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GCC Justice Ministers Discuss Activation of Extradition Pact for Suspects, Convicts

Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC Justice Ministers Discuss Activation of Extradition Pact for Suspects, Convicts

Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf justice ministers met in Doha on Monday to approve an extradition treaty for suspects and convicts held by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and to strengthen judicial cooperation, including enforcement of judgments and judicial requests across the states.

The 34th session of GCC justice ministers reviewed several agreements, including the extradition treaty, which is intended to strengthen the legal and judicial cooperation framework among Gulf states, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi.

Al-Budaiwi said the 34th meeting of GCC justice ministers would also focus on civil and criminal cooperation agreements, advancing the enforcement of judicial rulings, and setting standards for juvenile trials under the “Doha Document for Juvenile Rules.”

These agreements are part of a broader effort to enhance legal collaboration among Gulf states.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted the meeting’s role in harmonizing laws across the GCC, including adopting the Judicial Enforcement Treaty and over 21 advisory regulations.

Qatar’s Justice Minister Ibrahim Al-Mohannadi, who chaired the meeting, praised Gulf countries’ progress in updating legal systems, especially in digital justice, and called for stronger coordination to address global security challenges.

He proposed a Gulf-wide strategy to support joint legal efforts and a specialized program to build capacity in human rights protection and law enforcement.

Al-Mohannadi noted that “serious security threats facing the world today call for deeper legal coordination and judicial cooperation among Gulf countries, with unified legislation necessary to create an integrated Gulf legal system that can address these challenges.”

He emphasized the need for a strategic Gulf approach to boost shared legal efforts.

Al-Mohannadi also urged the adoption of a specialized Gulf program to develop human and technical capacities within agencies focused on human rights protection, anti-terrorism, and organized crime.

Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid Al-Samaani also attended, with discussions covering legal agreements on civil, commercial, personal status, and criminal issues.

The ministers reviewed plans for unified rules against discrimination and hate speech and a proposal to align legislative principles across the GCC.

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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.