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Pakistani President Receives Saudi Foreign Minister, High-Level Delegation in Islamabad

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his accompanying delegation in Islamabad. (SPA)
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his accompanying delegation in Islamabad. (SPA)
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Pakistani President Receives Saudi Foreign Minister, High-Level Delegation in Islamabad

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his accompanying delegation in Islamabad. (SPA)
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari receives Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his accompanying delegation in Islamabad. (SPA)

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari received on Tuesday Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who is on an official visit to the country.

Meeting at the Pakistani Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Prince Faisal conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Pakistani president and their wishes for the Pakistani people further development and prosperity.

The officials reviewed the strong brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and ways to boost them in various fields.

They also discussed means to improve economic and development cooperation and push it towards broader horizons to achieve aspirations of more prosperity and development.

Prince Faisal was accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, Advisor to the Royal Court Mohammad Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, as well as a number of senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and energy, Public Investment Fund, and the Saudi Fund for Development.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif later received Prince Faisal and the accompanying delegation.

They held talks on bilateral relations and joint cooperation and ways to boost them in all fields. They underlined the need to intensify bilateral and multilateral coordination on issues of common concern.

The officials also discussed economic and development cooperation, as well as international developments.

Prince Faisal also met with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Islamabad.

They reviewed the brotherly relations between the two countries and ways to bolster them.  

They discussed the development in the Middle East, especially in the Gaza Strip and its neighboring areas, efforts to reach a ceasefire, and the provision of more urgent humanitarian aid.

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Gulf

Emir of Kuwait Arrives in Egypt on Official Visit

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival in Egypt. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival in Egypt. (KUNA)
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Emir of Kuwait Arrives in Egypt on Official Visit

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival in Egypt. (KUNA)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival in Egypt. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived in Cairo on Tuesday on an official visit.

He was welcomed upon his arrival by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Sheikh Mishal is accompanied by a delegation that includes the ministers of finance, economy, and foreign affairs.

Spokesman for the Egyptian presidency Ahmed Fahmy said the visit is part of the “historic ties” that bind Egypt and Kuwait.

The leaderships of both countries are keen on bolstering bilateral relations between their peoples, he went on to say.

“Egypt is proud of the close eternal ties that bind the two peoples and countries,” he added.

“The visit also reflects Egypt and Kuwait’s keenness on coordinating stances and visions on regional developments and challenges and the importance of intensifying efforts to bolster peace and security at this critical stage,” he stated.

This is Sheikh Mishal’s first visit to Egypt since he ascended the throne in December. He had visited the country twice in 2022 and 2023 when he was crown prince.

Gulf

Saudi Govt Discusses Efforts to Recognize State of Palestine

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Discusses Efforts to Recognize State of Palestine

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reviewed on Tuesday Riyadh’s efforts, in cooperation with its partners, to bolster joint work to end the war on Gaza, protect civilians and ensure the delivery of aid to the coastal enclave.

It also tackled efforts aimed at recognizing an independent Palestinian state.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet session that was held in Riyadh.

The ministers reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the Kingdom’s keenness on establishing international security and peace and supporting efforts to restore calm in the Middle East.

The cabinet was briefed on the recent discussions held between the Kingdom and various countries at bilateral and multilateral levels to expand areas of political and economic cooperation to serve mutual interests and boost coordination on global issues and challenges.

The cabinet praised the outcomes of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Special Meeting hosted by the Kingdom under the theme "Global Cooperation, Growth and Energy for Development."

The event was held as part of the Kingdom's ongoing support for joint efforts and boosting global economic growth rates in light of its historic unprecedented economic transformation that consolidated its position as a global investment destination.

The cabinet praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud's patronage of the celebration of the golden jubilee of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB).

It reiterated the Kingdom's strong commitment to the principles of Islamic solidarity and common development, and its keenness on continuing working with the bank to achieve its objectives in supporting economic cooperation among member states and other countries.

The cabinet reviewed reports on local affairs and hailed the progress achieved in the initiatives and indicators of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

It acknowledged the accomplishments made in the 8th year of the initiative, including improving education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure, creating various job opportunities, accelerating the diversification of the national economy, supporting promising sectors, empowering women and youth, and improving the quality of life for all.

The cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum held in Madinah. The forum included new initiatives and development projects that will improve services and facilities provided to pilgrims, ensuring they perform their religious rituals with ease.

