Saudi Arabia Reiterates Support to Iraq’s Security, Stability

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Support to Iraq’s Security, Stability

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated Riyadh’s support to everything that would ensure the security and stability of Iraq.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the government meeting that was held in Jeddah.

King Salman briefed the ministers on the message he received from China’s President Xi Jinping that tackled bilateral relations between their countries and ways to bolster them in various fields.

The government highlighted Saudi Arabia’s participation in the ministerial meetings of the G20, held in Bali, Indonesia.

The Kingdom underscored its efforts in accelerating the growth of the digital economy, technology and innovation, and bridging the digital divide through strategic initiatives and projects to connect the world.

The ministers then reviewed the latest regional and international developments.

The cabinet noted Saudi Arabia’s participation at the Arria meeting held at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

At the meeting, the Kingdom warned that the development of cross-border terrorist threats requires a rapid and comprehensive response from the international community. These threats target civilians, vital facilities, energy supplies and the stability of the global economy.

The cabinet underscored the Kingdom’s support for the two initiatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to modernize the Seibersdorf laboratories (ReNuAL2) and for Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action (ZODIAC).

The support is an extension of Riyadh's continuous contributions to the efforts of IAEA and its initiatives aimed at developing its capabilities in a way that boosts its vital role in harnessing atomic energy for peace. It underlines the Kingdom's positive stance on nuclear energy and technology and their peaceful and safe development.

The ministers also noted the ongoing crackdown on drug smuggling, praising the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), in coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, for thwarting the smuggling of about 47 million amphetamine pills.



Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
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Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports is utilizing modern technologies, including self-service E-gates at international airports, to streamline departure procedures for post-Hajj pilgrims across all border ports.

By instantly matching biometric data, these automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds.

The initiative, by the Ministry of Interior, significantly enhances passenger flow, reduces waiting times, and ensures a smoother, more efficient exit journey for travelers.

Saudi Arabia had announced the exceptional success of this year’s Hajj season that was backed by an integrated system of security, organization, and services, allowing pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

The 2026 Hajj saw 1,707,301 pilgrims perform the rituals, with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving via air ports, 54,429 by land, and 6,497 by sea.

Spokesperson of the General Directorate of Passports Major Nasser Al-Otaibi stressed on Sunday that the directorate continues to implement its operational plan for the departure of pilgrims through all international air, land, and sea ports.


Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
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Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)

Saudi Arabia will host the 39th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) on Thursday via videoconference under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The conference, organized by the Shura Council and AIPU, will bring together speakers of Arab parliaments and legislative councils, as well as delegates from several organizations.

Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage of the conference. He said the support reflects the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening joint Arab cooperation and highlighting the role of Arab solidarity in supporting regional security and stability.

He also underscored the Kingdom's commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the Arab world.

"Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges and an important basis for unifying positions and coordinating parliamentary efforts," Al Al-Sheikh said.

He added that such efforts contribute to enhancing stability, protecting shared Arab interests, promoting the role of parliaments in supporting development efforts, and consolidating the values of dialogue and integration among Arab states.

Al Al-Sheikh said the Shura Council looks forward to welcoming participants to the conference and expressed hope that its outcomes will support joint Arab parliamentary action and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for advancing Arab causes in the region and the world.


Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Efforts to Support Regional Security

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, Qatari FMs Discuss Efforts to Support Regional Security

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has made a phone call to Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During the call on Sunday, the two ministers reviewed the latest developments and their implications for the region, as well as the two countries’ efforts to support security and stability.