Gulf-Sponsored Yemen Consultations Set to Kick Off in Riyadh

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Gulf-Sponsored Yemen Consultations Set to Kick Off in Riyadh

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The intra-Yemeni consultations are set to kick off in the Saudi-capital Riyadh on Wednesday. Various Yemeni parties and figures are set to take part, while international and United Nations officials will also attend.

The consultations are being sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and held at its Riyadh headquarters.

The United Nations and American envoys to Yemen are set to deliver opening remarks at the talks. Other speakers include the secretary-generals of the Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and GCC.

A panel discussion with the UN and US envoys will then follow.

Asharq Al-Awsat received a copy of the agenda of the consultations. The discussion will focus on the partnership between the GCC and Yemen. The day will conclude with a presentation on the arrangements for the consultations.

Thursday will witness the launch of consultations between the Yemeni parties over the main political, economic, military, social, relief and media issues at hand. The talks will run from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said the situation in Yemen demands that all sides assume their humanitarian and moral responsibility.

He urged the Iran-backed Houthi militias to "listen to the voice of reason" and engage with the consultations so that the desired peace can be achieved.

The FM met on Tuesday with UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg. He expressed to him the legitimate government's support to his efforts to reach a solution to the crisis.



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)
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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.