GCC Welcomes Lebanon’s Govt Decision to Restrict Weapons to State

A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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GCC Welcomes Lebanon’s Govt Decision to Restrict Weapons to State

A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A photo released by the Lebanese presidency press office on August 7, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun heading a government meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Friday the Lebanese government’s decision to restrict all weapons possession to the authority of the state throughout Lebanon.

He emphasized that the decision is “an important step toward strengthening the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, consolidating stability and security for the brotherly Lebanese people, and boosting the effectiveness of its institutions.”

“Progress in this direction, together with necessary reforms, will significantly boost the confidence of the international community and multilateral partners, while creating a more attractive environment for investment, including from the private sector,” he added.

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s steadfast stance toward Lebanon, underscoring its continued support for its sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as its commitment to the reform process and the building of the state.



Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with his French, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting held France.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries, along with ways to strengthen and develop them.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts in this regard.

According to SPA, the Saudi minister also met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand.

During their meeting they reviewed cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest developments and issues of common interest.


2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
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2 Dead, 3 Wounded as Missile Intercepted in Abu Dhabi

People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)
People walk along the corniche area in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Lim / AFP)

Two people were killed and three were wounded by falling debris after air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Thursday.

"The incident resulted in the deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a post on X.