Saudi-Russian Summit Next Thursday

 King Salman/SPA
King Salman/SPA
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Saudi-Russian Summit Next Thursday

 King Salman/SPA
King Salman/SPA

The Kremlin said it hopes that the upcoming visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud to Moscow next week will give a new powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations with Riyadh which is the leader of the Arab world.

"Russia is interested in maintaining a dialogue, including in the framework of the discussion of the situation in the Middle East and Syria," the press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

King Salman is expected to arrive in Moscow next Wednesday on an official visit to Russia.

A summit between the Saudi King and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be held on Thursday to discuss enhancing and developing bilateral relations, and would also tackle a number of regional and international issues. The visit will last until Sunday.

"We hope that this visit will give a new powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations, because the potential of our relations is much richer than the de facto situation, and we want to develop our dialogue in every possible way," Peskov said.

Saudi King’s official visit will also witness the signing of Russia of a number of memorandums and agreements with 6 Saudi governmental bodies.

Two Saudi companies will also sign a number of deals with four Russian companies. The visit will also see the delivery of a number of investment permits.

Asked whether the visit of King Salman constitutes a sign of the rapprochement of positions between Moscow and Riyadh, particularly concerning the Syrian crisis, Peskov said: “Saudi Arabia is a state that plays an important role in Arab and inter-Arab affairs. It is the leader of the Arab world.”

He added that Russia is undoubtedly interested to keep its dialogue with the Kingdom.



ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
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ASEAN ‘Khair Ummah’ Conference Condemns Houthi Attacks on Makkah and Madinah

The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).
The conference condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Makkah, Madinah and civilian sites in Saudi Arabia (SPA).

Participants at the fourth international conference of ASEAN countries, “Khair Ummah,” condemned on Tuesday the Houthi militia’s launch of drones and missiles toward Makkah and Madinah and its targeting of civilian sites in Saudi Arabia.

ASEAN rejected the Houthi’s actions saying it threaten Islamic holy sites and the safety of civilians.

In the conference’s final statement, the participants denounced what they said are criminal acts targeting Muslim holy sites and civilian targets in Saudi Arabia.

The statement praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote unity and strengthen solidarity by hosting and supporting the conference, emphasizing its role in serving Islam and Muslims and promoting a moderate and balanced approach.

Participants called for moderation, tolerance and efforts to counter extremism, saying such values help build safe and stable societies.

The final statement said Islam rejects injustice, aggression and terrorism, and called on scholars and preachers to promote sound Islamic teachings and tolerant values, including through modern technology and artificial intelligence.

Participants also called for continued cooperation among scholars and Islamic institutions in ASEAN countries to counter extremism and promote unity.

The Cambodia-hosted conference was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

It brought together about 130 scholars, researchers and Islamic figures from Saudi Arabia and ASEAN countries for eight sessions on Muslim unity, moderation and cooperation.


Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports
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Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Civil Aviation Authority: Three People Injured in Attacks on Jazan and Najran Airports

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport came under attack on Monday evening, adding that emergency teams and relevant authorities began responding immediately in line with approved procedures and plans.

The authority said the attacks slightly injured three people and caused material damage. The injured were taken to hospital for medical treatment, it added.

GACA said it was continuing to coordinate with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff and maintain the security and safety of the Kingdom's civil aviation system.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned the attacks on Saudi airports, calling them a serious escalation and violation of international law. He urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security measures.


GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
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GCC Reaffirms Support for Efforts to Achieve Security and Stability in Yemen

Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)
Jassem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, Yemen’s Foreign Minister. (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backed efforts to promote peace and prosperity.

The GCC statement came during a phone call between Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi and Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba. The two officials discussed the latest developments in Yemen amid the country’s current circumstances and rapidly unfolding events in the region.

Albudaiwi reiterated that Yemen’s security and stability are of fundamental importance to the security and stability of GCC states and the wider region. He said the council would continue to stand with Yemen and its people and support all efforts to promote security, stability, peace, dignified living and prosperity.