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Gulf

Committees Set up to Probe Haramain Train Station Fire

Governor of the Makkah region Prince Khalid al-Faisal inspects the Haramain train station after the weekend's fire. (SPA)
Governor of the Makkah region Prince Khalid al-Faisal inspects the Haramain train station after the weekend's fire. (SPA)
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Committees Set up to Probe Haramain Train Station Fire

Governor of the Makkah region Prince Khalid al-Faisal inspects the Haramain train station after the weekend's fire. (SPA)
Governor of the Makkah region Prince Khalid al-Faisal inspects the Haramain train station after the weekend's fire. (SPA)

Adviser of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah region Prince Khalid al-Faisal revealed that several committees will be set up to probe the fire that broke out at the Haramain train station fire over the weekend.

The results of the investigation will be referred to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, he added during an inspection of the station in the Sulaymaniyah district in Jeddah city.

The fire had raged for seven hours before being completely contained by civil defense teams.

Prince Faisal said the second floor of the station and the roof of the building were damaged in the incident. He said it was still early to determine the extent of the damage.

The first and ground floors were unaffected by the blaze.

The probe will reveal how the fire broke out and why, said Prince Faisal, while thanking all parties that took part in dousing the blaze.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Underlines its Firm Stance on Achieving Regional, Int’l Peace

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Underlines its Firm Stance on Achieving Regional, Int’l Peace

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday its firm stance on achieving security and stability in the region and world, reiterating its call on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards stopping Israeli violations against the people of Gaza.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet also renewed the Kingdom’s stance on the right of the Palestinian people to determine their own fate and establish their own independent state according to the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers reviewed the contacts and talks held between the Kingdom and several friendly countries over the past week that focused on bilateral relations, regional affairs and global developments.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the cabinet praised the outcome of the second ministerial meeting of the GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue. It stressed the Kingdom's commitment to fostering stronger communication channels with various nations around the world, and to promoting coordination, including within multilateral frameworks.

The cabinet welcomed the participants in the upcoming special meeting of the World Economic Forum taking place in Riyadh on April 28 and 29, which underscores the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and addressing global challenges.

The cabinet also welcomed the World Bank's decision to designate Saudi Arabia as a knowledge center for disseminating global economic reform practices, a recognition that reflects the Kingdom's significant progress in global competitiveness indicators.

Moreover, the cabinet highlighted the achievement of five Saudi cities that secured high rankings in the 2024 International Institute for Management Development's Smart Cities Index. It said the accomplishment is a testimony to the ongoing development and prosperity the Kingdom is experiencing in various sectors.

Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister Participates in Opening of EU-GCC Regional Security Meeting

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs participated on Monday in the opening of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC in Luxembourg. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs participated on Monday in the opening of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC in Luxembourg. SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Participates in Opening of EU-GCC Regional Security Meeting

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs participated on Monday in the opening of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC in Luxembourg. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs participated on Monday in the opening of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC in Luxembourg. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated on Monday in the opening of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Luxembourg.

The forum discussed security and strategic cooperation between the GCC and EU countries as well as ways to enhance joint diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.

Additionally, participants discussed the situation in Gaza and its surrounding areas, underlining the importance of achieving an immediate ceasefire and providing increased humanitarian and relief assistance to the Palestinian people.

The forum also highlighted the necessity of resuming the peace process to implement the two-state solution and establish stability and security in the region.

Saudi Ambassador to the EU Haifa Al-Jedea and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs advisor Manal Radwan took part in the meeting.

Gulf

Iranian Pilgrims Return to Madinah After 9-Year Hiatus

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati during the reception of the first batch of Iranian pilgrims at Madinah’s airport (Iranian Embassy)
Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati during the reception of the first batch of Iranian pilgrims at Madinah’s airport (Iranian Embassy)
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Iranian Pilgrims Return to Madinah After 9-Year Hiatus

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati during the reception of the first batch of Iranian pilgrims at Madinah’s airport (Iranian Embassy)
Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati during the reception of the first batch of Iranian pilgrims at Madinah’s airport (Iranian Embassy)

