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.



Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
TT

Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council in Bangkok on Thursday.
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand, aiming to enhance coordination and collaboration across various sectors to fulfill the aspirations of both nations' leaders and peoples. This aligns with the shared objectives of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, focusing on enhancing cooperation, connectivity, and integration between the two countries through the council and its subcommittees in areas such as politics, security, defense, energy, economy, investment, education, culture, tourism, and other mutual interests, SPA reported.
During the meeting, the co-chairs reviewed the bilateral relations and emphasized the significance of sustained joint efforts between the two friendly nations. They expressed contentment with the outcomes of the committee sessions, which produced over 70 joint initiatives spanning various fields.
They highlighted the importance of upholding and advancing the council's work and collaboration among its committees while reinforcing coordination to amplify its effectiveness as an institutional mechanism framing bilateral cooperation. They also underscored the importance of implementing the recommendations and initiatives of the committee heads with the support of the council's general secretariat, looking forward to the upcoming second council meeting in Saudi Arabia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation program between the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA).