Saudi Arabia Urges Int’l Support for Recognition of State of Palestine, Slams Israeli Violations 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Urges Int’l Support for Recognition of State of Palestine, Slams Israeli Violations 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call on the international community to support a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

It noted that the successive announcements by countries to recognize a Palestinian state are steps towards supporting international legitimacy and reflect a growing momentum to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM.

The cabinet was briefed on the two messages Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince received from Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, as well as on the Crown Prince's meeting with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The cabinet reviewed the positive outcomes of the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

The cabinet renewed the Kingdom's call to all UN member states to support the final document issued by the conference, which represents a comprehensive framework for implementing the two-state solution, achieving international peace and security, and helping build the future of the region and its peoples.

The cabinet followed up on Saudi Arabia's comprehensive support for the State of Palestine and its people, particularly at the humanitarian level, through the continued dispatch of shelter, medical, and food aid to Gaza Strip via the Saudi air and sea bridges.

The cabinet strongly condemned the repeated provocative practices by Israeli government officials against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing the Kingdom's demand that the international community halt these practices, which violate international laws and norms.

On domestic affairs, the cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's most prominent economic indicators, including a 3.9% growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the second quarter of 2025, driven by the positive performance of all economic activities, particularly non-oil sectors.

It welcomed the recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following its 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Kingdom, which underscored the strength of the local economy, its ability to address global economic challenges, the continued expansion of non-oil activities, and the containment of inflation.

The cabinet deemed the launch of new industrial projects in Eastern Region as part of the comprehensive development movement witnessed by the Kingdom, in line with its vision to develop local content, boost the competitiveness of national industry, and provide an attractive and enabling investment environment for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the cabinet praised the achievements of the Healthy Cities Program, including the World Health Organization's recognition of Jeddah and Madinah as the two largest healthy cities in the Middle East. This brings to 16 the number of healthy cities in Saudi Arabia, embodying the ongoing commitment to promoting preventive health, quality of life, and integration among relevant stakeholders.

The cabinet also applauded the contribution of the Quality of Life Program in achieving a number of objectives supporting infrastructure development, enhancing the quality of services, and developing the cultural, entertainment, and sports sectors.

It praised the achievements in environmental protection and sustainability, including the rehabilitation of more than 500,000 hectares of degraded land and the planting of over 151 million trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to develop vegetation cover and combat desertification.



Saudi Support for Inclusive Southern Dialogue Without Monopoly or Exclusion

Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
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Saudi Support for Inclusive Southern Dialogue Without Monopoly or Exclusion

Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).
Caption: Saudi Arabia seeks comprehensive solutions for southern Yemenis through the forthcoming dialogue (Reuters).

Riyadh has hosted the Southern Consultative Meeting as a prelude to a comprehensive Southern Dialogue Conference, signaling the return of southern Yemen as a core issue in the country’s peace process. The meeting brought together a broad range of southern leaders and groups, including advocates of restoring the state that existed in southern and eastern Yemen before the 1990 unification with the north.

The consultative talks were attended by Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Vice President Abdul Rahman Al-Mahrami, who read the final communiqué.

Saudi sponsorship reflects a shift in the Kingdom’s role from primarily military support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government to that of a key political sponsor of a comprehensive settlement.

The communiqué underscored this approach, stressing that Saudi Arabia “does not adopt a hostile position toward any southern option,” provided it is the outcome of an inclusive, non-exclusive intra-dialogue.

Beyond politics, Saudi backing extended to urgent economic measures, including the allocation of SAR 1.9 billion to support the economy and ensure payment of salaries for civil servants and military personnel. Observers say these steps give Saudi mediation tangible credibility and directly link economic stability with the success of the political process.

Criticism of External Interference

The final statement, and reactions surrounding it, carried pointed — if indirect — criticism of the United Arab Emirates.

Analysts accuse Abu Dhabi of deepening southern divisions by backing specific factions, particularly those previously led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, former head of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council, who reportedly moved to Abu Dhabi after refusing to join the Riyadh-sponsored dialogue.

This contrast casts Riyadh as an alternative to what critics describe as “chaotic” Emirati interference, emphasizing inclusive dialogue among southerners and support for state institutions as part of a pathway toward broader Yemeni stability.

Southern visions remain diverse. Some leaders seek secession and restoration of the pre-1990 state, others favor a federal Yemen with self-governing regions, while additional voices propose alternative arrangements they see as fairer and less centralized. These differing perspectives place Saudi Arabia in the role of mediator seeking to unify southerners, while Abu Dhabi is increasingly portrayed by critics as a force fueling fragmentation.

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi has previously called on the UAE to withdraw militarily from Yemen and halt interference in internal affairs, accusing it of backing unilateral moves to impose control by force over Hadramout and Al-Mahra.

Internal Reckoning and a Historic Chance

The consultative meeting also highlighted internal challenges that have weakened the southern cause. Participants rejected any monopoly over representation or attempts to reduce the issue to a single leader or group. The statement distinguished between the legitimacy of the southern cause as a political and rights-based demand and the harmful practices of some leaders accused of exploiting it for regional agendas or corruption.

This self-criticism, particularly from figures once associated with the Transitional Council, suggests a desire to correct course and rebuild credibility with the southern public and the international community. Calls for popular support “with awareness and responsibility” aim to restore grassroots legitimacy and prevent the manipulation of protests for narrow interests.

The communiqué described the upcoming comprehensive Southern Dialogue Conference as a “rare historic opportunity,” enabled by Saudi sponsorship and a growing southern consensus on dialogue as the only safe path forward.

Regionally and internationally, resolving the southern issue is increasingly seen as a key gateway to a comprehensive peace in Yemen. However, success will depend on overcoming deep internal divisions and shielding the process from destabilizing interference.


GCC Chief Welcomes Syrian Government's Agreement with SDF

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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GCC Chief Welcomes Syrian Government's Agreement with SDF

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed the new agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi welcomed the announcement by Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa regarding a new agreement with the SDF and the provisions it includes that contribute to strengthening and maintaining security and stability in Syria.

He emphasized that the final communiqué issued by the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the leaders of the GCC states stresses the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, noting that Syria’s security and stability are a fundamental pillar of regional security and stability.


Saudi FM Holds Phone Calls with US Envoy for Syria, Omani Counterpart, US Secretary of State

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Calls with US Envoy for Syria, Omani Counterpart, US Secretary of State

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call on Monday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, they discussed the latest developments in Syria. 

The Saudi minister also spoke by telephone with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. They exchanged views on the latest regional developments and the efforts being made in this regard. 

Earlier on Monday, the Saudi minister held a phone call with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They discussed the latest regional developments.