Saudi Arabia, Qatar Affirm Advancing Political, Security, Economic Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Affirm Advancing Political, Security, Economic Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presided over the seventh sitting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council on Tuesday.

The leaders delved into a comprehensive review of the strong fraternal ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, exploring avenues to bolster and advance cooperation across various domains, particularly in the realms of politics, security, economics, investment, and more.

During the council's session, several regional and international issues of mutual interest were addressed, with a particular focus on the latest developments in the region.

The leaders engaged in a fruitful exchange of perspectives on matters contributing to regional stability and security.

Additionally, the meeting witnessed the Saudi Crown Prince and Qatari Emir exchanging a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning multiple sectors.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance their strategic partnership and foster mutually beneficial initiatives.

In a joint statement, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged the rapid development and collaboration across all fronts in the bilateral relations.

He emphasized the significance of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council as a crucial means of communication and coordination that embodies these robust ties.

He underscored the duty to earnestly strive towards deepening and expanding areas of bilateral cooperation to achieve a future renaissance and sustainable growth for both nations and their people.

Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed satisfaction with the achieved results, positive outcomes, and initiatives, reaching a consensus on the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding.

These agreements aim to enhance cooperation between the two nations across various fields, with a commitment to strengthening and deepening the distinguished bilateral relations and taking them to broader horizons.

In the political realm, both parties expressed contentment with the advanced level of political consultations.

They emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen and enhance cooperation and consultation on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

As for security and military affairs, both parties emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to contribute to the support of regional security and stability.

This involves strengthening areas such as military training, sponsorship, the exchange of expertise, and the establishment of partnerships.

On the sports front, both sides commended the collaboration during Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the facilitation of fan transportation, including coordination at land and air entry points.

In the cultural, tourism, and entertainment spheres, they lauded the existing collaboration between the two nations in these areas.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.