Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday the temporary truce agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the advent of Eid Al-Fitr.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom appreciates the willingness of both parties to respond to the calls made by the Kingdom, Qatar, and Türkiye to implement this truce.”

“It emphasizes that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the most effective means to resolve ongoing disputes,” it added.

“The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to continuing tireless diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region,” it said.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week.

Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the government agreed to a halt to its operations from Thursday to Monday "in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms".

Taliban government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said defending Afghanistan was "a national and religious obligation" and they would respond to any aggression or threat.

Tarar said: "In case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, (operations) shall immediately resume with renewed intensity."


Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s defenses intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles fired at the capital Riyadh.

Scattered debris fell across various areas of the capital, with initial assessments indicating no casualties or damage.

Earlier, Al-Malki said defenses downed two ballistic missiles launched toward the Eastern Region.


Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
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Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that Friday was the first day of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The Saudi Supreme Court made the decision after observers failed to sight the Shawwal crescent that signifies the end of Ramadan.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also declared Friday the first day of Eid.