Saudi Arabia Stresses Keenness on Stability of Iraq, Security in Syria

King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Keenness on Stability of Iraq, Security in Syria

King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its keenness on stability in Iraq as it seeks to impose its sovereignty over all its territories.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held virtually.

The Kingdom had expressed its position on Iraq during the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

At the meeting, Riyadh also addressed the situation in Syria and areas that have been liberated from ISIS.

It also welcomed the formation of a working group that would focus on ISIS' growing threat in Africa.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, acting Media Minister Dr. Majid al-Qasabi said the Saudi government expressed its deep sorrow over the death of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as his successor, saying the Kingdom is looking forward to further strengthening relations with the UAE under his leadership.

The cabinet addressed Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank and Second Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting of the G20.

The Kingdom emphasized the importance of joint work to tackle global economic setbacks stemming from the recent geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of prudent climate policies to ensure stable energy market conditions and just transition that are necessary for global economic stability.

On Yemen, the cabinet addressed Saudi Arabia's humanitarian initiative to release 163 Houthi detainees, who had taken part in hostilities against the Kingdom.

The move, it said, aims to support all efforts to establish peace in Yemen and end the conflict.

It also backs UN efforts to stabilize the current nationwide truce, create an atmosphere that is conducive to dialogue between Yemeni parties.

The cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's recent hosting of various events, including the launch of the Saudi Census 2022, the International Conference and Exhibition for Education (ICEE) 2022, and the Future Aviation Forum.

The cabinet lauded the growth of Saudi Arabia's GDP by 9.6% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, marking the highest growth rate in the past ten years that has been driven by the increase in oil and non-oil activities.



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.