AlUla Declaration Ends Qatar Rift, Looks to Preserve Gulf Security, Stability

The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
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AlUla Declaration Ends Qatar Rift, Looks to Preserve Gulf Security, Stability

The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)
The leaders of the GCC pose for a photo ahead of the AlUla summit. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Tuesday that the AlUla declaration turns the page on the past and opens a new chapter for the Gulf in order to achieve the stability and security of the region and its people.

The AlUla declaration was signed at the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit that was hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, chaired the summit on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

“Today’s Summit ends the diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar,” Prince Faisal said at a press conference with GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf at the end of the summit.

“Today’s summit ends the points of contention with Qatar,” stressed the minister.

“We will work together to confront the challenges facing the region,” he vowed. “The AlUla summit will impact the stability of the region”

“On Iran, it is important for the countries of the region to have a united stance on its nuclear program and malign meddling and behavior,” he stressed.

“The statements we have heard from the Biden administration assure us that it is aware of Iran’s threat,” said Prince Faisal. “It is essential for the Arab voice to be heard.”

“The political determination of the Gulf leaders is a major guarantee for implementing the AlUla agreement,” he added. “We are very optimistic that today’s agreement will positively impact the Gulf region and Arab world.”

The summit, continued the FM, was significant because it prioritized the higher national interests of the GCC and Arab national security.

“It is therefore, sending a message to the entire world that no matter the disputes within the same house, the wisdom of its leaders is capable of overcoming everything and guiding the region, its countries and people to safety,” he stressed.

The members of the council underscored their solidarity and need to refrain from infringing on the security and sovereignty of any of their countries and the social fabric and security of their people, he continued.

For his part, al-Hajraf stressed that the Gulf countries often overcome all challenges with determination and strength.

The 41st GCC summit has paved the way for a new era of joint Gulf work, represented in the reconciliation, he told the press.

“As people of the Gulf, we look to the future with all the hopes, aspirations and opportunities it holds to establishing a cohesive Gulf entity that can serve its nations and peoples and push forward development, security and stability,” he remarked.



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.