said on Monday that its air defenses shot down ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis against the Kingdom.

Condemnations poured in from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon.

The statements warned that the attack was a dangerous escalation that undermines regional security and stability.

They expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and support for the measures it takes in defending its sovereignty and security.

Bahrain hailed the vigilance of the Saudi defenses in intercepting the attack and saving lives and its efforts in leading the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen.

Kuwait slammed the attack as a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and of international law.

Oman called on all Yemeni parties to show restraint, commit to the truce and return to the negotiations table under the UN-sponsored process.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attacks against Saudi Arabia and Jordan were “systematic attempts to undermine the stability of the Arab Gulf and keep the region in a cycle of tensions in service of plots that harbor no goodwill towards the Arab people.”

He expressed Lebanon’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Jordan, saying their security and stability were an “integral part of national Arab security.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed Aoun’s remarks, adding that Beirut stands by Saudi Arabia and its legitimate right to take the suitable measures to defend its territories and people.

He warned that the “continuation of these attacks reveals a dangerous insistence on undermining efforts to achieve security and stability in the Arab Gulf region.”

The Muslim World League condemned the terrorist attack against Saudi Arabia that “violates religious values and international laws and norms.”

“The cowardly attack violates all humanitarian values,” added MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that the “cowardly attack is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

He called for a “firm and deterrent international stance to put an end to its hostile practices and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”


Kuwait’s Military Says Air Defenses Are Responding to an Attack

A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
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Kuwait’s Military Says Air Defenses Are Responding to an Attack

A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)
A view of Kuwait City on June 2, 2026. (AFP)

Kuwait’s military said on Tuesday its air defenses are responding to an attack.

The General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces said that explosions heard were a result of air defenses intercepting hostile attacks.

Iran has launched repeated attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf countries in recent days in response to US strikes.

The latest exchanges of fire have been triggered by Iran attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

There were no immediate details or reports of casualties or damage from Tuesday’s attack on Kuwait.


Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attack on Saudi Arabia's Southern Region

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Houthi Terrorist Attack on Saudi Arabia's Southern Region

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out by the Houthi militia, which launched ballistic missiles toward the southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday evening.

In a statement, the secretariat condemned the deliberate criminal act, saying the Houthi militia sought to target civilians and civilian facilities, SPA reported.

The secretariat reiterated its call for firm action against such acts and for those responsible to be held accountable.

It also reaffirmed its full support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to confront these threats and safeguard its security, stability, and territorial integrity.