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High-level Session of 2nd Strategic Aid Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Britain Kicks off in Riyadh

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
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High-level Session of 2nd Strategic Aid Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Britain Kicks off in Riyadh

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh.

The session sought to discuss strategic priorities, present progress from the previous dialogue, and launch joint initiatives.

Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, along with Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro-Fiscal Policies and International Relations Abdulmohsen bin Saad Al-Khalaf, and CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad attended the meeting.

Also present was Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and General Supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Fund for Development.

The British delegation was led by Andrew Mitchell, British Minister of State for Development and African Affairs, and included Neil Crompton, British Ambassador to the Kingdom.

Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the significant progress made since the inaugural meeting in March 2023. He highlighted the joint partnership's achievements across three main areas: technical exchange, joint program implementation, and diplomatic initiatives.

He cited successful examples such as the monitoring and evaluation workshop held in Riyadh and the joint project supporting food security in Somalia, which saw a notable increase in funding from $4 million to $22 million.

Furthermore, he underscored the collaborative efforts to address humanitarian challenges beyond financial commitments.

He noted supporting initiatives like the plan to rescue the "Safer" storage tanker off the coast of Yemen and facilitating peace talks in Sudan.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities, particularly in countries like Sudan and Yemen, and with regards to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, where health interventions, education infrastructure development, and livelihood programs hold significant potential.

He also emphasized the partnership's commitment to innovation and leveraging new technologies to boost aid delivery efficiency. He envisioned robust tripartite partnerships where international experiences merge to develop sustainable humanitarian programs.

He reiterated both sides' commitment to the established courses of action, consolidating the Saudi-British partnership as a formidable force for global peace, security, and prosperity.

Officials at the meeting reviewed progress achieved within the Saudi-British partnership on development and humanitarian aid since the previous dialogue in March 2023.

Discussions covered urgent support to affected countries, access to humanitarian and development work, the humanitarian situation in Sudan, support for Ukraine, and efforts to support Yemen's recovery and reconstruction.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.