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Saudi Arabia Hosts Islamic Military Coalition, Announces $26.6 Mn to Support Initiatives

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Islamic Military Coalition, Announces $26.6 Mn to Support Initiatives

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called for a unified stance to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip (SPA)

Saudi Arabia will contribute $26.6 million to support initiatives financing the fund of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), announced Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman on Saturday.
Prince Khalid, who also serves as chairman of the coalition’s Council of Defense Ministers, also declared that the Kingdom would support 46 training programs as part of the Coalition's four ideological domains, including its media, military, and anti-terrorism financing fields.
The announcement came within the Minister's address at the second meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the IMCTC member states in Riyadh under the theme "Combating Terrorism: A Shared Responsibility."
The Minister inaugurated the second meeting of the Council, stressing that the presence of the defense ministers of the Islamic Alliance is only an extension of the first meeting that was held earlier.
He reiterated the role of the message of Islamic religion in combating extremism and terrorism to achieve global security and peace.
Prince Khalid pointed out that the aspirations of the IMCTC require concerted efforts, in addition to integration, cooperation, and partnership between member states, various countries of the world, and international bodies.
- Condemning the Israeli aggression
Prince Khalid stressed that the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people requires a unified stance by the member states of the Coalition to condemn Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He asserted the need to stop this aggression immediately following the decisions of the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.
During the meeting, IMCTC Sec-Gen Major General Pilot Staff Mohammed al-Moghedi gave a briefing on the methodology of the Coalition, followed by a presentation of the initiatives of donor countries and supporting countries.
Moghedi announced the final statement, in which the member states expressed their support for the emphasis conveyed in the speech of the Saudi Defense Minister on the importance of a unified stance among member states in condemning the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The defense ministers emphasized their countries' determination to enhance cooperation, coordinate efforts, and unite them to avert terrorism risks.
They stressed the importance of joint collective action to confront all forms and manifestations of terrorism and extremism.
They also expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved in the Coalition's journey, confirming their commitment to fight terrorism and eliminate it through organized collective action and comprehensive planning.
- Multiple initiatives
The defense ministers reviewed the alliance's 2023 annual report and its operational and financial performance report.
Saudi Arabia's operational expenses of the Coalition exceeded more than $266 million.
The defense ministers were briefed on the Coalition's methodology and the initiatives it encompasses, designed based on the needs of the member states.
The final statement recognized the importance of activating the initiatives aimed at combating terrorism in its various aspects.
The attendees agreed to launch a fund for financing the Coalition's initiatives, which is dedicated to receiving financial contributions from the member states, supporting countries, and international bodies and organizations.
They also welcomed countries desiring to join the Coalition in the future.
Coalition Advisor Major General Abdullah al-Qahtani confirmed that the meeting is crucial, whether at the level of its representation or outcomes.
Qahtani reiterated to Asharq Al-Awsat that the most essential element is the Coalition's determination to combat terrorism worldwide.
- Bilateral meetings
On the sidelines of the conference, the Saudi Defense Minister held bilateral meetings with several defense ministers from Islamic countries.
Prince Khalid received Kuwait's Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior of Kuwait, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, and the accompanying delegation.
He also met with Libya's Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibe.
The Saudi Minister also held bilateral meetings with Djibouti's Minister of Defense in charge of relations with Parliament Hassan Omar Mohamed Burhan, Sudan's Minister of Defense Major General Yassin Ibrahim Abdel-Hadi, and Mauritania's Minister of Defense Hanana Ould Sidi,
They reviewed the meeting's agenda topics, defense and military cooperation, and several issues of common interest.

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Gulf

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Liberation Day

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Liberation Day

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha on September 15, 2025. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on his country's Liberation Day.

King Salman wished the president continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Syria steady progress and prosperity.

He praised the fraternal relations that unite the two countries and their peoples, noting that all parties are committed to strengthening and developing these ties across all fields.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Sharaa a similar cable on the occasion.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign Strategic Deals, Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign Strategic Deals, Deepen Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holding talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, during which they held official talks and reviewed close bilateral relations, discussed prospects for cooperation, and explored ways to develop relations in various fields.

"Both sides commended the positive outcomes of their reciprocal fraternal visits, which have contributed to enhancing the level of cooperation between the two countries," read a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Qatari Emir's visit.

