Saudi Arabia: Nine Decades Peacemaking, Creating Regional Stability

King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the 14th Islamic Summit  in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the 14th Islamic Summit in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia: Nine Decades Peacemaking, Creating Regional Stability

King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the 14th Islamic Summit  in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat
King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the 14th Islamic Summit in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat

For the last nine decades, Saudi Arabia has been mounting herculean diplomatic efforts that are centered around making the world a safer and more tolerant place, despite the Kingdom being located in a region that is infested with conflict and disputes.

Stemming from its pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, Saudi Arabia occupies a prime position that qualifies it to boost peace efforts and to unify discourse on the Arab and Islamic levels.

Apart from helping contain regional conflicts, the Kingdom has played a significant role in bridging the gap between peoples from the Arab and Muslim worlds and the global community.

Saudi Arabia has overseen agreements, summits, conferences and projects through which it sought to bring warring parties together to unite peoples, end wars, and promote the values of tolerance and coexistence at the regional and international levels.

Political Agreements

Lebanon's Taif Agreement in 1989, brokered by Saudi Arabia, restored Lebanese unity and ended a bloody civil war in the Levantine country.

In 2018, the Kingdom also succeeded in ending the longest-spanning conflict on the African continent between Ethiopia and Eritrea and a peace agreement was signed under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi efforts also sponsored the ending of a 10-year conflict between Djibouti and Eritrea in 2018.

By the end of 2019, Yemeni rivals signed the Riyadh Agreement which laid the foundations for peace among Yemeni parties.

In July 2018, Saudi Arabia contributed to bettering the security and stability of Afghanistan by hosting reconciliation sessions between warring parties and holding the International Ulama Conference on Afghanistan, during which Muslim scholars presented different views on achieving Afghan reconciliation and stopping terrorism and extremism.

Through many organizations, such as the Muslim World League and the KAICIID Dialogue Center, Saudi Arabia had strived to unify the discourse among clerks and scholars from different religious and sectarian backgrounds.

The Kingdom has been an avid supporter of coexistence and tolerance values among peoples of different religions, sects and cultures.

Boosting Coexistence Values

In 2006, Saudi Arabia managed to help bring sectarian fighting in Iraq to an end by sponsoring the signing of the Makkah Declaration of 2006.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia produced the Makkah Declaration, which is a document that called for anti-extremism, religious and cultural diversity, and legislation against hate and violence.

The document was declared in May 2019 at the end of the four-day conference organized by the Muslim World League conference in Makkah. It was approved by Islamic leaders of 139 countries and signed by around 1,200 prominent Muslim figures.

These agreements and documents have played a great role in bridging the gap between rival parties, ending wars, restoring development, establishing the values of coexistence and achieving peace.



Islamic Scholars Meet at Makkah Conference, Vow to Bolster Unity

Scholars are seen at the “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” international conference in Makkah. (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
Scholars are seen at the “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” international conference in Makkah. (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
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Islamic Scholars Meet at Makkah Conference, Vow to Bolster Unity

Scholars are seen at the “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” international conference in Makkah. (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)
Scholars are seen at the “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” international conference in Makkah. (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)

An international conference titled “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” kicked off on Monday in the holy city of Makkah.

Organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) and sponsored by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the event drew a wide range of Islamic sect representatives. Scholars expressed determination to boost common factors to revitalize the Muslim community’s contributions to civilization.

MWL Chief Mohammed Al-Issa announced plans to launch a document outlining key principles for fostering unity and cooperation among Islamic sects to address challenges effectively.

Al-Issa also expressed joy for hosting the historic conference in Makkah and emphasized the need for Islamic unity.

He warned against divisive sectarian rhetoric and called for responsible media coverage that promotes dialogue and unity. He thanked the Saudi leadership for its support and prayed for continued success.

The conference began with a warm welcome from Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, delivered by Dr. Fahd Al-Majid.

Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of unity in Islam, cautioned against division and highlighted the role of scholars in fostering unity among Muslims.

He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz for supporting the conference and praised efforts to unite Muslims, led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The organizers, represented by the MWL, were also thanked for their ongoing service to Islam and Muslims.

Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed for supporting the conference.

He believed the important conference will promote unity among Islamic sects, with its recommendations to build bridges between them.

Taha also applauded the MWL for its dedicated service to Islam and Muslims globally.

On the sidelines, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the MWL and the OIC on promoting unity and tolerance.

Another agreement was signed between the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the MWL and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the OIC to boost cooperation in research and promote tolerance.


Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt This Week as US Pushes for Ceasefire in Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul on March 18, 2024. (AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul on March 18, 2024. (AFP)
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Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt This Week as US Pushes for Ceasefire in Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul on March 18, 2024. (AFP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul on March 18, 2024. (AFP)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit the Middle East this week, the US State Department said on Tuesday, as Washington pushes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to allow the release of hostages kidnapped by the Palestinian group.

Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt and will meet with senior leaders in both countries, the State Department said.

Providing more humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as discussing post-war planning for the enclave will be among the topics he will discuss with Saudi and Egyptian official.

He will head to Jeddah on Wednesday before flying out to Cairo on Thursday.

Blinken is currently in Asia, where he attended a democracy summit in South Korea.

This will be Blinken's sixth trip to the Middle East since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7.

The war began when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza on October 7 that left about 1,160 dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Hamas fighters also seized about 250 Israeli and foreign hostages, of whom Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are presumed dead.

Israel has carried out a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive that Gaza's health ministry says has killed at least 31,726 people, most of them women and children.

The United Nations has warned for weeks that a famine is looming in Gaza, with aid agencies reporting huge difficulties gaining access to the territory, particularly the north.

Donors have turned to deliveries by air or sea, but these are not viable alternatives to land deliveries, UN agencies say.


GCC, EU Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi
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GCC, EU Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi and European Union External Action Service Deputy Secretary General Enrique Mora have discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the GCC and the EU.

They met in Brussels on Monday. They also emphasized the importance of collective action between the two sides to address current challenges.

The meeting reviewed several topics of mutual interest regarding GCC-European bilateral relations in light of the strategic partnership between the Council and the European Union, including discussions on the visa waiver process for GCC citizens in the Schengen area.

Additionally, they discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and their impact on the security and stability of the region and the world.


Saudi Crown Prince, Guterres Discuss Developments in Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received on Tuesday a telephone call from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. 
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received on Tuesday a telephone call from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. 
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Saudi Crown Prince, Guterres Discuss Developments in Gaza

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received on Tuesday a telephone call from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. 
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received on Tuesday a telephone call from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received on Tuesday a telephone call from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The officials discussed the latest developments, especially the situation in Gaza and its surroundings and efforts exerted towards achieving peace and stability.


OIC Secretary General Stresses Significance of Unity, Solidarity among Muslims

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
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OIC Secretary General Stresses Significance of Unity, Solidarity among Muslims

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha speaks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in Makkah. (SPA)

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha emphasized on Monday the significance of unity, solidarity and rapprochement among Muslims, as stressed in the actual teachings of Islam.

He made his remarks at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference in the holy city of Makkah.

He encouraged OIC member states to work towards achieving the requirements of solidarity, unification of speech, and rank, and to bring sects, schools of thought, and jurisprudence closer together. This would help overcome any division that weakens them.

Taha pointed out that the Islamic heritage is replete with principles of intellectual openness and acceptance of differences. This underlines the importance of strengthening Islamic unity and the common destiny of the Ummah, placing significant responsibilities on the OIC member states to work towards this goal.

The OIC has been actively working towards bringing Islamic countries closer together in various domains, including political, economic, cultural, and social. It has also made significant efforts in promoting unity among different Islamic sects.

To this end, in 1981, the OIC established the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) as an intellectual and jurisprudential arm. The IIFA is mandated to facilitate collective ijtihad and promote consensus on matters related to jurisprudence and doctrine among the Muslim community, irrespective of their sects.

Taha expressed his optimism that the results and recommendations of this significant conference will help in consolidating jurisprudence and lead to the construction of bridges between sects while simultaneously combating extremism, fanaticism and Islamophobia.

