Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh Focuses on Boosting Gulf-Egypt Ties

Ministers at the meeting in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers at the meeting in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh Focuses on Boosting Gulf-Egypt Ties

Ministers at the meeting in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers at the meeting in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The foreign ministers of the Gulf and Egypt held talks in Riyadh on Sunday as the Saudi capital prepares to host the 42nd Gulf Coordination Council (GCC) summit on Tuesday.

The two sides tackled bilateral relations between the GCC and Egypt and ways to bolster them in various fields.

Sunday's meeting was chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

The gatherers reviewed regional and international developments and issues of common interest. They underscored their continued coordination and consultations in order to bolster the security and stability of the region and world.

GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf stressed that the meeting was held in recognition of the close relations that bind the Gulf and Egypt.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, he added that Gulf-Egypt ties are a foundation of security and stability in the region.

Consultations will continue between both parties to consolidate regional and world stability, he continued.

The Gulf, he stressed, is keen on building real partnerships with the world.

For his part, Prince Faisal said the upcoming GCC summit was being held at a critical time.

It will discuss several issues, especially the security of the region, he remarked.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri expressed his confidence that the summit will be a success.

The outcomes of the meeting will bolster peace and sustainable development and serve the aspirations of the Arab and Muslim nations, he added.

Egypt and the Gulf enjoy a strategic relationship, he stressed, stating that the security of the Gulf countries is indivisible to Egypt's and Arab national security.



Saudi Arabia Demands End to Israeli Violations in the Region 

Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Demands End to Israeli Violations in the Region 

Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)

Saudi Arabia condemned the ongoing violations committed by Israel, including forced displacement, unlawful annexation, settlement expansion, and repeated assaults on unarmed civilians, which it described as “blatant breaches of all principles of international law.”

Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila delivered the remarks before the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday. The council was meeting for a session on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

Khothaila stressed the “Kingdom’s firm position that a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.”

“The Kingdom calls on the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities to halt the escalating Israeli crimes and violations in the region,” he added.

He urged “support for international efforts aimed at an immediate cessation of military escalation that threatens the security of civilians, as well as regional and international stability and peace.”