Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Russia-Islamic World Meeting Kicks Off in Jeddah

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including ex-prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and religious figures from the Islamic world (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Strategic Vision Group meeting between Russia and the Islamic world kicked off on Wednesday in Jeddah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

Held under the theme “Dialogue and Prospects for Cooperation,” the meeting will include a broad participation of officials and scholars, and intellectuals from the Russian Federation and Islamic countries to discuss common issues and enhance cooperation in addressing the existing challenges.

The event includes 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including former prime ministers, former ministers of foreign affairs and many religious figures from the Islamic world.

This meeting comes within the framework of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its relations with the Islamic world, in light of the Kingdom’s initiative for dialogue between followers of religions and cultures.

Saudi Arabia is hosting this meeting for the second time after the fourth session was also held in Jeddah in 2008.

The group currently focuses on developing measures to strengthen long-term cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries and practical implementation of the strategic partnership.

The Group was established in 2006 under the supervision of Evgeny Maksimovich Primakov and Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev after the Russian Federation joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer member. The group held its first meeting in 2006 in Moscow, followed by the meetings in Kazan, Istanbul, Jeddah and Kuwait.

Ufa of the Republic of Bashkortostan hosted the last meeting on November 28-30, 2019, under the theme “Interfaith harmony ... The Experience of Russia and the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”



GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC, India Discuss Ministerial Meeting Set to be Held Next Month

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Shri Vipul.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed a number of topics of common interest, most notably relations between the GCC and India, and ways to develop and enhance them in a manner that serves common interests.

They also discussed the latest developments regarding the launch of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and India, signed in February 2026, in addition to preparations for the GCC-India ministerial meeting scheduled to be held next September.

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and the world, affirming the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on issues of common interest.


GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Holds Separate Meetings with South Korean, Georgian Ambassadors

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met in Riyadh on Sunday with South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kang Shin-chul.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics of common interest, most notably GCC-Korean ties and the latest developments on the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and South Korea, SPA reported.

They also exchanged views on developments in the region, and international and regional efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability.

Albudaiwi also met with Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom Nikoloz Revazishvili.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of topics related to strengthening relations between the GCC and Georgia, as well as ways to develop them in a manner that serves common interests, including the latest developments regarding the Joint Action Plan for 2022–2026.

They also discussed the latest developments in the region and the world and exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.


Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
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Senior Officials, Business Leaders to Attend French-Saudi Roundtable on Monday

Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince during a previous meeting with the French president at the Élysée Palace in Paris (SPA).

As part of the official visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to France, Paris will host the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable Meeting on Monday.

Organized by the Ministry of Investment, the roundtable will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, and CEOs of major companies from both countries.

The roundtable will feature strategic discussions among business leaders on industrial partnerships, transportation and logistics, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a range of sectors are also expected to be signed.

The meeting builds on the growing economic and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

It supports joint efforts to expand cooperation, strengthen partnerships between the two countries’ business communities, and translate promising opportunities into high-quality investments and projects that advance their shared interests.