Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed Sunday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed on upscaling the aspirations to advance bilateral ties.

The Saudi minister and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman co-chaired the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the beginning of the meeting, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed the Saudi minister and his accompanying delegation.

Working groups of the council's general secretariat presented their progress on preparatory work and the outcomes achieved recently by the subcommittees and their respective working groups.

The outcomes encompassed targets, initiatives, and memoranda of understanding that are to be signed during the forthcoming meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

During the meeting, they commended the cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the subcommittees and the working groups of the council's general secretariat in both countries.

They also stressed the importance of continuing coordination between the two sides in a way that meets the aspirations of the leadership and serves the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

The Saudi FM arrived in Doha on Sunday to participate in the 158th ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will be attended by foreign ministers.

The meeting serves as preparation for the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC to take place on Tuesday.

For his part, the Qatari FM said in a post on X that the first meeting of the Executive Committee discussed ways “to develop bilateral relations within the framework of the Executive Committee," and "to deepen cooperation through initiatives that would advance relations in ways that meet the aspirations of the leadership of our countries and achieve the interests of our two brotherly people.”



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
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21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.