Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen Completes 91 Km of Al Abr Road Expansion

Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen Completes 91 Km of Al Abr Road Expansion

Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) has completed the second phase of Al Abr Road expansion and rehabilitation project, extending 40 kilometers from Al-Duwaibi to Ghuwariban, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The first phase, covering 50 kilometers from Al-Duwaibi to Al Abr in Hadhramaut, was completed in May 2024, bringing the total completed length to 91 kilometers.

Al Abr Road is a vital part of Yemen's transportation network. It is an important route connecting three major governorates - Marib, Hadhramaut, and Shabwa - and serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The expansion and rehabilitation project is a significant contributor to bolstering economic and social development in Yemen, improving access to regional and international markets, and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the Kingdom and Yemen.

In a step reflecting the integration of development projects and initiatives offered through SDRPY to support the transportation sector, the program is also working on the rehabilitation of Al-Wadiah Border Crossing, one of the most important land crossings.

These two projects contribute to stimulating commercial and investment activity both through the crossing and in the surrounding areas along Al Abr Road. This underscores the program's vital role in supporting infrastructure, boosting economic activity, creating job opportunities, boosting trade between the two countries, and contributing to sustainable development in Yemen.

The Al-Wadiah Border Crossing rehabilitation project includes the construction of new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing ones, as well as infrastructure improvements such as roads, open spaces, site enhancements, surveillance systems, and strengthened water and power sources at the crossing.

The improvements aim to boost services for travelers and strengthen economic and trade relations between the two peoples.

SDRPY provides support to the transportation sector in Yemen through 31 comprehensive development projects and initiatives. These include the rehabilitation of airports, increasing the capacity of ports, and improving the efficiency of border crossings.

The program also includes the rehabilitation of approximately 150 kilometers of vital roads across various Yemeni governorates, which represent a significant contribution to the country's economy.



Saudi Foreign Minister Travels to France for G7 Meeting

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 Foreign Minister Travels to France for G7 Meeting

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 traveled to France on Wednesday to attend the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting, taking place at the Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey in the countryside outside Paris.

The meeting will address international issues and topics, including global governance reform, reconstruction challenges, maritime security, supply chains, and threats to peace and stability around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.


Six Arab Nations Issue Statement Condemning Attacks by Iran-aligned Iraqi Factions

Smoke rises from the area of Kuwait International Airport after a drone strike targeted a fuel depot (AP)
Smoke rises from the area of Kuwait International Airport after a drone strike targeted a fuel depot (AP)
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Six Arab Nations Issue Statement Condemning Attacks by Iran-aligned Iraqi Factions

Smoke rises from the area of Kuwait International Airport after a drone strike targeted a fuel depot (AP)
Smoke rises from the area of Kuwait International Airport after a drone strike targeted a fuel depot (AP)

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning the attacks carried out by Iran-affiliated armed groups in Iraq against countries in the region and their facilities and infrastructure.

They said these assaults constitute a violation of international laws and conventions, and a flagrant breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which clearly demands that Iran immediately and unconditionally cease any attacks or threats against neighboring states, including those carried out through proxy groups.

In the statement, the six countries strongly condemned what they dubbed Iranian aggression, whether carried out directly or through proxy armed groups, saying it violates their sovereignty and breaches international law, international humanitarian law, and the Charter of the United Nations.

They urged Iraq to immediately stop attacks from armed groups within its territory to maintain relations and prevent escalation.

The statement affirmed the six countries’ inherent right to self-defense and to take necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and security under the UN Charter.

The statement also condemned the destabilizing activities carried out by Iran-aligned sleeper cells and terrorist groups linked to Hezbollah. It praised the armed forces and security agencies for confronting these threats, protecting national security, and successfully uncovering and dismantling hostile networks.


Saudi Crown Prince, Pakistani PM Discuss Implications of Regional Escalation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh last year. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh last year. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Pakistani PM Discuss Implications of Regional Escalation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh last year. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meet in Riyadh last year. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone talks on Wednesday on regional developments and the implications of the ongoing military escalation on regional and global security and stability.

Shehbaz Sharif stresses his country’s full support to Saudi Arabia, saying it will always firmly stand by its side amid the Iranian attacks against its security and sovereignty.

In a post on X, he said Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with the Kingdom, saying it enjoys its absolute support.

He underscored his country’s firm commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty, especially amid the current regional escalation.

He also condemned any attacks that target the Kingdom, hailing its restraint and urging de-escalation and an end to the hostilities.

He said he agreed with Crown Prince Mohammed to continue close coordination.