US State Department Hails Saudi Arabia's Efforts in Combating Terrorism

People enter the State Department Building in Washington (Reuters)
People enter the State Department Building in Washington (Reuters)
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US State Department Hails Saudi Arabia's Efforts in Combating Terrorism

People enter the State Department Building in Washington (Reuters)
People enter the State Department Building in Washington (Reuters)

The US State Department applauded Saudi Arabia's efforts in combating terrorism and its measures to counter terrorist financing in 2022.

The state Department praised the Kingdom's efforts to raise standards and measures using modern technologies and tools in the security field, especially in combating terrorism and its financing, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Wednesday.

In its annual report on combating terrorism for 2022, the Department lauded the Kingdom for upgrading the security and international criteria for Saudi passports, adding that the new Saudi passport security features are comparable to the US' next-generation passport.

The Ministry of Interior scanned passenger manifests for inbound and outbound flights and monitored border crossings and traveler lists at the land, sea, and air crossing.

It also referred to Saudi efforts in combating terrorist and extremist discourse, enacting laws that criminalize these acts, noting that it promoted moderation and tolerance through governmental and non-governmental institutions in the Kingdom.

The Department highlighted the pivotal role of the Kingdom at the international and regional levels in supporting initiatives to combat terrorism and its financing and rejecting extremism and its discourses through the Kingdom's membership in several global and regional organizations engaged in counterterrorism cooperation.

The report indicated a significant drop in terrorist incidents in the Kingdom in 2022.



Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
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Shehbaz Sharif, Tamim bin Hamad Support Path of De-escalation

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2026. (QNA)

Following his shuttle tour that kicked off in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the latest regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, during a meeting held Thursday at the Amiri Diwan.

The Pakistani Prime Minister reiterated his country's condemnation of the attacks targeting Qatar and other countries in the region, affirming Pakistan's full solidarity with Doha and support for the measures it takes to protect its sovereignty and safeguard its security and stability, the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

During the meeting, Qatar’s Emir expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's role in supporting efforts to deescalate tensions and promote diplomatic dialogue in the service of regional peace and security.

According to official sources, both sides stressed the necessity of supporting the path of deescalation and strengthening international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, especially maintaining the smooth flow of energy supply chains through vital maritime routes.

They further discussed the cooperation and friendship relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, aiming to strengthen the partnership and open new horizons for bilateral cooperation.

The Qatari Emir and the Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly amidst current events and their repercussions on the region's security and stability.

Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday morning for a working visit to the country. The PM and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

 


Sultan of Oman, Qatari Emir Discuss Regional Developments, Means to Contain Escalation

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
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Sultan of Oman, Qatari Emir Discuss Regional Developments, Means to Contain Escalation

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat on Thursday (Omani News Agency)

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, discussed in Muscat on Thursday the developments in the region amid rising tensions.

Qatar’s Emir arrived in Muscat in a visit to Oman, where he held talks with Sultan Haitham at Al Baraka Palace.

The two leaders exchanged views on current developments, particularly their implications for regional security and stability, as well as their impact on energy supplies and international shipping, according to a statement from the Qatari Diwan.

They stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to deescalate tensions and the need to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue to resolve disputes, contributing to regional and international security and stability.

The two leaders also emphasized continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest in addition to the strong fraternal ties between the two countries and ways to further develop them across various fields.

Later, Sultan Haitham and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad held a private meeting during which they discussed the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in various domains for the mutual benefit of their peoples.


OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon
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OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

OIC Lauds US President’s Ceasefire Announcement in Lebanon

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended the diplomatic efforts of US President Donald Trump that led to a 10-day truce in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The OIC stressed the need that all parties adhere to the ceasefire agreement and refrain from undermining it.

The General Secretariat also expressed its support for and solidarity with the Republic of Lebanon in preserving its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Trump announced Thursday evening a 10-day truce in Lebanon that could pause fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war.