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)
TT

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.



Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
TT

Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)

Oman and Bahrain held expanded talks this week aimed at bolstering their strong bilateral relations and widening their partnership.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq received Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to develop their economic and investment partnership.

They stressed the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to diversify their fields to meet the aspirations of their people and countries. They also welcomed the establishment of the Omani-Bahraini Investment Company.

King Hamad was in Oman at the head of a senior delegation on January 14 and 15.

The leaders praised the growth of the historic relations between their countries.

They hailed the success of the Omani-Bahraini business council and its role in boosting bilateral cooperation and execution of joint projects that meet their countries’ aspirations.

King Hamad and Sultan Haitham discussed the work of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its success in boosting collective work. They hoped to deepen cooperation and integration between its countries.

They reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of resolving crises and disputes through peaceful means and bolstering dialogue and international cooperation.

Oman and Bahrain signed 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding during King Hamad’s visit. They covered double taxation, endowments, zakat, meteorology, the stock market, health, media, scientific and educational cooperation, investment opportunities, food security, agricultural production and development and other issues.