Gulf

Saudi-US Confirmation: Security Agreement Imminent

Saudi-US Confirmation: Security Agreement Imminent
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Saudi-US Confirmation: Security Agreement Imminent

Saudi-US Confirmation: Security Agreement Imminent

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared news of progress towards a security deal between their countries at a World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Riyadh on Monday.

Prince Faisal emphasized Saudi Arabia’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and urged for a comprehensive solution to create a Palestinian state.

On his part, Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly consider an “extraordinarily generous” offer from Israel, highlighting the need to end the Gaza crisis.

According to Blinken, in order to proceed with normalization of ties between Israel and regional states, the crisis in Gaza must end and a path should be charted for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the WEF’s special meeting in Riyadh, Prince Faisal emphasized the international community’s need to establish a “credible and irreversible” path towards the creation of a Palestinian state.

He noted that the United Nations estimates Gaza’s reconstruction will take 30 years, and underscored that the Palestinians’ plight in the West Bank cannot be ignored.

Prince Faisal revealed that Saudi Arabia and the US are close to finalizing bilateral agreements, expecting them to be sealed in “the near future.”

“Most of the work has already been completed. We have outlined what we believe needs to happen on the Palestinian front,” he said.

On Iran’s regional role, Prince Faisal emphasized the need to prioritize Palestinian rights and self-determination. He suggested that resolving the conflict could bolster regional independence, presenting an opportunity for Iran to promote peace and cooperation.

Blinken echoed Prince Faisal’s statement on the US being close to finalizing a security deal with Saudi Arabia.

The top US diplomat mentioned that the work Saudi Arabia and the US are doing together on agreements is on track and may be very close to be finished.

Blinken urged Hamas to quickly decide on Israel’s offer, stating it would change the situation. He assured that the US wouldn’t support any significant Israeli military action harming civilians.

Blinken mentioned intense efforts for Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization of ties, aligning with Gaza crisis resolution and Palestinian state creation.

He highlighted geopolitical changes and global challenges, emphasizing the need for collective responses.

Responding to a question about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Blinken defended by saying that the US is doing everything it can to prevent the humanitarian suffering seen every day in Gaza since October.

He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Moreover, Blinken thanked Qatar and Egypt for their role in ceasefire efforts.

Addressing concerns of a potential Israeli military strike on Rafah, the US Secretary of State reiterated the stance that without a solid plan to protect civilians, Washington cannot support a major military operation there.

When asked about broader efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish a Palestinian state, Blinken emphasized the need for both humanitarian assistance in Gaza and a political plan for Palestinians.

He outlined two paths for the region: one focused on integration and cooperation, leading to security and stability.

Regarding talks on a US-Saudi bilateral agreement for normalization with Israel, Blinken indicated progress but stressed the importance of resolving the Gaza crisis and establishing a Palestinian state first.

He believed that forging relations between Israel and all regional countries, alongside creating a Palestinian state, would effectively challenge Iran and Hamas.

Gulf

Arab-Islamic-European Meeting to Support Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
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Arab-Islamic-European Meeting to Support Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (SPA)

An Arab-Islamic-European meeting to support the two-state solution, on Monday, discussed the international recognition of the Palestinian state, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their independent and sovereign state on the borders of June 4, 1967.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who chaired the meeting, affirmed the sincere desire to implement the two-state solution, stressing that the right of the Palestinian people to establish their state is “inalienable, and must be fulfilled.”
The Saudi Foreign Minister said that Israel was the only country that remains outside the international consensus on the need to stop the war in Gaza, relying on European partners to convince it of the peace approach.
He warned that the continuation of the military approach would only serve the extremists, and would inevitably destabilize the security of the region, noting that famine had become a reality for the Palestinians in Gaza.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed that the discovery of mass graves in the Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, where Israel carried out a large-scale military operation, “reflects a disregard for the most basic humanitarian standards.”
He reaffirmed the danger of any potential military operation in the Palestinian Rafah, as it would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe and dire consequences for the region.
For his part, Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, who was present at the meeting, told Asharq Al-Awsat that some European countries were ready to recognize the State of Palestine, while others were working to create the appropriate conditions for this end.
“We asked the United States to put pressure on Israel to prevent the invasion of Rafah, and we also called on the European countries to do the same, and they can as well,” Al-Sheikh said, in comments following the meeting.
Espen Barth Ede, Norwegian Foreign Minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We have worked for the Palestinian state for 31 years, and we certainly want to recognize it.”
He continued: “But we, along with many Europeans, are working to create conditions that will have a truly strong impact on the establishment of the Palestinian state and peace in the region.”
In addition to Saudi Arabia and Norway, the meeting gathered representatives of Palestine, Qatar, the Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Germany, Britain, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Turkiye, France, as well as the League of Arab States and the European Union.

 

Gulf

Kuwaiti Emir Starts State Visit to Egypt on Tuesday

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
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Kuwaiti Emir Starts State Visit to Egypt on Tuesday

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah will start on Tuesday an official visit to Cairo, where he is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.

The upcoming visit will be the Emir’s first since assuming power last December, Kuwait's ambassador to Cairo, Ghanim Al-Ghanim told the Kuwaiti news agency, KUNA.

“This visit was welcomed both officially and by the people in Egypt,” he stressed.

Al-Ghanim said the Kuwaiti-Egyptian relations are characterized by their close and enduring historical bonds, spanning decades and serving as a model for Arab-Arab relations.

“The Emir’s visit would enhance the excellent relations between the two countries, expanding into broader areas,” the ambassador said.

He then noted the alignment of positions between the leaderships of both countries regarding all regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian issue.

The visit also affirms the Kuwaiti leadership’s commitment to enhancing communication and consultation between Cairo and Kuwait regarding regional and international developments, Al-Ghanim said, adding that it also involves discussing mutual interests and developing bilateral relations in various fields, which would benefit both countries.

The Ambassador praised Egypt’s efforts to improve its investment climate and welcome Arab and foreign investments, particularly those from Kuwait. “The Kuwaiti private sector has confidence in Egypt’s investment environment, particularly due to the economic reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government,” Al-Ghanim affirmed.

He told KUNA that his country holds a prominent status among Arab investments in Egyptian markets, reflecting the Kuwaiti investor’s confidence in the Egyptian economy and the available investment prospects.

The Ambassador also spoke about the financing programs offered by the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development (KFAED), which support more than 50 strategic projects, significantly contributing to the Egyptian economy.

Al-Ghanim hoped the Emir’s visit to Cairo and his meeting with the Egyptian President would be successful.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Holds Separate Meetings with Blinken, Cameron, Abbas, Anwar Ibrahim, and Sharif

The Crown Prince held several meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Monday (SPA)
The Crown Prince held several meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Monday (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Holds Separate Meetings with Blinken, Cameron, Abbas, Anwar Ibrahim, and Sharif

The Crown Prince held several meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Monday (SPA)
The Crown Prince held several meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Monday (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, met on Monday with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron, on the sidelines of the special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.
The two officials reviewed relations and ways to develop them, cooperation, as well as regional developments, especially the military escalation in Gaza, and the international efforts exerted in this regard.

The Crown Prince also held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the same occasion.

The two sides discussed relations and cooperation, and regional and international developments, foremost in the Gaza Strip, including efforts exerted to stop military operations in the strip and deal with their security and humanitarian repercussions.

The Crown Prince further discussed Saudi-Malaysian relations with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim.
They also reviewed opportunities to boost cooperation, and went over the regional and international developments and steps taken to tackle them.
Attending the meeting were Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State, Cabinet

Relations were also a matter of discussion between the Crown Prince and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The two officials reviewed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, cooperation, as well as regional and international developments.

Separately, the Crown Prince welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with whom he discussed the military escalation and the worsening conditions in Gaza, which threaten the lives of civilians and the security and stability of the region.
The Crown Prince emphasized the Kingdom's efforts to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation and prevent its spread in the region.
He also stressed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of forced displacement of Palestinians, as well as the Kingdom's constant support for the Palestinians to attain their legitimate right to a dignified life, fulfil their aspirations, and achieve a just and lasting peace.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Calls for Int'l Collaboration to Build Resilient Global Economy

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Calls for Int'l Collaboration to Build Resilient Global Economy

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, led on Sunday a Special Dialogue session at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh to discuss the current geopolitical and economic challenges facing the world, and the Kingdom’s steadfast efforts to expand global collaboration to help build a more resilient and integrated global economy.

Tackling the challenges of today’s geopolitical environment before global leaders from government, business and academia, Crown Prince Mohammed underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to acting as a stabilizing force in the region, noting that cohesion and cooperation with regional and global partners holds the key to achieving security and prosperity.

