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Saudi Arabia, Morocco Stress Importance of Joint Arab Action, Countering Terrorism

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Morocco Stress Importance of Joint Arab Action, Countering Terrorism

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. (SPA)

Morocco reiterated its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its constant support for all measures taken by the country to protect its security and stability and ensure the safety of its territories, citizens, and residents.

Rabat hosted the 13th session of the Joint Moroccan-Saudi Commission on June 15 and 16, under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

The Commission condemned the launch of Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones by the Houthi militias in Yemen against vital and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Morocco welcomed the Saudi initiatives to bring peace to Yemen.

The Commission stressed the importance of joint Arab action allowing Arab countries to maintain their unity, sovereignty, security, and stability while refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of states and threatening their territorial integrity.

It hoped the crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya will be resolved through political solutions that preserve their territorial and national unity, guarantee their security and stability, and meet the aspirations of their peoples for development and freedom according to United Nations resolutions.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm and continuous support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and reiterated its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.

It backs Morocco's efforts to reach compromise-based realistic political solution within the framework of relevant Security Council resolutions and under the supervision of the UN Secretary-General.

It stressed its support for a solution that is consistent with the international law and the resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

The Joint Commission called for more efforts to support stability, promote sustainable development, and the fight against extremism, terrorism, and separatist movements in the Sahel region.

Saudi Arabia praised Morocco's three-dimensional approach toward the Sahel region, which focuses on security, development, and training of human resources.

The Commission renewed its condemnation of extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, stressing the importance of combining regional and international efforts to confront and eradicate terrorism and eliminate its causes.

It reviewed the efforts made by the two countries and the pioneering initiatives they have developed to counter terrorism and extremism, stressing the need to continue coordination at the international multilateral level, including the UN, the Global Forum on Countering extremism, and the International Coalition against ISIS.

The Saudi delegation welcomed the continuous efforts made by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, to defend Jerusalem and its residents, preserve its civilizational identity and protect its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between the different monotheistic religions.

The Commission reiterated its constant solidarity with the Palestinian people to establish an independent state based on the1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In this regard, the Commission called for efforts to break the deadlock in the peace process and ensure the resumption of negotiations within a clear timetable, resulting in an agreement addressing all the issues under the Arab Peace Initiative, international resolutions, and two-state solution.

Prince Faisal's meetings

During his visit to Morocco, Prince Faisal discussed with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch several regional and international issues and developments of common interest.

They addressed ways to boost bilateral cooperation and opportunities to develop ties in various fields.

Prince Faisal met with Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami. They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. They reiterated the importance of cooperation in the political and multilateral fields to achieve the interests of their countries.

Ahead of the Joint Commission meeting, the Saudi FM reviewed with his Moroccan counterpart all aspects of cooperation.

They voiced their satisfaction with the high level of cooperation between Riyadh and Rabat and praised the momentum and development it is undergoing on the political, economic, cultural, and social levels under the patronage King Mohammed VI and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Faisal and Bourita discussed several regional and international issues of common interest.

Bourita said Morocco and Saudi Arabia share a distinguished relationship, saying it is "unparalleled in Morocco's foreign relations."

Speaking at a joint press conference, the Moroccan FM said the discussions with his Saudi counterpart are an opportunity to address bilateral and regional issues.

Bourita stated that he also addressed with his Saudi counterpart coordinating positions on various issues based on the bilateral interests, whether relating to North Africa and the Middle East or international issues.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Yemen Prisoner Exchange Agreement

Officials are seen at the announcement of the prisoner exchange in Muscat. (Saudi Ambassador to Yemen on X)
Officials are seen at the announcement of the prisoner exchange in Muscat. (Saudi Ambassador to Yemen on X)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Yemen Prisoner Exchange Agreement

Officials are seen at the announcement of the prisoner exchange in Muscat. (Saudi Ambassador to Yemen on X)
Officials are seen at the announcement of the prisoner exchange in Muscat. (Saudi Ambassador to Yemen on X)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Tuesday the agreement signed in Muscat earlier to exchange prisoners and detainees in Yemen.

It deemed the development “an important humanitarian step that contributes to alleviating human suffering and boosting confidence-building opportunities.”

The Kingdom praised “the sincere efforts and generous initiatives exerted by Oman in hosting and sponsoring the talks, as well as its support for the negotiating efforts conducted from December 9 to 23.”

The Kingdom also hailed the efforts by the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all parties who participated in the negotiations.

