Saudi Arabia Welcomes Syrian Leadership Deal with SDF to Merge Forces

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Syrian Leadership Deal with SDF to Merge Forces

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed an agreement to integrate all civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria into Syrian state institutions.

The Syrian Democratic Forces signed a deal with the Damascus government on Monday to join Syria's new state institutions, the Syrian presidency said on Monday.
The Kingdom praised the steps taken by the Syrian leadership to maintain civil peace and stability and the efforts exerted to strengthen national unity across Syria.



Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
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Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo

Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ⁠has died ⁠at the ⁠age of 74, the nation's Emiri Diwan said ⁠on ⁠Sunday.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late -- may God have mercy on him -- His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the Emir's Diwan on social media.

Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir, was the architect of Qatar’s ambitions.

“The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner,” Sheikh Hamad said as he announced his abdication and the transition to his son, Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.


Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE Come Under Iranian Attacks

Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
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Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE Come Under Iranian Attacks

Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)
Bahrain's capital, Manama (file photo)

Iran on Sunday responded to US strikes with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States attacked Iran over an Iranian strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that set the container ship ablaze and forced its crew to abandon it.

Later, the United Arab Emirates warned the public Sunday of an incoming missile and drone attack as explosions could be heard in nearby Qatar. A missile alert sounded in Qatar shortly after the blasts. Qatar's military said in a statement it intercepted the incoming Iranian fire.

Meanwhile, missile alerts sounded in Bahrain. Kuwait's military said it was intercepting incoming fire.


Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

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

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Saturday a telephone call from Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar to discuss recent regional developments and escalation.

They stressed the need to support mediation efforts, resume US-Iran talks, and contain tensions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The FMs stressed the importance of exerting the necessary efforts to reach peaceful and comprehensive solutions that consolidate regional and international security and stability.