Yemeni PM Praises Saudi Projects on al-Abr Highway, Al-Wadeeah Crossing

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak tours the vital projects that are being carried out by the SDRPY. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak tours the vital projects that are being carried out by the SDRPY. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemeni PM Praises Saudi Projects on al-Abr Highway, Al-Wadeeah Crossing

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak tours the vital projects that are being carried out by the SDRPY. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak tours the vital projects that are being carried out by the SDRPY. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak toured on Sunday the project for the expansion of the al-Abr highway and the rehabilitation of the al-Wadeeah crossing that are being carried out by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY).

He was accompanied by head of the SDRPY office in Marib Ali al-Dossary and several officials.

“These projects are only a handful of other major strategic ones and they will be followed more in line with the development partnership with the SDRPY, said bin Mubarak.

“We will be together in the battle of building and development,” he added.

He praised Saudi Arabia’s support for vital strategic projects in Yemen, underscoring the importance of the highway that connects Yemen to the Kingdom.

The first phase of the project saw the expansion and rehabilitation of 50 kms of road, stretching from the al-Duwaibi to al-Abr. The second phase will witness work stretching from the Ghuwariban region to al-Duwaibi.

At the al-Wadeeah crossing, the prime minister inspected progress in the project that calls for constructing new buildings and renovating old ones. Work is also underway on roads, squares and public spaces.

The project aims to address the dangers caused by degradation of roads, improve transportation and trade, and facilitate the movement of people.

Al-Abr is seen as a vital highway that connects various Yemeni provinces.



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.