Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Tuesday a telephone call from David Lammy, the United Kingdom's newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role. The ministers discussed strengthening relations and cooperation between their countries, as well as developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of de-escalation in the region.

Separately, Prince Faisal on Tuesday in the 14th Gulf Research Meeting (GRM) in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the existing international order as a bulwark against chaos and conflicts, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.

He stressed the significance of this in light of the current global challenges and reiterated the need to adhere to the principles of international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"The looming conflicts cast a shadow over aspirations for prosperity and progress," the minister said, noting the importance of exercising restraint, wisdom, and foresight in all actions.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting stability and promoting cooperation, and its efforts to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend borders and divisions, aiming to create an environment conducive to innovation and prosperity for all the peoples of the region and the world.

Moreover, Prince Faisal underscored the urgent need for establishing a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, noting that the ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serve as a reminder of the high human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a lasting solution.

Additionally, he reiterated the Kingdom's continuous call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the commitment to dialogue and negotiations based on the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.



Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
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Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)

Oman and Bahrain held expanded talks this week aimed at bolstering their strong bilateral relations and widening their partnership.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq received Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to develop their economic and investment partnership.

They stressed the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to diversify their fields to meet the aspirations of their people and countries. They also welcomed the establishment of the Omani-Bahraini Investment Company.

King Hamad was in Oman at the head of a senior delegation on January 14 and 15.

The leaders praised the growth of the historic relations between their countries.

They hailed the success of the Omani-Bahraini business council and its role in boosting bilateral cooperation and execution of joint projects that meet their countries’ aspirations.

King Hamad and Sultan Haitham discussed the work of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its success in boosting collective work. They hoped to deepen cooperation and integration between its countries.

They reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of resolving crises and disputes through peaceful means and bolstering dialogue and international cooperation.

Oman and Bahrain signed 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding during King Hamad’s visit. They covered double taxation, endowments, zakat, meteorology, the stock market, health, media, scientific and educational cooperation, investment opportunities, food security, agricultural production and development and other issues.