GCC Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Presidential Palace

This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
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GCC Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Presidential Palace

This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)
This aerial photo shows the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus' Mount Qasyoun on May 2, 2025. (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned on Friday the Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus.

He stated that this act by the Israeli occupation forces is a grave violation that undermines security and stability in the region and reflects a pattern of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Albudaiwi underlined the GCC's complete rejection and condemnation of all Israeli violations that threaten the sovereignty, stability, and security of Syria and its people.

He stressed the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, rejecting any external interference in its internal affairs.

The security and stability of Syria are crucial for regional and international peace, he added.



Saudi Interior Minister Meets UK Minister of State for Security, UK Home Secretary in London

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met with UK Minister of State for Security at the Home Office Dan Jarvis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met with UK Minister of State for Security at the Home Office Dan Jarvis. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Minister Meets UK Minister of State for Security, UK Home Secretary in London

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met with UK Minister of State for Security at the Home Office Dan Jarvis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met with UK Minister of State for Security at the Home Office Dan Jarvis. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz held separate meetings in London with UK Minister of State for Security at the Home Office Dan Jarvis, and UK Secretary of State for the Home Department Yvette Cooper, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.

His meeting with Jarvis focused on ways to strengthen ongoing security cooperation and addressed topics of mutual interest, including the exchange of expertise between the two ministries—particularly in the areas of sports event security and the management of large-scale public gatherings.

The discussions followed Prince Abdulaziz’s visit to Wembley Stadium, where he was briefed on the stadium’s security capabilities and arrangements for hosting major events, including surveillance systems, crowd management protocols, and emergency response mechanisms.

Earlier, Prince Abdulaziz visited Wellington Barracks in London, where he was received by Jarvis. During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz attended a field performance by the British Army’s military band.

During his earlier meeting with UK Secretary of State for the Home Department, Prince Abdulaziz discussed several security-related matters between the two countries’ interior ministries.

They held a discussion to explore ways to enhance cooperation between the two ministries.

Prince Abdulaziz affirmed that the meeting aimed to strengthen security cooperation in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the UK in combating all forms of organized crime and to fostering the exchange of expertise between specialists on both sides.

Prince Abdulaziz also highlighted the progress in security cooperation through signed agreements, stressing the importance of continuing to strengthen joint security efforts to meet the aspirations of both governments in the security field.

Following the meeting, the interior minister and the UK home secretary signed agreements pertaining to future security cooperation between their respective ministries.

The meetings were attended by senior officials from the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the UK Home Department.