Saudi Arabia, Russia Sign MoU for Environmental Protection

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, Russia Sign MoU for Environmental Protection

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to cooperate in environmental protection, aiming to strengthen the bilateral partnership and develop collaboration on environmental issues of mutual interest.

Signed by Saudi Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al Mushaiti during his visit to Russia and Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, the memorandum will contribute to strengthening joint efforts to preserve natural resources and achieve environmental sustainability in accordance with the legislation of both nations.

Key areas of cooperation include developing vegetation cover, mitigating land degradation, sustainable forest management, and developing management systems for protected and natural areas.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on enhancing environmental monitoring and waste management, supporting scientific research to protect and rehabilitate rare and endangered species, combating the illegal trade of endangered flora and fauna, and protecting migratory bird routes and stopover areas.

The agreement also targets the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity alongside the exchange of technical expertise and successful environmental initiatives.

This cooperation will be implemented through the exchange of information, expert visits, and the organization of joint conferences, seminars, and training courses, supervised by a newly formed joint working group to follow up on future environmental opportunities.



GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
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GCC Condemns Terrorist Houthi Attack against Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)
GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned on Monday the terrorist Houthi attack with ballistic missiles against the Southern Region in Saudi Arabia.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that the “cowardly attack is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

It reflects the Houthi militia’s “insistence on undermining security and stability and threatening the safety of civilians and installations.”

He called for a “firm and deterrent international stance to put an end to its hostile practices and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

He said that the security of Saudi Arabia “is an integral part of the security of the GCC member states, and that the Council stands as one with the Kingdom in all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory.”


UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
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UAE: Two Iranian Missiles Struck Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /
TOPSHOT - This picture shows ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on July 13, 2026. (Photo by AFP) /

The UAE Defense Ministry said early on Tuesday that two UAE-flagged vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.

The ministry added that one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were wounded in the latest escalation in the strategic waterway.

The ministry condemned the attack as a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens regional security and stability. It said the UAE reserved the right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability, and defend its national interests.

The ministry said it remained on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, adding that it was taking all necessary measures to counter any attempts to undermine the country's security and stability. It urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumors or unverified reports.


Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Italian Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Italian Counterpart

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

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The call reviewed relations and ways to strengthen them. The two ministers also discussed regional developments, the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, and international efforts to implement the two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting peace.