Pakistani Premier to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Promoting Ties with Saudi Arabia

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
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Pakistani Premier to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Promoting Ties with Saudi Arabia

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Saudi Arabia (AP)

On his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his government was committed to advancing the special relationship with the Kingdom.

Sharif is the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League. He was sworn in earlier this month after parliament ousted his predecessor, Imran Khan, in a vote of no confidence.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the Pakistani premier said: “It is our sincere desire now to transform this relationship into a deep, diversified and mutually beneficial strategic partnership. The two sides are now working to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation by exploring the opportunities available under Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s development priorities.”

Shehbaz is the brother of Nawaz Sharif, who served as the country’s prime minister for three terms. When Nawaz tried to replace the army chief, the two brothers were overthrown in a military coup and were punished with imprisonment. They left for Saudi Arabia, where they spent eight years in the city of Jeddah until 2007.

On November 25, 2007, Shehbaz and his brother Nawaz returned to Pakistan after the Supreme Constitutional Court in Islamabad issued a decision allowing their return to the country.

Shehbaz Sharif, born in 1953 to a wealthy Kashmiri political family, previously held the position of prime minister of Punjab, the largest of Pakistan’s provinces.

In his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the new premier talked about relations with Saudi Arabia, the situation in Yemen and Afghanistan, as well as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its local and regional repercussions.

Saudi-Pakistani Relations

Asked about his current visit to Riyadh and his assessment of Saudi-Pakistani bilateral relations, Sharif said: “Relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are historical and strategic.”

He pointed to full solidarity and understanding resulting from “our strong contacts at the leadership level and close cooperation on matters of regional and international importance.”

He continued: “This is my first foreign visit, and it demonstrates my deep commitment to further strengthening this fraternal relationship.”

As for the most important areas of mutual cooperation, the Pakistani premier stressed that brotherly ties with the Kingdom were not limited to specific fields but included all aspects of bilateral relations, including security and defense, bilateral trade and economic cooperation, in addition to parliamentary exchange.

Yemeni Crisis

Commenting on the Saudi initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis, which was met with Houthis’ intransigence and their continued attacks on the Kingdom, Sharif said: “We strongly condemn the Houthi terrorist attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, and call for an immediate cessation of these hostilies, which violate and threaten the peace and security of the Kingdom and the region.”

He emphasized in this regard that his country fully supported the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the peaceful settlement of the Yemeni conflict.

He also lauded the establishment of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, as an “important step in the right direction that will help promote a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.”

Saudi Arabia and Iran

Asked about his government’s opinion on the current Saudi-Iranian talks, the Pakistani premier said that his country enjoyed good brotherly relations with both Riyadh and Tehran.

“Iran is our important neighbor and Saudi Arabia is our closest friend. Thus, Pakistan welcomes the Saudi-Iranian talks, as Pakistan believes in the need to avoid conflict, defuse tensions and resolve differences through political and diplomatic means,” Sharif told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Afghanistan

On the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan and the increasing security danger by the extremist movement, the prime minister said that fighting terrorism was a common goal, not only for Afghanistan and Pakistan, but for the entire international community.

“The international community should support Afghanistan to enhance its capacity to fight terrorism… But on the long term, the only guarantee of peace and security in our region is the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan,” he underlined.

Relations with the West

Asked about the means to improve relations with Europe and the United States, Sharif noted that Pakistan has traditionally enjoyed very good relations with Western countries, which he said were a major economic, trade and development partner.

“We are determined to further strengthen these relationships in the coming years,” he stated.

In this regard, the Pakistani premier said that Europe was one of his country’s largest trade and investment partners.

“This relationship is further enhanced by the presence of more than 3 million expatriates, which serves as a strong bridge. The two sides are firmly committed to advancing the goals of promotion of democracy, development, human rights and rule of law, and will continue to expand cooperation in regional security, trade and climate change for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” he remarked.

On the US-Pakistani relations, Sharif noted that a long-term bilateral relationship between Islamabad and Washington was of a wide-ranging nature and covered issues of common interest.

“We believe that our continued constructive engagement can promote peace and security as well as development in the entire region. With a focus on economic development, Pakistan is well positioned to engage the United States and further enhance bilateral trade and investment,” he said.

The Ukrainian Crisis

The military conflict in Ukraine reflected the failure of diplomacy, the prime minister emphasized, stressing the need for an immediate halt of hostilities and for continued dialogue.

He said: “Pakistan enjoys good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. We have always taken a position based on the basic principles of the United Nations Charter. It is related to the peoples’ right to self-determination, the non-use or threat of force, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

Sharif stressed the need to establish and maintain humanitarian corridors, provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and continue efforts for a diplomatic solution.

“Pakistan supports all efforts to provide humanitarian relief to civilians in the affected areas… and has sent two C-130 planes to provide relief aid to the people of Ukraine, as a gesture of solidarity,” he said.

The premier warned that conflict was in nobody’s interest, especially the developing world.

He explained that developing countries, such as Pakistan, were strongly hit by the crisis, especially with the soaring prices of oil and food on the international market.



Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail said coordination between the two countries is advanced and effective on several security and political levels and in combating terrorism.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, she stressed that this coordination has helped in developing relations not only between Riyadh and Baghdad, but also countries in the region.

Al Souhail had presented her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday.

She said Iraqi and Saudi relations were the foundations for security and stability in the region.

“We firmly believe in joint work to push these relations to new broader horizons to serve the interests of the peoples of both countries,” she went on to say.

“Our priorities are expanding to include deepening bilateral cooperation in all fields, such as energy, security, economy, trade exchange, culture, education, health, the environment and others,” she stated.

Moreover, Al Souhail underscored her country’s keenness on activating the outcomes of the coordination meetings between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as boosting joint investments and supporting regional peace and security initiatives.

The ambassador stressed the importance of partnership and mutual understanding. “We are committed to partnership and emphasize the importance of the ongoing constructive dialogue to overcome any challenges that may arise,” she went on to say.

“With this approach, we are looking forward to opening new horizons of cooperation that would achieve sustainable development for our peoples and bolster peace in the region and world,” she added.

Deepening cooperation could take place through intensifying political dialogue, strengthening political, security, intelligence and counter-terrorism partnerships, Al Souhail explained.

Furthermore, she said bolstering economic and commercial cooperation, which would support joint investments and diversify sources of income, is an important factor for stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Developing cooperation in energy, the environment, developing sources of renewable energy and boosting cultural and educational exchanges will help build bridges of understanding and friendship between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, she continued.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the provisional measure of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase humanitarian and relief assistance into Gaza and to open more land crossings for aid to the Palestinian enclave to alleviate the suffering of the civilians.

The Ministry underlined the Kingdom’s support of all efforts seeking the delivery of more emergency aid into Gaza to avert a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

It renewed its demand from the international community to take more immediate measures to stop the Israeli violations of the international law and the international humanitarian law, and implement the United Nations Security Council resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.


KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
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KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Thursday sent its seventh aid shipment through the Saudi relief sea bridge to Sudan.

The shipment consisted of 12 refrigerated trucks carrying a total of 14,960 food baskets, weighing 524 tons. It arrived at Sudan's Suakin Port after departing from Jeddah Islamic Port.

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief, aiming to reach 1.5 million beneficiaries. The initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

It highlights the Kingdom's role in supporting friendly nations during times of crisis and underscores the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Sudan.


Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
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Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)

Kuwait has handed its annual $2 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Thursday.

UNWRA said on Tuesday it had sufficient funds to run its operations until the end of May after many donors paused their funding over Israeli accusations that some staff took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered war in Gaza.

UNRWA provides aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and across the wider region.


Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.