Saudi, Italian Foreign Ministers Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Italian Foreign Ministers Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Monday with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona.

The officials discussed the situation in Gaza Strip and other related developments. They emphasized the need to adhere to the humanitarian truce and achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire to safeguard civilians and restore security and stability in Gaza.

The ministers tackled international efforts to provide humanitarian, relief and medical aid to prevent the escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Prince Faisal stressed the urgent need to establish accessible corridors for the swift delivery of aid to civilians.

He also reiterated the Kingdom's firm rejection of the forced displacement of the population in Gaza and underscored the essential role of the international community in taking decisive and effective actions to address the ongoing violations committed by the Israeli forces, which repeatedly disregard international law and humanitarian principles.  

Prince Faisal also held separate meetings in Barcelona with his Irish counterpart Micheal Martin and Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.