It reiterated its support for all efforts to achieve peace, security, and stability in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Yemeni people.

Yemen’s legitimate government and the Iran-backed Houthi militants reached an agreement to free 2,900 detainees held during the 11-year war.

Saudi Ambassador Mohamed Al-Haber said in a statement on X that the agreement was signed under the supervision of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the ICRC, “which will enable all detainees to return to their families.”

“I commend the efforts of the negotiation teams from both sides who succeeded in reaching an understanding and concluding this agreement, which addresses a humanitarian issue and strengthens efforts to bring calm and build confidence in Yemen,” he added.

The UN special envoy, Hans Grundberg, said the agreement was a “positive and meaningful step that will hopefully ease the suffering of detainees and their families across Yemen.”

“We are ready and determined to carry out the release, transfer and repatriation of detainees so that people separated from their families can be reunited in a safe and dignified manner,” said Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen.

Gulf

Saudi-US Ties See Year of Stronger Political Interests, Defense Cooperation

The reception ceremony for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the South Lawn of the White House, November 2025. (AFP)
The reception ceremony for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the South Lawn of the White House, November 2025. (AFP)
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Saudi-US Ties See Year of Stronger Political Interests, Defense Cooperation

The reception ceremony for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the South Lawn of the White House, November 2025. (AFP)
The reception ceremony for Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the South Lawn of the White House, November 2025. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy in 2025 crystallized the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, reinforcing its standing as a trusted international mediator for major powers, its leadership in pressing for an end to the war in Gaza, and its firm rejection of displacement of the Palestinian people.

Riyadh doubled down on its advocacy of a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state, while stepping up support for Syria and working to strengthen collective regional security, including that of the Gulf Cooperation Council. At the same time, the Kingdom moved to deepen cooperation with the United States and other global powers.

Two Saudi-US summits stood out during the year, held during what were described as historic visits. The first came in May, when US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia, followed by a November visit to the United States by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Together, the two meetings highlighted Riyadh’s exceptional international standing in 2025.

During Trump’s visit to Riyadh, the US president praised the Crown Prince’s leadership, saying he best represented America’s strong allies. He said that a bright dawn awaited the Middle East, describing Saudi Arabia as the heart and center of the world, and stating that Riyadh was on track to become a global business hub.

During the Crown Prince’s visit to Washington, the two countries signed a broad package of agreements, including a Strategic Defense Agreement, the second such defense accord signed by Saudi Arabia in 2025.

The deals also encompassed a defense sales package, cooperation on civil nuclear energy, a strategic partnership on artificial intelligence, a framework for securing uranium and critical mineral supply chains, and measures to accelerate investments, among other initiatives.

Trump announced that Saudi Arabia would be designated a major non-NATO ally and praised Saudi negotiating skills, calling them “great negotiators.”

Backing Syria’s recovery

Although the war in Gaza continued to dominate global attention in 2025, sweeping changes in Syria prompted Saudi Arabia to play an active role in supporting the transition, with an eye toward the country’s recovery and international recognition of its new leadership.

After Saudi Arabia announced in late December last year that a Saudi delegation led by a Royal Court adviser had visited Damascus and met Ahmed al-Sharaa, then the leader of the new administration and now Syria’s interim president, Riyadh moved to intensify its support.

Saudi air and land bridges continued to deliver aid to the Syrian people, alongside humanitarian, medical and development projects set to expand by the end of the year to more than 103 projects, with a total cost nearing $100 million.

In addition to receiving Sharaa three times in 2025, Saudi Arabia pressed for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria at the direct request of Crown Prince Mohammed. Support also included settling Syria’s outstanding debts to the World Bank, estimated at around $15 million, and covering part of the salaries of Syrian government employees through a joint initiative with Qatar and the United Nations.

Saudi Arabia also continued to confront Israeli violations in the region, with senior officials repeatedly rejecting Israeli actions that went beyond the Gaza war to include violations of the sovereignty of several countries, including Syria, Qatar and Iran.

The Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unlimited support for Qatar following an Israeli attack on a Hamas meeting there in September 2025.

Rejecting attempts to sideline the Palestinian cause

Riyadh moved to counter what it described as attempts to “liquidate the Palestinian cause”. A statement issued in February reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position on the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Crown Prince Mohammed said the stance was “clear and explicit, leaving no room for interpretation,” stressing that Saudi Arabia would not establish relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state and that the position was “firm and not subject to negotiation or bidding.”

