Saudi Arabia, Spain Stress Need to End War on Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Spain Stress Need to End War on Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed on Tuesday the importance of the international community assuming its role in pressuring Israel to end the war on Gaza, respect international laws and allow the entry of humanitarian aid without delay.

The leaders met in Jeddah for talks on bilateral relations between their countries and means to bolster cooperation in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments of interest.

On Gaza, they tackled international efforts to stop the Israeli military operations. They covered the security and humanitarian repercussions of the unrest and efforts to push forward the peace process according to United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab peace initiative with the aim of establishing an independent Palestinian state according to the 1967 border and East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and several other senior officials and the Spanish Prime Minister's accompanying delegation.



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.