Zayani: Gulf States are Committed to GCC’s Unity, Role

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
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Zayani: Gulf States are Committed to GCC’s Unity, Role

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani said on Sunday the GCC states are committed to the principles and objectives of the Council.

He said they are keen to enhance its current and future role, maintain its unity, harness its capabilities to serve GCC’s citizens and safeguard the security and stability of its member states and the region in the face of all challenges.

He praised the active role played by the GCC at the regional and global levels.

Zayani explained that it provides advice for regional and international allies and humanitarian assistance to all world countries.

He also stressed the importance of the joint Gulf response to confront challenges that threaten regional security and stability.

He also pointed out that history proves that successful nations are those that were able to build strong alliances based on solid foundations.

Zayani, who spoke at a lecture addressing students of the Saudi Command and Staff College in Riyadh, said that GCC allies and their international partners want it to continue to play its vital role in enhancing regional security and stability.

He affirmed that maintaining the strength of the Council serves the interests of its member states and the region.

He also pointed out that the GCC has passed this test for nearly 38 years and is the current best model in the region.

Zayani noted that challenges in the region may take different forms, but the Middle East peace process remains the central issue.

Yemen remains the greatest challenge for the GCC, he said, explaining that the Saudi-led coalition is continuing its mission to achieve peace in the war-torn country and eliminate the Iranian influence that threatens its security and stability.

He spoke about the efforts exerted by the GCC through the cooperative system to bolster the security of the coalition through a range of security, social and economic initiatives and projects and in the field of safety and recovery.

Later on Sunday, Zayani held talks with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim al-Assaf to discuss issues of common interest.



Arab League Condemns Israeli Decision to Establish New Settlements in West Bank

A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
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Arab League Condemns Israeli Decision to Establish New Settlements in West Bank

A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)
A general view shows the opening session of the meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the Arab League Headquarters (Reuters)

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the decision by the Israeli occupation’s ministerial committee to approve the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, considering it a blatant challenge to the international will rejecting settlement activity and a violation of international law, which affirms the illegitimacy of settlements.

In a statement issued Monday, the secretary-general said the continued expansion of illegal settlement activity aims to prevent the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state and reflects the nature of the Israeli government, which he said is controlled by extremists and settlers, SPA reported.

Aboul Gheit stressed that settlement expansion will not make it legitimate under any circumstances.

 

He highlighted that the violence practiced by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank constitutes a form of terrorism carried out under the watch and with the protection of the official institutions of the occupying power.


Saudi FM Arrives in Muscat for Meeting of Saudi-Omani Coordination Council 

Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Arrives in Muscat for Meeting of Saudi-Omani Coordination Council 

Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)
Omani FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah upon his arrival in Muscat. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Muscat on Monday.

He was received by his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi upon his arrival at Muscat International Airport.

The two sides are scheduled to hold the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council.


Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Pakistan's Army Chief with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Defense Minister Decorates Pakistan's Army Chief with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has decorated Chief of the Pakistani Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, honoring his distinguished efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship and cooperation between the two nations.

The ceremony took place in Riyadh on Sunday upon the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Prince Khalid congratulated Field Marshal Munir on his appointment as Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces, wishing him continued success in his new role.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the historical Saudi-Pakistani relations and the strategic cooperation in defense, discussing efforts to establish the foundations of international peace and security, as well as issues of common interest.