The statement, issued about an hour after remarks by Trump during a White House press conference with the Israeli prime minister, was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority.

President Mahmoud Abbas praised what he called Saudi Arabia’s “sincere fraternal positions,” rejecting settlement expansion, annexation and displacement, and commended Riyadh’s continued humanitarian support for Gaza and its diplomatic efforts, including the establishment of a global alliance to mobilize recognition of the State of Palestine and the convening of an international peace conference in June.

Two-state solution

After two years in which Saudi Arabia brought together Arab and Islamic leaders over Gaza, a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and implementation of the two-state solution was held in September under Saudi and French leadership.

The meeting adopted the New York Declaration, which won broad backing in the UN General Assembly in what was described as a historic and decisive moment for peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Palestinian prime minister praised Saudi Arabia’s firm positions, saying they had helped mature international stances toward recognizing a Palestinian state and providing all possible support, noting that the two-state solution remained the foundation for peace and stability in the region.

Global influence and mediation

In February 2025, Diriyah hosted Saudi-sponsored talks between the United States and Russia aimed at improving relations. The US State Department described the summit as a significant step forward, while Kremlin diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov called it a success.

The following month, Jeddah hosted US-Ukrainian talks under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed, alongside US foreign and national security officials, as well as Ukraine’s defense minister and head of the president’s office.

Michael Mitchell, the US State Department’s regional spokesperson, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the world was closer than ever to a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire following the Saudi-hosted negotiations.

He expressed Washington’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing diplomatic efforts and hosting key talks, reaffirming the US commitment to working with all parties to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.

As part of its mediation role, Saudi efforts alongside other countries also helped contain tensions between Pakistan and India, which had seen the worst military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors before a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire was announced in May.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq stated that Riyadh played a decisive role, engaging actively from the outset through high-level contacts and visits to both countries to facilitate de-escalation.

Defense partnerships

The Atlantic Council noted that the recent strengthening of US-Saudi defense cooperation reflected a pragmatic partnership based on shared interests rather than dependency, extending beyond arms sales to include intelligence sharing, tactical coordination to protect maritime routes, and joint efforts to build Saudi domestic defense capabilities.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Joint Defense Agreement during the official visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Kingdom in September.

The agreement stipulates that an attack on either country would be considered an attack on both. The move drew widespread international media attention and praise from political and military circles, particularly given that the two countries do not share a direct border.

Saudi national security analyst Ahmed al-Quraishi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agreement conveyed a significant message to multiple regional actors, while emphasizing that Saudi sources had made it clear that it was not directed at any specific country or development.

He described it as a mature strategic outlook, noting that Riyadh had emphasized there was no hostile intent behind the arrangement.

Pakistani journalist Abdul Rahman Hayat told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agreement represented the emergence of a new Islamic pole, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s regional and Islamic standing alongside Pakistan’s status as the world’s only Islamic nuclear power.

He said the deal would strengthen Islamic unity under Saudi leadership and help deter external violations.

Focus on Sudan and Yemen

In addition to its role within the international quartet on Sudan, Crown Prince Mohammed sought to persuade Trump of the need to halt the war, prompting greater US engagement in ceasefire efforts and the humanitarian crisis. He later received Sudan’s transitional sovereign council leader in Riyadh to bolster those efforts.

In December, following recent military moves by Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra, a Saudi delegation led by Major General Mohammed al-Qahtani visited the areas for more than 10 days, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s efforts to resolve the crisis, end the conflict and restore stability.

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi praised Saudi Arabia’s role in easing tensions in eastern Yemen and urged political, tribal and social forces in the two provinces to unite behind state efforts.

Summing up the year, political analyst Ahmed Al-Ibrahim told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia has strengthened its defense capabilities and, through what he described as “measured diplomacy,” consolidated firm positions on issues such as Syria and the Gaza war.

He said the Kingdom had also established a new, credible international mediation platform that could be relied upon with confidence when needed.

Gulf

GCC Welcomes Prisoner Exchange Agreement in Yemen

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
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GCC Welcomes Prisoner Exchange Agreement in Yemen

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed on Tuesday the prisoner exchange agreement in Yemen that was reached in Muscat.

A GCC General Secretariat statement said, Albudaiwi commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Yemen, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in reaching Tuesday’s agreement.

He hoped the deal will help in strengthening the path to peace and stability in Yemen, alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the people, building trust between parties, and ultimately leading to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that guarantees Yemen's security, stability, and unity, and serves the aspirations of its people for peace and development.