"In an atmosphere of cordiality, fraternity, and mutual trust, the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council was held during the visit, co-chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and the Amir of Qatar, with the council members in attendance. The two chairmen reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations, commended the achievements made within the framework of the council, and emphasized the importance of continuing to support and develop joint coordination in priority areas, including political, security, military, energy, industrial, economic, investment, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture, tourism, and education," the statement noted.

Both sides commended the strength of economic ties and the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which reached $930.3 million in 2024 (excluding re-exported goods), marking a substantial 634% increase compared to 2021.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening joint efforts to diversify and increase trade, facilitate its flow, overcome any challenges, and capitalize on available opportunities in priority sectors within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, SPA reported.

According to the statement, the two sides stressed the need to transform these opportunities into tangible partnerships that support the concept of economic and trade integration. They also welcomed sustainable bilateral investment cooperation through partnerships between investment funds and companies, emphasizing the importance of intensifying reciprocal visits between officials and holding investment meetings and business forums.

"The leaders stressed the importance of enhancing the reliability and stability of global energy markets and ensuring the security of supplies for all energy sources globally, serving the interests of both producers and consumers and supporting global economic growth. They expressed their desire to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and to develop mutually beneficial projects," the statement said.

They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in developing and sustaining energy supply chains and enabling collaboration between companies to maximize the utilization of local resources in both countries. Furthermore, they agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on climate policies within international agreements and regional and international bodies, working to ensure that these policies focus on emissions rather than sources, according to SPA.

The two sides also agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in the digital economy and innovation; industry and mining; accelerating joint efforts on industrial integration; youth, sports, and cultural programs and activities; education, including establishing joint high-quality academic programs; media, including raising the level of credibility of media content, joint media production, and media coverage of events; cybersecurity; and health.

On the defense and security front, both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening and developing the defense partnership, coordinating positions in confronting regional challenges, and enhancing security and stability at the regional and international levels.

They commended the existing level of security cooperation and coordination in all security fields, including the exchange of expertise, information in passenger security, holding training courses, participation in cybersecurity conferences, border security, combating drugs, extremism, terrorism and their financing, and combating crime in all its forms. They expressed their commitment to strengthening this cooperation to achieve security and stability in both brotherly countries.

Both sides welcomed the signing of the agreement for the high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting Riyadh and Doha, passing through Dammam and Hofuf. They emphasized the project's status as a major strategic initiative, aligning with the goals of both Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. This railway connection is anticipated to significantly facilitate tourism and trade, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The two sides also welcomed the signing of several other agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit. These covered key areas including rail transport, investment promotion, food security, media, and cooperation in the non-profit sector.
On the international front, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Saudi side commended Qatar’s recent ratification of the Global Water Organization charter, recognizing its aim to strengthen global efforts to address water challenges and find comprehensive solutions.

According to SPA, at the conclusion of the visit, Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to the Crown Prince for the warm reception and generous hospitality. The Crown Prince reciprocated, conveying best wishes for the continued health of the Amir and for the further progress and prosperity of the Qatari people."

Later in the day, the Saudi Crown Prince bid farewell to Sheikh Tamim as he departed Riyadh.

Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Officials' Statements on Member States' Sovereignty

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Officials' Statements on Member States' Sovereignty

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the GCC states’ denunciation of the media statements made by Iranian officials regarding the GCC states.

"These statements contained fallacies, false claims, and rejected allegations that contradict the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and good neighborliness—principles which Iran violated through its aggression against the sovereignty and independence of the State of Qatar," Albudaiwi stated.

Furthermore, he noted that these statements contradict the GCC states' continuous efforts to enhance relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran at all levels, SPA reported.

"The GCC states have consistently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, including the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or threat of force," Albudaiwi emphasized.

He added that the GCC states have consistently demonstrated goodwill towards Iran, stressing their keenness on Iran's security and stability to preserve the interests of the Iranian people and to spare the region the repercussions of tension and escalation.

"This commitment was underlined during the joint meetings between the GCC foreign ministers and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. The council member states have also underscored the significance of continuing bilateral communication between the GCC and Iran to enhance shared interests and maintain regional security and stability," he pointed out.

Moreover, Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC states' commitment to peace, coexistence, and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions in international relations. He called on Iran to cease spreading false claims that undermine trust and hinder communication and understanding, at a time when the countries of the region need rapprochement and cooperation to safeguard their interests and achieve their peoples' aspirations for security, stability, growth, and prosperity.