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Gulf

Bahrain and China Elevate Ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’

President Xi Jinping of China receives the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Beijing. (BNA)
President Xi Jinping of China receives the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Beijing. (BNA)
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Bahrain and China Elevate Ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’

President Xi Jinping of China receives the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Beijing. (BNA)
President Xi Jinping of China receives the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Beijing. (BNA)

China and Bahrain agreed on Friday to elevate their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership marking a new phase of cooperation.
The agreement came during an official meeting between Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two sides reviewed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in various vital areas, particularly economy, trade, investment, and scientific sectors. They also discussed regional and international issues and developments, according to the Bahrain News Agency.
On Friday, a joint statement was issued in which the two sides expressed their satisfaction with the significant progress achieved in their bilateral relations.
They agreed to establish comprehensive strategic partnership relations and promote friendly cooperation in a manner that better serves the two peoples.
The Chinese side affirmed firm support for Manama's efforts to maintain the country's sovereignty, security, and stability, and categorically rejected any external forces interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.
The Bahraini side emphasized its unwavering commitment to the One-China principle and its support for Beijing's efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bahrain praised President Xi Jinping's initiatives on "Global Development," "Global Security," and "Global Civilization."
The Chinese and Bahraini sides emphasized the importance of maintaining the international system with the United Nations at its core, and upholding the international order based on international law and the fundamental principles of international relations founded on the principles of the UN Charter.
The two sides agreed to expand interactions between their governmental and parliamentary bodies, exchange experiences in administration and governance, strengthen policy coordination, and continue to solidify mutual political trust.
The two countries consider that continuing Sino-Bahraini cooperation within the framework of the "Belt and Road Initiative" aims to enhance development and prosperity between the two nations.
Both sides affirmed that maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the peoples in the region.
Bilateral Talks
The King of Bahrain affirmed during a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, his country's commitment to the path of peace to support stability in the region.
"As advocates of peace, tolerance, and human coexistence, we believe in the necessity of adopting a peaceful dialogue and diplomacy approach based on good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs”, said the King.
"We seek the return of diplomatic ties with Iran as a neighboring country, and we welcome your support for this endeavor to establish peace and restore stability in the region,” he added, stressing the need for joint efforts to swiftly address the repercussions of the Palestinian crisis.
The Bahraini King urged the international community and Security Council to take a “firm stance to stop the war on Gaza, paving the way to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
He commended China's positions in recognizing Palestine as a full member state in the United Nations, and for its clear interest and great support for just Arab causes.

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Gulf

Somali Foreign Minister: Any Unilateral Recognition of Breakaway Regions Is Unviable

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
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Somali Foreign Minister: Any Unilateral Recognition of Breakaway Regions Is Unviable

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali (Somali Foreign Ministry)

At a highly sensitive regional juncture, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali issued a clear warning against any unilateral recognition of breakaway regions, describing such moves as unviable and politically irresponsible, with negative repercussions for bilateral relations and regional stability.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ali stressed the alignment between Mogadishu and Riyadh on the need to shield the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden from militarization, illicit activities and geopolitical rivalries.

He said his second visit to Saudi Arabia within two weeks reflects the depth of coordination with the Kingdom amid rapidly evolving regional developments, particularly those related to maritime security and the Horn of Africa.

Objectives of the Saudi visit

Ali said the primary aim of his visit was close consultation with Saudi Arabia on accelerating regional developments, notably those affecting the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa and maritime navigation security.

He added that discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, security and development fields, while ensuring full coordination on issues touching on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and stability.

He noted that the visit — his second to Riyadh in less than two weeks — underscored the intensity of engagement with the Kingdom at a delicate moment, saying that his previous meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan featured frank and constructive talks aimed at preventing escalation, maintaining regional balance and upholding international law.

Ali also highlighted the convening of an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address what he described as the “illegal violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” calling it further evidence of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting regional stability.

Historic relations

The foreign minister described relations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia as “strong, historic and strategic,” grounded in shared faith, longstanding people-to-people ties and converging regional interests.

He said Somalia views the Kingdom as a key partner in national recovery, security-sector reform, economic stabilization and regional diplomacy, adding that current discussions are focused on translating this partnership into tangible outcomes that benefit both countries and reinforce wider regional stability.

Firm rejection of recognition of “Somaliland”

Ali stressed that the Somali federal government “categorically rejects” any declaration or action aimed at recognizing any part of Somalia as a separate entity. Such steps, he said, lack any legal basis, violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contravene international law, the UN Charter, the OIC charter and African Union principles.

He expressed Somalia’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s principled stance in support of Somali unity, as well as for regional and international partners that have voiced solidarity with Mogadishu.

He warned that unilateral recognition would not merely be a political position but a “destabilizing precedent” threatening the regional order. He added that Somalia is addressing the issue through balanced diplomacy and close coordination with regional and international partners.

A pivotal and constructive Saudi role

Ali said Saudi Arabia plays a “pivotal and constructive” role in promoting stability and security in the Arab world, the Red Sea region and the Horn of Africa, noting that its leadership in diplomacy, de-escalation and maritime security is widely recognized and appreciated.

Potential repercussions

The foreign minister warned that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland would be “legally and practically null and void,” further exacerbating fragility in a region already facing serious security, humanitarian and climate challenges. He said that such moves encourage fragmentation, fuel proxy conflicts and open the door to external interference, undermining the security of the Horn of Africa and international maritime navigation.

Militarization of the Red Sea

Ali said Mogadishu and Riyadh share a vital interest in protecting one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, stressing the need to keep the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden free from militarization and illegal activities.

“We agree on the necessity of keeping the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden away from militarization, illicit activities and geopolitical brinkmanship,” he underlined.

 

 

Gulf

New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
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New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)

A new humanitarian aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) crossed the Rafah border into Gaza on Friday with essential food baskets for Palestinians affected by the ongoing crisis, as part of the Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, has established several new camps in Al-Qarara area of southern Gaza and Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in preparation for winter.

Through these efforts, KSrelief aims to alleviate the severe suffering caused by the dire living conditions in Gaza, ensuring that vital food and shelter reach those in the most vulnerable areas.

Gulf

Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
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Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.