عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi FM: Riyadh, Washington Disagree on Some Issues, Work Together for Region’s Stability

The Saudi Foreign Minister meets his Dutch counterpart in Munich. (SPA)
The Saudi Foreign Minister meets his Dutch counterpart in Munich. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi FM: Riyadh, Washington Disagree on Some Issues, Work Together for Region’s Stability

The Saudi Foreign Minister meets his Dutch counterpart in Munich. (SPA)
The Saudi Foreign Minister meets his Dutch counterpart in Munich. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed that his country’s ties with the United States take into account the national interests of the two countries.

“We disagree with the US on some issues,” he said, but added that Riyadh was working jointly with Washington on security and stability in the region.

Speaking during a panel at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, the minister also touched on Riyadh’s relations with Moscow, especially regarding the Ukrainian crisis, saying: “Our relationship is good with Russia and this is beneficial for everyone to keep the doors of dialogue open.”

Saudi Arabia “is continuing dialogue with Kyiv and Moscow” to find a solution, “but issues between them are complex,” Prince Faisal was quoted by Al-Arabiya TV as saying, noting that there was willingness on both sides to negotiate.

In the same context, he addressed the Iranian file, saying: “We have warned previously of Iran’s drones, and now they are hitting Ukraine.”

On the Iranian nuclear deal, he remarked: “We want the Gulf states to have a say in the agreement.”

“We want to return to the nuclear agreement, but with a comprehensive view and with Gulf participation,” he stressed, adding that the acquisition of a nuclear weapon by an “enemy country prompts everyone to search for their options.”

On Syria, Prince Faisal pointed to an Arab consensus that the current situation there should not continue, stressing the need to find a solution to the issue of Syrian refugees abroad and the humanitarian aspect at home.

Turning to the Palestinian file, he said the ongoing escalation in the occupied territories and the increase of Israeli settlements would not help achieve peace.

The FM held a number of meetings with the foreign ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan and Austria on the sidelines of his participation in the conference.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Prince Faisal discussed with deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra bilateral relations and international efforts to find a political solution to the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.

During his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Saudi minister reviewed the most prominent topics discussed at the Munich conference and the importance of strengthening multilateral action in order to achieve international peace and security.

Prince Faisal tackled with the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Alexander Schellenberg, bilateral relations and means to increase coordination on issues of common concern.

The minister also met separately with German Minister of State and Head of Bavarian State Chancellery, Florian Herrmann, and BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse, on the sidelines of the conference.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Crown Prince and Sultan of Oman Review Bilateral Relations and Regional Developments

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations - SPA
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations - SPA
TT
TT

Crown Prince and Sultan of Oman Review Bilateral Relations and Regional Developments

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations - SPA
The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations - SPA

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met on Tuesday in Jeddah with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik, SPA reported.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and explored promising opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various fields.

The two leaders also discussed recent developments in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to maintain regional security and stability.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Pushes to Activate Makkah Agreement, Strengthen Deterrence and Collective Defense

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairing a Cabinet session - SPA
Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairing a Cabinet session - SPA
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Pushes to Activate Makkah Agreement, Strengthen Deterrence and Collective Defense

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairing a Cabinet session - SPA
Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairing a Cabinet session - SPA

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held on Tuesday in Jeddah which reviewed the outcomes of recent consultations and discussions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other nations, including the message received by the Crown Prince from Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the first meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Committee of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, which included an agreement to take further institutional steps to establish a General Secretariat headquartered in the Kingdom and activate joint cooperation mechanisms, aiming to enhance coordination and integration, ensure effective deterrence and collective defense, and support international security and regional efforts toward achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that upon reviewing the outcomes of the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States, the Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continued support for all efforts enhancing the organization's role in serving Islamic causes and fulfilling the aspirations of Muslims for peace and stability.

The Cabinet also congratulated Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his election as OIC secretary-general, expressing appreciation for the dedicated efforts of former secretary-general Hissein Brahim Taha throughout his tenure.

The Cabinet further highlighted Saudi Arabia's active engagement in regional and international organizations, commending the national efforts that cemented its regional leadership with 21 healthy cities accredited by the World Health Organization.

This milestone was achieved by embedding accreditation standards into institutional and developmental practices that place human well-being and quality of life at the core of sustainable development.

The Cabinet also lauded the National Greening Program for receiving a United Nations award for World Restoration Flagships, a recognition that reflects the program's environmental leadership and dedication to expanding vegetation cover, rehabilitating degraded lands, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity.

The Cabinet further noted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's re-election as Chair of the Executive Council of the Arab Administrative Development Organization, affirming its leading role in supporting joint Arab action and advancing human resource development and service quality across member states in line with shared aspirations.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to Establish Secretariat Under Makkah Joint Defense Agreement

Officials are seen at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah agreement in Istanbul on Monday. (AFP)
Officials are seen at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah agreement in Istanbul on Monday. (AFP)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan to Establish Secretariat Under Makkah Joint Defense Agreement

Officials are seen at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah agreement in Istanbul on Monday. (AFP)
Officials are seen at the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah agreement in Istanbul on Monday. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan agreed to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, which will initially be headed ‌by a Pakistani ‌secretary-general for ‌three ⁠years, the three countries ⁠said in a joint statement on Monday. 

The Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement held its first meeting in Istanbul bringing together the foreign ministers, defense ministers, commanders of the defense forces, and chiefs of the general staffs of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan. 

"In keeping with their commitment to fulfilling their regional responsibilities, the three states reaffirm their determination to work together within the framework of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region," said a joint statement after the meeting.  

"To this end, they will continue to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and restraint, thereby encouraging the peaceful resolution of crises." 

"The three states agreed today to take further steps to institutionalize their cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in a manner that strengthens their solidarity, ensures the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense, and contributes to regional efforts and cooperative security aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace," it continued. 

"A secretariat, headed by a secretary-general, will be established in Saudi Arabia to support the work of the three states under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. During its initial phase, the secretariat will be led by a secretary-general from Pakistan for a three-year term," it added. 

"Through joint activities, the three states will work to boost their defense capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces by fostering robust cooperation in defense industries and the development of joint production and technologies." 

"Through the institutional and substantive implementation of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, the three states will make essential contributions to regional peace and stability," it stressed. 

Speaking at a press conference after the talks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Makkah agreement will lead to greater stability and prosperity, and reduce uncertainty in the region, adding that "the process of testing a new architecture for security and cooperation in our region has begun with this agreement." 

He described the Makkah agreement as a "historic step," emphasizing that the countries of the region need to move together to establish peace.  

The alliance reinforces the concept of working to solve the region's problems through its own nations, rather than through foreign interventions that have deepened and intensified these problems, he remarked.  

"With the implementation of the agreement, we will witness greater stability in the region, ambiguity will decrease, and the positions of active players will become clear."  

"This alliance is founded on international principles such as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs," he stated.  

"The alliance is not against any state and is open to all states in our region that adhere to these fundamental principles," he said.  

Asked if other countries could join the pact, Fidan said it was "indeed possible", but stressed consultations were ongoing to determine conditions, procedures and standards for membership.  

"We are also working on a roadmap regarding the processes of joining the alliance," he added.  

Fidan added: "The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement has been signed, and its objective is indeed to expand, but initially, the foundations must be solidly laid and it must be fully institutionalized."  

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, just like Türkiye, attach utmost importance to this matter, he noted.  

The scope of the agreement will be expanded to include other countries, with the approval of the three nations and through a gradual process. "We are currently seeking to complete the most difficult stage of the process, which is the foundational stage, together."  

Present at the meeting were Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Turkish FM Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu.