Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Qatar expressed “cautious optimism” on Tuesday that the agreement between the United States and Iran would bolster security in the Middle East.

It called for “regional dialogue” aimed at building trust with Iran after the signing of the deal.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a weekly press briefing: “We are cautiously optimistic that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will lead to the next phase of regional security through talks over the nuclear file and other issues.”

Qatar played a key meditating role in the negotiations that led to the agreement that ended the war between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran announced that they have reached a MoU to end the conflict. They are set to sign it in Switzerland on Friday.

Al-Ansari said Qatar will be represented at the Switzerland meeting, stressing that it helped bridge divides between the two sides to reach the settlement.

“We hope that the signing of the MoU will restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

He said the MoU was the first step towards a broader agreement that would ensure stability in the region.

The spokesman said that communication was ongoing to prevent an escalation and to achieve stability in the region. Qatar is in contact with all parties within Pakistan’s mediation.

“We want to restore peace and security in the region to the way they were before the war and we are working towards that,” he stressed.

Moreover, al-Ansari said that Qatar has not paid any funds. “Global coordination is underway to handle the economic fallout of the crisis,” he went on to say.

Meetings are being held through the Pakistani mediation; none are being held in Doha with Washington and Tehran, he clarified.



Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The discussions focused on the latest regional developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation to promote security and stability in the region.


Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Water and Sanitation Goal at UN Forum

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Water and Sanitation Goal at UN Forum

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6) through implementing an integrated water resources management approach, improving service efficiency, strengthening water security, and leveraging modern technologies and innovation in water resources management, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The statement came during Saudi Arabia's participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The forum brought together member states, international organizations, and development institutions to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate global efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.

During the session dedicated to reviewing progress on SDG 6, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to develop and enhance the sustainability of the water sector. He noted that Saudi Arabia has made tangible progress in water sector management, expanding water and sanitation services, and strengthening institutional governance, contributing to greater efficiency across the entire water supply chain and supporting the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Al-Shaibani also highlighted the Kingdom's international initiatives to strengthen global cooperation in the water sector, foremost among them the Global Water Organization, which aims to promote cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and accelerate sustainable solutions to global water challenges. He also noted the establishment of the International Water Research Center, which will support scientific research, innovation, and capacity building.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027 represents an important opportunity to advance international dialogue and translate global commitments into practical solutions that enhance water security and sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the forum, several bilateral meetings were held with UN officials, representatives of international organizations, financial and development institutions, and private-sector partners. The meetings explored ways to bolster international cooperation in the water sector, exchange expertise, support joint efforts to achieve the SDGs, and discuss preparations for the 11th World Water Forum.

The High-Level Political Forum serves as the United Nations' principal platform for reviewing progress on the implementation of the SDGs. This year's forum focused on several priority goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, while also emphasizing international partnerships and the exchange of expertise and best practices to support sustainable development.


Saudi Crown Prince, US President Discuss Cooperation and Regional Developments

 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Crown Prince, US President Discuss Cooperation and Regional Developments

 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received a phone call from US President Donald J. Trump, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors. They also exchanged views on several regional and international developments, according to the agency.

The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the region, including the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran. They stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security, ensuring the freedom of navigation, protecting vital sea lanes, and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.