GCC Secretary General Denounces Qatari Media Attack

Gulf Cooperation Council Chief Abdu Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani,SPA
Gulf Cooperation Council Chief Abdu Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani,SPA
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GCC Secretary General Denounces Qatari Media Attack

Gulf Cooperation Council Chief Abdu Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani,SPA
Gulf Cooperation Council Chief Abdu Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani,SPA

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States, expressed his condemnation of what he called the "irresponsible media attacks carried out by some Qatari news outlets toward the GCC and the Secretary General, describing it as an unjust campaign that exceeded all customs, values and media professionalism".

In a press statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Zayani expressed his deep surprise at the attempt by some Qatari media to hold his position as GCC Secretary General as responsible for resolving the GCC crisis.

“Although officials in the Qatari government and the Qatari media are fully aware that the solution of the crisis and the end of its repercussions are in the hands of the GCC leaders, who are the members of the supreme council, and no one else, which is not the responsibility and duties of the Secretary General, who receives and executes the decisions, directives and orders of the Supreme Council and the Ministerial Council only, committed to the provisions of the Statute of the Cooperation Council,” Al-Zayani said.

Al-Zayani expressed his disapproval of what some journalists in Qatar are attempting as they try to link the crisis with his Bahraini nationality and his well-known position in the Gulf kingdom, affirming his full commitment to discharge his responsibilities, tasks and duties assigned by the Supreme Council to preserve the cohesion of the GCC system and its achievements and its regional and international standing.

“But at the same time, he remains a noble son of the Kingdom of Bahrain, faithful to its distinguished leaders, who maintain its patriotism,” the statement added.

Al-Zayani called upon the Qatari media to stop using its current approach that harms, proves unbeneficial, separates and blocks the paths to repairing the inter-brotherly relations. It hinders the good mediation efforts undertaken by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of the State of Kuwait known for his wisdom, loyalty and love toward the GCC countries and peoples.



Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
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Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, described Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Riyadh as a clear sign on Tehran’s willingness to deepen economic and cultural relations with the kingdom.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Enayati said Tuesday’s visit focused on reviewing bilateral ties and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He emphasized Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Riyadh and neighboring countries based on good neighborliness and shared interests.

During the visit, Araghchi held a series of high-level meetings with key Saudi officials, including Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Enayati said Iran is ready to broaden cooperation with Saudi Arabia across economic, trade, and cultural sectors. He highlighted that the Crown Prince expressed satisfaction with the growing understanding and collaboration between the two leading Muslim nations.

The ambassador, who attended the meetings, added that the Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to continue advancing this path and develop relations in all fields.

Enayati also recalled Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of military aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said the Crown Prince stressed that regional security and stability depend on cooperation and understanding among countries in the region. This includes leveraging all capabilities to prevent escalation and insecurity and prioritizing diplomatic tools to resolve disputes, according to Iran’s envoy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed hope that the recently agreed ceasefire will help foster security and stability across the region, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

During a reception for Araghchi in Jeddah, the Crown Prince reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue, describing it as the best path to lasting peace.

Araghchi thanked Saudi Arabia for its condemnation of Israeli aggression and praised the Crown Prince’s efforts to bolster regional security and stability.

Enayati conveyed Araghchi’s praise for “fruitful” security and defense consultations between the two countries.

Enayati described a recent visit to Tehran by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman as “highly significant and effective in advancing cooperation to strengthen regional security and stability.”

He added that Prince Khalid firmly condemned Israeli military aggression against Iran and extended condolences for the deaths of Iranian military and civilian figures in the attacks, according to the Iranian ambassador.

Prince Khalid took to X to outline the scope of his recent talks with Araghchi, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional security.

On his part, Enayati told Asharq Al-Awsat that Araghchi expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for its “valuable assistance” in facilitating the return of Iranian pilgrims amid disruptions caused by Israeli military aggression against Iran.

Enayati also relayed comments from Araghchi attributing recent Israeli attacks to what he described as the “impunity” enjoyed by the Israeli regime for its crimes against the Palestinian people and ongoing aggression toward other regional states.

The Iranian foreign minister strongly condemned the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians and the ongoing occupation.

He further denounced Israel’s repeated strikes against Lebanon and Syria, condemning the United Nations Security Council’s “silence and inaction,” which he described as a key factor in regional insecurity.