The first batch of Iranian pilgrims arrived at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on Monday after a hiatus of 9 years. The Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia hailed this as a positive step in Iranian-Saudi relations.
Alireza Enayati, Iran's Ambassador to Riyadh, affirmed that the restart of Umrah trips for Iranians came after an agreement between both nations following the restoration of relations in March 2023, under China's sponsorship.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Enayati stated that the first batch of Iranian pilgrims arrived in Madinah after a farewell by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Tehran, Abdullah Al-Anazi.
Enayati mentioned that these trips will continue until the Hajj season, thanking Saudi officials for facilitating the entry process for Iranian pilgrims and expressing the intent to sustain this effort beyond Hajj.
The Iranian Ambassador had immediately vowed to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia upon taking office.
Last December, both countries confirmed their commitment to an agreement reached in March 2023, with China’s support.
They’ve since reopened their embassies and agreed to cooperate more, especially in security and economics.
In November, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince met with Iran’s President on the sidelines of a summit in Riyadh. The Iranian president thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit to support the Palestinians amidst current challenges.
Enayati welcomed the Iranian pilgrims’ arrival in Madinah as a positive step for Iranian-Saudi relations. The pilgrims, who hadn't visited in nine years, landed this Monday.
The Iranian diplomat mentioned earlier agreements to ease pilgrimage trips.

Meanwhile, IRNA reported that a group of Iranian pilgrims flew directly from Tehran to Madinah. Farewell ceremonies took place at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, attended by officials including the Saudi Ambassador to Tehran.

Gulf

UAE Rejects Allegations of Destabilizing Sudan

Members of the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. Reuters file photo
Members of the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. Reuters file photo
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UAE Rejects Allegations of Destabilizing Sudan

Members of the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. Reuters file photo
Members of the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. Reuters file photo

In a letter addressed to the Security Council, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has categorical rejected the false allegations made by the Permanent Representative of Sudan, affirming that these claims are baseless.

“The UAE submitted a letter to the UNSC on April 21st, through which the country stressed that the dissemination of disinformation and false narratives after a year of conflict aims to deflect responsibility and undermine international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan,” Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Foreign Minister, said on Monday.

Nusseibeh affirmed the UAE’s categorical rejection of the false allegations made by the Permanent Representative of Sudan, affirming that these claims are baseless, according to the Emirati news agency, WAM.

The Sudan Tribune newspaper had earlier reported that Sudan's Permanent Mission to the UN has called on the Security Council to officially condemn the UAE and force it to immediately cease supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with weapons in their year-long war against the Sudanese army.

On March 29, Sudan filed an official complaint with the Security Council against the UAE, accusing it of planning to ignite the war and supporting the RSF with assistance from Chad.

In its letter to the Council, the UAE said it "remains committed to continuing to engage with all stakeholders to support any process that aims to set Sudan on a political path to reach a lasting settlement and to achieve a national consensus for forming a civilian-led government."

Gulf

Oman’s Sultan in UAE to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
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Oman’s Sultan in UAE to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan discussed on Monday strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation to serve mutual interests and meet the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.
The Sultan of Oman has arrived in the UAE on a state visit. He was received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.
The two leaders then headed to Qasr Al Watan, where they reviewed regional and international issues of common interest.
The two sides tackled relations between the two countries, mainly economic investments and trade areas, which have witnessed significant advancement in recent years.
They also addressed joint Gulf action in light of the challenges the region is witnessing and highlighted its importance in achieving the mutual interests of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their peoples while bolstering regional security and stability.
At the meeting, the two leaders then discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, most notably the developments in the Middle East and the efforts to contain tensions and prevent escalation.
They addressed the need for self-restraint to spare the region from new crises that affect all and hinder cooperation and development for the benefit of its peoples.
“Relations between the UAE and Oman are historical and characterized by a unique social and cultural fabric distinguished by close family ties, good neighborliness, and effective cooperation and integration,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said.
“I ask God Almighty to have mercy on the late Sheikh Zayed and the late Sultan Qaboos, who established an original approach in building strong fraternal relations fortified by goodwill and wisdom,” the Emirati President said.
He underscored his confidence that social cohesion between the UAE and Oman represents a firm foundation upon which the two countries can continue to build exemplary relations.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted that economic relations are an important and supportive path for bilateral cooperation and have witnessed continuous development over the years, culminating in various economic and strategic partnerships in many fields.
“The UAE and Oman maintain ambitions to continue exploring and developing economic opportunities for the benefit of the two countries and peoples,” he added.
The President then stressed that joint Gulf action will remain an impenetrable fortress in the face of regional and global developments and challenges.
He said the UAE believes in the principle of collective action and solidarity in a way that preserves the interests of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, enhances its regional and international role, meets the aspirations of its peoples for continued progress and prosperity, and supports regional and global peace and stability.
For his part, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq expressed his satisfaction with the constructive strategic partnership between Oman and the UAE, which represents a new and promising chapter for strategic investment projects and close cooperation in various fields.
He praised the role of both countries’ officials in achieving a shared vision of cooperation on the ground by beginning to implement joint projects in strategic sectors, especially in the field of renewable energy, and launching a railway project to connect the Sultanate of Oman to the UAE train network, in addition to strengthening electrical interconnectivity, among other initiatives.
During their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding and agreements which span a wide range of sectors, including investment, renewable energy, sustainability, railways, technology, and education.