He conveyed his unwavering support for the Palestinian people regarding the challenges they are facing and urged the global community to take on its responsibilities in this regard.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Putin on Re-election as President of Russia

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term.

In the cable, he expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of success and prosperity to the Russian president and further progress and prosperity to the people of Russia

He praised the relations between the two friendly countries and peoples, which all seek to strengthen and develop in all fields.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Putin a similar cable of congratulations.

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed received a written message from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev concerning relations between the two countries.

The message was received on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji, who met with Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhromjon Aloyev in Riyadh.

The officials discussed relations between their countries, ways to strengthen and develop them in all fields, and issues of common interest.


Bueno to Asharq Al-Awsat: Exempting Gulf Nationals from Schengen Visa Is on the Table

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
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Bueno to Asharq Al-Awsat: Exempting Gulf Nationals from Schengen Visa Is on the Table

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi meets with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. (GCC file photo)

European Union Arabic Spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa Luis Miguel Bueno stressed that the upcoming visit by Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi to Brussels will tackle several issues, including the Schengen visa.

Days earlier, Albudaiwi had told reporters that his visit will discuss exempting Gulf residents of the visa, saying he was optimistic about the issue.

London had announced that residents of the GCC and Jordan would no longer need to apply for a visa to travel to Britain.

On whether the EU plans on following in Britain’s footsteps, Bueno told Asharq Al-Awsat that the European Commission had suggested in 2022 that Qatar and Kuwaiti nationals be exempt from applying for the Schengen.

He said internal discussions need to take place among EU member states and the European Parliament over this issue.

The European Commission is inclined towards going ahead with the exemptions for Qatar and Kuwait, but the process is “complicated and needs to go through the European Council and European Parliament.”

Bueno said he did not expect quick results from the discussions or that they would come to light after Albudaiwi’s visit.


Kuwait Parliamentary Elections Candidates Appeal Ministry’s Annulment of their Nominations 

Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Kuwait Parliamentary Elections Candidates Appeal Ministry’s Annulment of their Nominations 

Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)
Kuwaiti lawmakers attend the opening ceremony of the 17th parliamentary term at the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City on October 31, 2023. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP)

The Administrative Court in Kuwait began receiving appeals of National Assembly candidates whose nominations were cancelled by the Interior Ministry.

The court is expected to look into the appeals on Monday.

The deadline to submit candidacies for the elections ended on Wednesday. Since then, the elections committee has been reviewing nominations to determine whether they are in line with regulations.

It has filed a report on its decision to the Interior Ministry.

The disqualified candidates are Ahmed Motieh, Jaber al-Muhailabi, Marzouq al-Habini, Marzouq al-Khalifa, Sheikh Mishal al-Malek, Mohammed al-Juwaihel, Walid Nasser, Mohammed al-Azmi, Hani Hussein, Adel al-Saeedi and Mubarak Trad.


KSrelief Distributes 760 Food Baskets in Sudan's River Nile State

KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
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KSrelief Distributes 760 Food Baskets in Sudan's River Nile State

KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)
KSrelief distributes 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed on Saturday 760 food baskets to the most underprivileged and displaced households in several areas in Sudan's River Nile State.

The aid benefited 4,370 individuals as part of the second phase of a project to support food security in Sudan.

The aid is part of relief and humanitarian projects that Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, offers to several needy and affected countries and peoples around the world.

On Friday, KSrelief distributed 2,195 food baskets to the neediest and displaced families in Sudan’s Sennar State, benefiting 11,481 individuals.


King Salman Directs Disbursement of over SAR3 Bln in Ramadan Assistance to Social Security Beneficiaries

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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King Salman Directs Disbursement of over SAR3 Bln in Ramadan Assistance to Social Security Beneficiaries

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 directed on Sunday the disbursement of over SAR3 billion in Ramadan assistance to beneficiaries of social security, with an amount of SAR1,000 for family heads and SAR500 for dependents.

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to King Salman for this generous initiative for the beneficiaries of social security.

The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries in the coming hours.