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GCC Secretary-General, European Parliament President Hold Talks in Brussels

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General, European Parliament President Hold Talks in Brussels

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met on Thursday with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Brussels.

Albudaiwi expressed appreciation to the European Parliament for its supportive stance towards the GCC countries, reflecting its firm commitment to the principles of international law.

The meeting addressed regional and international developments, the repercussions of Iranian attacks on Gulf states, and the direct threat these attacks pose to the security and stability of the region, the safety of international maritime navigation, and global energy supplies.

Metsola reiterated the European Parliament's support for the GCC countries against the attacks.

The two sides reviewed the GCC’s proposal for a parliamentary cooperation mechanism involving GCC legislative councils and the European Parliament, aimed at enhancing consultation, coordination, legislative cooperation, and institutional capacity to strengthen relations.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, met on Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Jeddah to review bilateral relations between the two countries. The discussions focused on existing areas of cooperation and opportunities to further strengthen and expand collaboration across various sectors.

The Crown Prince commended the PM's efforts in supporting Pakistan’s development and advancing the Saudi–Pakistani strategic partnership.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments, specifically focusing on the talks between the United States and Iran hosted by Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war that has swept the Middle East leading to a fragile temporary ceasefire and an initial round of talks in Islamabad.

The Crown Prince praised the diplomatic efforts of both Sharif and Chief of the Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah; and Minister of State and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar was in attendance.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share strong ties, reinforced by a strategic agreement that treats an external attack on one as an attack on both.

Last month, Sharif praised Saudi Arabia for its “notable restraint” amid the ongoing hostilities and stressed the urgent need for de-escalation.

On March 9, the Saudi Crown Prince and Pakistan’s PM held a closed-door meeting during which Sharif expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and both sides agreed to promote regional peace and stability.

 

Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Affirms Gulf Stability as a Cornerstone of Global Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Affirms Gulf Stability as a Cornerstone of Global Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed during a working session before the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) that Gulf–European relations are more important than ever amid current regional and international challenges, and called for elevating them from consultation to a more practical partnership, SPA reported.

Albudaiwi, who is holding a series of meetings with senior officials in Brussels, explained that recent security developments in the region, along with threats to maritime routes, supply chains, and energy and food security, confirm that Gulf stability is not merely a regional matter, but a fundamental element of global stability.

He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and secure under international law, particularly UNCLOS (1982).

He also praised the EU’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and its efforts to contain escalation through urgent diplomatic engagement.

Gulf

Makkah Police Arrest Resident over Fraudulent Hajj Ads

A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Makkah Police Arrest Resident over Fraudulent Hajj Ads

A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

Makkah Region police arrested an Egyptian resident for fraud after posting advertisements on social media offering fake permits to enter the holy sites and fraudulent Hajj services, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

Legal action was taken against him and he was referred to the Public Prosecution.

The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report violators.

On Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the penalties that will be imposed on violators of the regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj.

A fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on any individual found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

A fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on any person who applies for the issuance of a visit visa of any type for an individual who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit.

Infiltrators, including residents and those who overstay their visas, will be deported back to their countries and banned them from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.