Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Deepen Cooperation in Joint Efforts

 Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Deepen Cooperation in Joint Efforts

 Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)

The Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council held its third meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

During the meeting, they announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company, established in November 2022 between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Bahrain (Mumtalakat), with an investment of $ 5 billion.

The meeting also saw the announcement of the completion of the construction of King Abdullah Medical City Hospital in Bahrain, which is expected to start operations in mid-2024.

Discussions covered joint projects in training, technology, healthcare, and trade. Agreements were signed across various sectors including energy, finance, culture, education, and media.

At the onset of the meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, underscoring the strong historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Saudi Crown Prince expressed commitment to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unity, aiming for stability and prosperity. He also praised the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council’s ongoing efforts, aiming to benefit citizens and meet leadership aspirations.

On his part, Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa highlighted the strong historical bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of meetings like these in boosting strategic partnerships.

He praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts in supporting joint projects that aim to enhance growth in both nations.

The Bahraini Crown Prince also applauded the collaborative initiatives of the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council, aimed at achieving shared goals.

The meeting, attended by dignitaries and ministers from both sides, underlined the close fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The session concluded with plans for the fourth meeting of the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council to take place in Bahrain, with the date to be confirmed through mutual agreement.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.