عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

After AlUla Summit, What’s Next for Gulf States?

A Saudi journalist passes by a screen displaying the GCC logo. AP
A Saudi journalist passes by a screen displaying the GCC logo. AP
TT
TT

After AlUla Summit, What’s Next for Gulf States?

A Saudi journalist passes by a screen displaying the GCC logo. AP
A Saudi journalist passes by a screen displaying the GCC logo. AP

Gulf Arab leaders signed a declaration on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to mark a new page in relations after ending a feud with Qatar that lasted over 40 months, leaving many to speculate about what’s next.

At the 41st annual summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in AlUla, the four countries that jointly boycotted Qatar — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain — restored diplomatic ties with Doha.

Reconciliation ensures that higher interests of the peoples of the six Gulf states that make up the GCC are maintained.

Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC Abdulaziz Hamad Aluwaisheg said that now is the time for Gulf states to discuss issues that triggered differences and establish a mechanism for resolving them.

Aluwaisheg added that the first step towards a solution has been taken.

Confirming reconciliation with Qatar, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said that the 41st GCC summit has opened a new phase of "solidarity" and "stability" between regional states.

Saudi Arabia's decision to reopen air, land and sea borders with Qatar ahead of holding the GCC summit in AlUla was perceived as a milestone towards resolving the Gulf dispute. Observers said that the summit succeeded before even starting.

Gulf countries signed “AlUla Declaration” at the conclusion of the GCC summit, outlining the features of restoring multi-faceted cooperation after the union having suffered fluxes in its influential role in enhancing the security and stability of the region for over three years.

Mounting Iranian threats demand that regional states unite in a firm stance.

Aluwaisheg, in a phone interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, confirmed that the GCC can now achieve progress on various tracks more swiftly, saying reconciliation will have a positive effect on political cohesion and economic achievement.

For the political track, reconciliation has managed to unite the stances of GCC states on Iran, especially on facing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and meddling in the internal affairs of neighbors.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
TT
TT

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.