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 Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj 

The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj 

The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)
The Mashaer Metro Train operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Metro Train for this year’s Hajj starting Tuesday.

SAR completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations.

The Mashaer Metro Train operates on five service patterns tailored to the different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally.

During the Hajj, the train is scheduled to carry out more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers with high efficiency and precise organization.

SAR conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards.

The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, ensuring the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims.

The Mashaer Metro Train is one of the region’s most significant sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience.

The operation of the train reflects SAR’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services.