Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Presidents of Egypt, Afghanistan on Victims of Terrorism

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (L) speaks with his son Crown Prince Mohammed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. AP
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (L) speaks with his son Crown Prince Mohammed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. AP
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Presidents of Egypt, Afghanistan on Victims of Terrorism

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (L) speaks with his son Crown Prince Mohammed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. AP
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (L) speaks with his son Crown Prince Mohammed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. AP

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of deepest condolences and sympathies to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the victims of the terrorist attack in Helwan and to Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on the terrorist attack on a cultural center in Kabul.

In his cable to Sisi, King Salman said: "We have learned with deep sorrow about the news of the terrorist attack that took place in Helwan, resulting in deaths and injuries, and we express to you our strong condemnation and denunciation of this sinful terrorist act.”

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firmly stands with the Arab Republic of Egypt and its people against whoever dares to harm Egypt's security and stability," the King stressed.

“We have received with great pain the news of the terrorist attack on a cultural center in Kabul, which resulted in deaths and injuries, and we strongly condemn this criminal and sinful act,” King Salman said in his cable to Ghani.

“In my name and on behalf of the people and government of Saudi Arabia, we express to you, the families of the victims and the brotherly people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan our deepest condolences and sincere consolation, asking Allah Almighty the mercy for victims and speedy recovery for injured,” stressing the Kingdom’s stance with Afghanistan against whoever targets its security and stability.

For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, also sent a cable of condolences to the Egyptian President, saying: “I send you, the families of the victims and the people of Arab Republic of Egypt my most sincere condolences, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.”

The Crown Prince sent another cable for the President of Afghanistan, saying: “I have received with great sadness and sorrow the news on the terrorist attack on a cultural center in Kabul, which resulted in deaths and injuries.”

“I condemn this terrorist act that targeted the lives of innocents and extend to your excellency, the people of the brotherly Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the families of the victims my sincere condolences, asking Allah Almighty the mercy for the victims and speedy recovery for the injured,” the Crown Prince added.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.