Saudi Arabia Hosts Consultative Meeting on Israel’s War in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah hosted a consultative meeting to discuss the developments in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah hosted a consultative meeting to discuss the developments in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Consultative Meeting on Israel’s War in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah hosted a consultative meeting to discuss the developments in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah hosted a consultative meeting to discuss the developments in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah hosted a consultative meeting in Riyadh to discuss the developments in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Attending the meeting were Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry, and the Secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee and Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein AlSheikh.
In their meeting, the ministers emphasized the need to end the war on the Gaza Strip, reach an immediate and complete ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and lift all restrictions that impede the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, SPA said.
They expressed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), urging all its supporters to play their role in supporting humanitarian missions for Palestinian refugees.
They also stressed the importance of taking irreversible steps to implement the two-state solution and recognize the state of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
They reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and expressed their categorical rejection for all forced displacement operations.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.