GCC, OIC Welcome Establishment of Yemen Presidential Leadership Council

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf. (SPA)
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GCC, OIC Welcome Establishment of Yemen Presidential Leadership Council

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf. (SPA)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf. (SPA)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf welcomed on Friday the announcement by Yemeni President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi to establish the Presidential Leadership Council.

The council will proceed with the duties of the transitional period. It will assume all powers of the president of the republic in line with the constitution and the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanisms.

Al-Hajraf stressed the GCC's support to the Presidential Leadership Council as it seeks to achieve security and stability in Yemen.

The council will be led by Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi.

Al-Hajraf hoped the council will succeed in carrying out its national responsibilities, especially at this historical stage, to serve Yemen and its people.

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha welcomed the establishment of the council.

He hoped the move would contribute to creating conditions to end the fighting in Yemen and supporting negotiations between all Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive political solution that would achieve peace, security and stability throughout their country.

He hailed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for providing $3 billion in urgent assistance to the Yemeni economy.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.