GCC, OPEC Leaders Discuss Ways to Strengthen Energy Sector

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC, OPEC Leaders Discuss Ways to Strengthen Energy Sector

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Haitham Al Ghais held on Sunday a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the energy sector, particularly energy security.

The discussion was prompted by the rapid regional and international developments affecting global energy markets, aiming to boost the stability of global oil market prices.

The meeting took place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh.

Various issues were discussed, with a particular emphasis on OPEC's role in supporting the global oil market. The officials also explored ways to bolster cooperation to serve their common interests, while reviewing the latest regional and international developments.

Albudaiwi commended OPEC's valuable efforts and its major and vital role in maintaining the stability and balance of oil markets. He also acknowledged OPEC's readiness to face future challenges in coordination with member states.



GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
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GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned on Monday the terrorist Houthi attack with ballistic missiles against the Southern Region in Saudi Arabia.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that the “cowardly attack is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

It reflects the Houthi militia’s “insistence on undermining security and stability and threatening the safety of civilians and installations.”

He called for a “firm and deterrent international stance to put an end to its hostile practices and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

He said that the security of Saudi Arabia “is an integral part of the security of the GCC member states, and that the Council stands as one with the Kingdom in all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory.”


UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
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UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /

The UAE Defense Ministry said early on Tuesday that two UAE-flagged vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.

The ministry added that one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were wounded in the latest escalation in the strategic waterway.

The ministry condemned the attack as a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens regional security and stability. It said the UAE reserved the right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability, and defend its national interests.

The ministry said it remained on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, adding that it was taking all necessary measures to counter any attempts to undermine the country's security and stability. It urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumors or unverified reports.


Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Italian Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Italian Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The call reviewed relations and ways to strengthen them. The two ministers also discussed regional developments, the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, and international efforts to implement the two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting peace.