Saudi Cabinet Welcomes Launch of Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud  - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
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Saudi Cabinet Welcomes Launch of Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud  - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session on Tuesday, which reviewed Saudi Arabia’s recent discussions and consultations with brotherly and friendly nations to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation across various fields, achieve mutual interests, and support regional and international security and stability.

The Cabinet welcomed the institutional and operational activation of the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance following the completion of its organizational and planning frameworks. This marks a new phase of joint action to achieve full operational readiness and fulfill its mission to enhance collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation across maritime straits and waterways, and support the continuity of international trade and global supply chains.

The Cabinet reiterated its categorical rejection of repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and tankers, viewing them as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the safety and security of maritime navigation.

It also affirmed that these attacks constitute a grave violation of international laws and norms and a blatant defiance of the Security Council resolution obligating respect for commercial vessels' freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and condemning any threats or actions obstructing it.

On bilateral relations, the Cabinet deemed establishing the Saudi-Sudanese Coordination Council an extension of both nations' commitment to institutionalized joint coordination, advancing cooperation and integration through tangible outputs, initiatives, projects, and objectives to achieve desired aspirations.

The Cabinet commended the Kingdom's successful presidency of the 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16), which launched international partnerships and initiatives to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, enhance water and food security, support climate adaptation, and advance innovative solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development.

On World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, the Cabinet expressed pride in Saudi Arabia's pioneering humanitarian role and its prominent standing among the world's leading donor nations. This reflects the Kingdom's long history of generosity, proactive initiative, and providing aid, assistance, and disaster relief to countries and communities in need globally.

Domestically, as the new academic year approaches, the Cabinet reviewed the education sector's achievements, notably in improving organizational and operational efficiency, advancing educational institutions, expanding students' scientific expertise, upgrading teachers' capabilities, and providing exemplary learning environments with leading curricula and specialized programs that foster innovation and creativity—all contributing to human capital development and Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The Cabinet also commended the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) financial performance and continued progress toward its targets, evidenced by revenue and net profit growth in 2025. This reflects PIF's ongoing drive to spur economic diversification in the Kingdom, expand domestic and international investments, and bolster key strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, technology, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

The Cabinet praised government agencies' tangible progress in the 2026 Digital Experience Maturity Index, reflecting ongoing commitment to developing operations, innovating flexible and effective technological solutions, and delivering top-tier procedures and services to citizens, residents, and visitors, in line with the Kingdom's leadership and competitiveness in international rankings and indicators.



Saudi, Romanian Defense Ministers Discuss Regional and International Developments

 Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, Romanian Defense Ministers Discuss Regional and International Developments

 Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held on Tuesday a phone call with his Romanian counterpart Stefan Radu Oprea.

At the outset of the call, Prince Khalid congratulated the Romanian minister on his appointment as the minister of national defense.

The ministers reviewed the existing military and defense cooperation between their countries and ways to strengthen and further develop it. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments.


Saudi Arabia Reiterates its Commitment to Defending its Sovereignty Against Any Threat

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates its Commitment to Defending its Sovereignty Against Any Threat

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and responding firmly to any threat or aggression targeting its security or the safety of its citizens and residents.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the two messages addressed to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince from King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, as well as the message the Crown Prince sent to China’s President Xi Jinping.

He also briefed the Cabinet on his phone calls with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Romanian President Nicușor Dan, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the outcomes of his reception of Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.

The Cabinet reviewed international developments and Saudi Arabia's ongoing diplomatic efforts, in coordination with brotherly and friendly nations, to consolidate the region's security, safeguard stability, and sustain development and prosperity for its peoples.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Kingdom's participation in meetings held under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the G20, as part of its efforts to support multilateral action aimed at strengthening mechanisms for joint cooperation across various fields, serving mutual interests and benefits, and contributing to effective and sustainable solutions to current global challenges, particularly those related to maritime navigation security, energy, food security, global trade, and supply chains.

The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's rejection of all violations that threaten the security and safety of maritime navigation and global energy supplies, stressing the importance of urgent action by the international community to ensure maritime security, safeguard the flow of international trade, and enforce international law in this regard.

The Cabinet stressed that, despite the region's challenges, the Kingdom has continued to reliably supply energy to global markets, supported by long-term investments in infrastructure, storage facilities, and supply chains, as well as an ecosystem capable of responding to changing circumstances with the highest levels of technical and operational capability. These efforts have contributed to strengthening global energy security and the resilience of supply networks.


Coalition Says Drone Intercepted and Destroyed in Makkah Region

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Coalition Says Drone Intercepted and Destroyed in Makkah Region

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Tuesday that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Makkah Region.

On Monday, the Coalition said two drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh Region.

Al-Malki added that air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the southern region.