Saudi FM Chairs Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee on Iran

The meeting of the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee concerned with following up the crisis with Iran (SPA)
The meeting of the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee concerned with following up the crisis with Iran (SPA)
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Saudi FM Chairs Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee on Iran

The meeting of the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee concerned with following up the crisis with Iran (SPA)
The meeting of the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee concerned with following up the crisis with Iran (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has chaired the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee meeting on the crisis with Iran.

The meeting aimed to address Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries.

It was held in Cairo on Thursday on the sidelines of the 156th session of the Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level.

The meeting discussed boosting joint cooperation to stop Iranian subversive interference in the region and its financing of the Houthi terrorist militia in Yemen and extremist terrorist groups, which jeopardize peace and security.

The conferees also discussed the Iranian nuclear program, stressing the importance of imposing the mechanisms for a rapid and comprehensive inspection of all Iranian nuclear sites.

The meeting further touched on the urgency of halting Iranian violations of international laws and its policies that destabilize the region and the world.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and UAE’s Minister of State of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar participated in the meeting.

In a related context, Prince Faisal attended the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee concerned with following up on the Turkish interventions in the internal affairs of Arab states.

The meeting tackled efforts to stop the Israeli measures in the occupied city of Jerusalem. The conferees denounced the Israeli attacks and measures in Jerusalem and its aggression against Palestine.

They also underscored joining efforts to put an end to the Israeli actions and called on the international community to stand firm in the face of these violations.

It discussed intensifying efforts of the international, Islamic, and Arab organizations to stop the Israeli aggression and support Palestinians.

The meeting included foreign ministers of Bahrain, UAE, Algeria, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, and Qatar.

Moreover, Prince Faisal met with his Jordanian counterpart, and they discussed the latest regional and international developments.

They also tackled ways to reinforce bilateral ties and discussed the agenda of the 156th meeting of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level.

Later, the Saudi FM convened with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and they discussed means to boost ties between the two countries in various fields.



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.