 

 

Gulf

Saudi, British Defense Ministers Discuss Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi, British Defense Ministers Discuss Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received a telephone call on Monday from British Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps.

The two officials reviewed strategic relations between the two countries and discussed areas of defense cooperation.

They also assessed the developments in military escalation in the region and the danger of its repercussions, and discussed efforts to contain the situation to achieve security and stability in the region and the world.

Gulf

Saudi FM Discusses Gaza with Spanish, Polish Counterparts in Luxembourg

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Discusses Gaza with Spanish, Polish Counterparts in Luxembourg

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Luxembourg on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks in Luxembourg on Monday with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares.

They discussed mutual relations between their countries and regional and international issues of common interest.

They also tackled the developments in the Gaza Strip and the efforts exerted to address the crisis there.

The officials met on the sidelines of the High-Level Forum on Security and Regional Cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU).

Prince Faisal also held talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

They focused on ways to boost ties between their countries across different fields.

They also reviewed latest developments in regional and international arenas, with a particular focus on the crisis in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas.

Gulf

KSrelief Supervisor General Meets with UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
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KSrelief Supervisor General Meets with UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.
Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah meets with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis in Riyadh on Monday.

Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah held talks in Riyadh on Monday with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis.

The officials discussed issues of common interest related to aid and relief affairs and the latest humanitarian development in Yemen.

Harneis praised KSrelief’s efforts in helping the Yemeni people during their humanitarian crisis.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Executes Convict for Joining Terror Group

The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Executes Convict for Joining Terror Group

The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Interior Ministry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Interior Ministry executed on Monday a convict on charges of joining a terrorist organization and taking part in fighting in a foreign country.

In a statement, it said the Saudi national had assuming a leading position in the group and had also financed its operations.

It identified the national as Abdulrahman bin Sayer bin Abdullah al-Shmari. He was charged with treason against his country and adopting a terrorist ideology.

A court convicted him of the charges and sentenced him to death.

He was executed in the Riyadh region.

Gulf

Saudi FM in Luxembourg for GCC-EU Forum on Regional Security, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM in Luxembourg for GCC-EU Forum on Regional Security, Cooperation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Luxembourg on Sunday to participate in a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the EU.
The Minister will discuss with participants at the forum the ways to promote cooperation between the GCC and the European Union in various fields, and the importance of multilateral coordination, the developments on the regional and international levels.
Prince Faisal will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum.
On Sunday, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al Budaiwi said that the forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue, and to strengthen coordination on issues related to regional and global stability, and security.
Al Budaiwi stressed that by working to strengthen bilateral relations and develop new cooperation mechanisms, the two parties will reach common viewpoints on many issues.
The forum will be chaired by Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell.
Senior officials and the foreign ministers of the GCC and EU states will attend.
Last month, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Brussels with Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region. They discussed the preparations for the forum and the topics that need to be highlighted, mainly the situation in Gaza and the bilateral relations between the gulf countries and the European Union.
The forum will be held amid rising tension in the Middle East, mainly the Israeli war in Gaza.

On October 10, 2023, a joint meeting was held between GCC foreign ministers and the EU in Muscat. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell had met with senior GCC officials including three meetings with the Saudi foreign minister.

On Wednesday, Borrel held a telephone call with his Saudi counterpart. They discussed the deepening instability in the Middle East stressing the need to coordinate efforts for de-escalation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.