By building on decades of robust growth fueled by its energy exports, Saudi Arabia has created diverse opportunities for regional and global investors, providing a gateway to the Middle East and a bridge between developing and developed economies, he stressed.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements under Saudi Vision 2030, noting that it continues to create transformative investment opportunities in emerging sectors across its evolving economy.

Moreover, he addressed the comprehensive set of reforms implemented in the Kingdom throughout the past eight years to enable the private sector to become an engine of growth, highlighting the growth of Public Investment Fund and its goal to become a trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund.

Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s rapidly diversifying economy, Crown Prince Mohammed spoke of the Kingdom’s recent milestone: for the first time, Saudi Arabia’s current non-oil GDP represented more than 50% of the country’s total GDP in 2023.

He also emphasized the importance of investing in research and development, noting that such investment has propelled the growth of national companies, including ACWA Power, Ceer and Alat.

This creates a foundation for these companies to embed emerging technologies into their business models and further the growth of the sector in the Kingdom, he explained. It has also led to the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s digital economy at a rate three times faster than the global one.

Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed highlighted how Vision 2030 has touched every facet of life in the Kingdom, creating a flourishing civil society that is improving lives. He noted the vast improvements to quality of life, social mobility and inclusion, with women’s labor force participation having doubled since 2016.

Moving forward, the Kingdom’s global importance as a hub for transit, technology and trade will only increase, facilitated by new economic integration initiatives such as IMEC. Working with global partners, Saudi Arabia is building an economy of the future based on innovation, growth and opportunity, he stressed.

He reflected on Vision 2030 as a journey, not a destination, stating that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides but there is much more to do, creating compelling opportunities for collaboration, growth and development with its international partners.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Stresses Palestinian People’s ‘Inalienable’ Right to Establish Their Own State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Palestinian People’s ‘Inalienable’ Right to Establish Their Own State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah stressed on Monday the Palestinian people’s “inalienable right to the establishment of their own state.”

Such a demand must be met, he urged as he chaired the Arab Islamic-European meeting to support the two-state solution held in Riyadh.

The FM underscored the sincere desire to implement the two-state solution, adding that Israel was “still the only country going against international consensus calling for an end to the war on Gaza.”

He hoped European partners would be able to persuade Israel to turn to peace.

Moreover, Prince Faisal warned that the military approach will only serve extremists and inevitably cause instability in the region, while also warning that famine has become a reality for Palestinians in Gaza.

Furthermore, he condemned “the disregard for the most basic human values” in wake of the discovery of mass graves in the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza where Israeli forces had carried out a large-scale operation.

The FM also warned of the danger of any potential military operation in Rafah, saying it will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe and will have dire repercussions on the region.

Gulf

Six-Party Ministerial Meeting Convenes in Riyadh to Discuss Israeli War in Gaza Strip

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
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Six-Party Ministerial Meeting Convenes in Riyadh to Discuss Israeli War in Gaza Strip

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, chaired the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh on Monday.

The meeting focused on discussing the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the latest developments. The attendees emphasized the urgency of achieving an immediate and complete ceasefire to end the war while ensuring the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

They also deliberated on strategies to eliminate all impediments restricting the entry of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Strip to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the efforts undertaken by the Arab Six-Party countries to support the international recognition of the Palestinian state, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent and sovereign state based on the borders of June 4, 1967. The participants underscored the importance of taking irreversible measures to implement the two-state solution, in alignment with relevant international resolutions.

Among the attendees were Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Advisor to the Ministry Dr. Manal Radwan, and Director of the Arab Levant Department Mohammed Al-Harbi.

Also, other attendees included Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukri, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein Al-Sheikh; and Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken.

Gulf

Faisal Bin Farhan, Blinken Discuss Situation in Gaza

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Monday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Monday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh. SPA
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Faisal Bin Farhan, Blinken Discuss Situation in Gaza

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Monday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh. SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Monday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Monday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of a US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh.

The ministers reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and joint cooperation in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the city of Rafah, and the importance of an immediate ceasefire, as well as the swift delivery of aid.

The United States has seen "measurable progress" in the humanitarian situation in Gaza over the past few weeks, Blinken said, but urged Israel to do more.
Speaking at the opening of the US-GCC meeting, Blinken said the most effective way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was to achieve a ceasefire.

He also said Washington continued efforts to prevent the Gaza war from expanding.