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IMCTC Concludes National Security Program with Trainees from 10 Member Countries

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
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IMCTC Concludes National Security Program with Trainees from 10 Member Countries

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA
The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states - SPA

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), at its headquarters in Riyadh, concluded the specialized training program titled “National Security,” which the coalition implemented over five days with the participation of 21 trainees from 10 member countries.

The program falls under the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capacity-building initiatives for candidates from the coalition’s member states across various areas of counterterrorism, including ideology, communications, countering terrorism financing, and the military domain, according to SPA.

The closing ceremony highlighted the program’s key themes and outcomes, which focused on developing knowledge and applied skills related to the concept of national security, its characteristics, and the means of achieving it, as well as its positive impact on stability and development. The program also addressed the challenges facing national security and its connection to modern concepts such as cybersecurity and ideological security.

Adviser to IMCTC Maj. Gen. Majed bin Taleb presented certificates to the trainees, expressing his appreciation for the high level of performance they demonstrated and for their engagement throughout the program. He wished them success in applying the knowledge and skills they gained in the service of their countries and in boosting national security across the coalition’s member states.

The national security program is one of 46 training programs offered by the Kingdom in support of the coalition’s initiatives.

It aims to develop, qualify, and empower national talents and competencies in member countries, contributing to the achievement of shared goals and to the enhancement of regional and international security and stability.

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Gulf

Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
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Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar said on Friday they were deeply concerned over Israeli statements about opening the Rafah crossing in one direction to push Gaza residents into Egypt.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries underlined their total rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

They said full adherence was needed to US President Donald Trump’s plan, which called for opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, safeguarding freedom of movement and preventing any resident of the enclave from being forced to leave.

The ministers said conditions must be created for Palestinians to remain on their land and to take part in rebuilding their homeland within an integrated vision to restore stability and improve humanitarian conditions.

The ministers reiterated their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to establishing peace in the region, saying it was important to move forward with the plan and carry out all its requirements without delay or obstruction in order to achieve security and peace and to strengthen the foundations of regional stability.

They called for a full and lasting ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering, and unrestricted humanitarian access into Gaza. They also urged the start of early recovery and reconstruction efforts and the creation of conditions that would allow the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the territory, paving the way for a new phase of security and stability in the region.

The ministers affirmed their countries’ readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all relevant regional and international parties to ensure full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and all related resolutions.

They said the objective was to provide an environment conducive to achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with international legitimacy and the two state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, including the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
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Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Riyadh.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations, aspects of cooperation, and ways to develop them in a manner that meets the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of the two countries.

Following the meeting, Prince Faisal and Sheikh Mohammed co-chaired the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

They reviewed the strong fraternal relations and ways to enhance them at bilateral and multilateral levels. They also discussed strengthening cooperation through several initiatives that would elevate relations to broader prospects.

Both sides praised the cooperation and coordination among the committees and working groups formed under the coordination council, stressing the importance of maintaining this level of progress to serve the mutual interests of both nations and their peoples.

The Executive Committee Secretariat presented an overview of the council’s activities and its committees over the past period, along with the latest updates and preparatory work for the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

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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Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

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

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the strategic geographical location, political stability, and strong economic foundations of the Gulf states, coupled with the acceleration of Gulf integration projects, make the GCC a global destination attractive for investment and a key platform for international partnerships.

These factors, he added, enhance the status of the council states as a major player in shaping the future of the global economy, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The secretary-general's remarks were made during his participation in the opening session of the seventh Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Reviewing global economic transformations, Albudaiwi emphasized that the Gulf economy is undergoing a strong and sustainable phase, reflecting the success of economic reforms and strategic investments in future sectors.

He said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the GCC states reached approximately $2.3 trillion in 2024, positioning the council states in ninth place globally and accounting for 63% of the total Arab economy. He added that the contribution of non-oil sectors exceeded 76% of the GDP, an indicator reflecting the success of economic diversification policies.

Albudaiwi also pointed to the strength and stability of the GCC financial sector, which boasts a market value exceeding $4.2 trillion, banking assets amounting to $3.5 trillion, and reserves approaching $800 billion. This is in addition to sovereign wealth funds exceeding $4.8 trillion, a fact that solidifies the council states' position as a key player in enhancing global economic stability, he stressed.

The secretary-general revealed that the GCC states are negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous international partners, including the United Kingdom, China, Türkiye, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Korea. These negotiations aim to enhance trade and investment flows, diversify income sources, and open new markets for Gulf products, thereby elevating competitiveness and reducing consumer prices within the GCC states.

Regarding artificial intelligence, he confirmed that the GCC states treat AI as a fundamental pillar for economic and social transformation.

The General Secretariat has adopted several regulatory frameworks and guiding principles, including the Guiding Framework for AI Ethics (2024), the General Framework for AI Applications in Public Services (October 2025), and the General Framework for Climate Forecasting and Disaster Management using AI (October 2025). Furthermore, the comprehensive Gulf Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is set to be adopted in December 2025.