Muslim World League Chief Visits Macedonia to Reinforce Ties

Part of Al-Issa’s meeting with Macedonian leaders (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
Part of Al-Issa’s meeting with Macedonian leaders (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
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Muslim World League Chief Visits Macedonia to Reinforce Ties

Part of Al-Issa’s meeting with Macedonian leaders (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)
Part of Al-Issa’s meeting with Macedonian leaders (Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic)

President Dr. Stevo Pendarovski of the Republic of North Macedonia met in Skopje the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

During the meeting, Pendarovski commended Al-Issa's role in promoting tolerance and coexistence in the world. He added that Europe considers him as the most influential Islamic figure.

Al-Issa said the MWL is keen to build bridges between peoples in order to enhance peace worldwide.

Also, Speaker of the Macedonian Parliament, Dr. Talat Xhaferi held talks with Al-Issa, and they discussed ways to enhance joint action, in the presence of the heads of parliamentary committees and senior Macedonian statesmen.

Al-Issa later visited the Islamic Sheikhdom in North Macedonia and met with the Chief Scholar, Sheikh Hafiz Shakir Effendi, in the presence of muftis and scholars.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation and several issues of common interest.

Al-Issa also delivered a lecture on the nature of human diversity, according to Islamic concepts. The Sheikhdom decided to translate the lecture into all the languages of the Balkan countries

Moreover, Skopje Cathedral welcomed the Secretary-General's visit, highlighting its significance.

For his part, Al-Issa underscored that Macedonia is a distinguished model of coexistence.

He further convened with members of the Governmental Committee for Relations with Sects and Religious Groups at its headquarters in Skopje. He also discussed with the Director of the Committee, advisers, senior government officials, and advisors several vital matters.



Saudi Crown Prince, Egyptian President Discuss Developments, Security of Navigation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Egyptian President Discuss Developments, Security of Navigation

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks in Cairo on Tuesday on bilateral relations, as well as developments in the region and issues related to Middle East security and stability, leading with marine navigation and freedom. 

Crown Prince Mohammed had arrived in Egypt earlier on Tuesday on a working visit. He held a bilateral meeting with Sisi and an expanded session of talks. 

They discussed the strategic bilateral ties between their countries and means to develop and bolster them in various fields. They also tackled issues of common interest on the Arab and Islamic scenes, as well as regional developments. 

After his departure, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to Sisi, saying the visit and talks underscore the strength of fraternal relations between Riyadh and Cairo and the joint desire to develop cooperation in all areas. 

It also reflects a will to continue coordination and consultations of issues on mutual interest under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Sisi. 

Official Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency Mohamed El-Shennawy said Crown Prince Mohammed and Sisi were in agreement that the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries was indivisible from that of Egypt’s. 

He stressed Cairo’s complete condemnation of any attacks that harm the Kingdoms sovereignty and stability and that threaten freedom of navigation in international marine waterways. 

He said the circumstances in the region demand more solidarity and coordination between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, adding that their interests and goals “were one” and that they were in “absolute agreement.” 

The Crown Prince’s visit underscores the solidarity and fraternity between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, he remarked. 

Observers told Asharq Al-Awsat that Red Sea security and means to secure international navigation were key aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially amid the developments in the region and threats to global supply chains. 

Saudi Arabia and Egypt had signed in September 2025 a cooperation protocol to support marine security within efforts to bolster military cooperation between their navies. 

International and regional affairs researcher Hani al-Gamal said the visit took place amid heightened tensions in the region and threats to Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait security. 

He noted the ongoing crises in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Syria and others. 

Al-Gamal outlined three primary considerations for the visit: first, the changing nature of threats in the region as they begin to affect the security of maritime corridors, supply chains, energy, and international trade. Second, by virtue of the capabilities of both countries, coordination becomes "a necessity to protect Arab interests." 

As for the third consideration, al-Gamal said that the visit carries a message that relations are not limited to official communications or coordination, but are rather based on a strategic partnership that requires continuous updating in light of new developments. 


Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
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Saudi Crown Prince Arrives in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Cairo (SPA).

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Egypt on Tuesday, at the direction of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on a working visit.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was among those who received him upon his arrival.

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Egyptian President will discuss ways to strengthen the two countries’ fraternal bilateral relations, as well as issues of mutual interest.


MWL Condemns Continued Houthi Militia Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Continued Houthi Militia Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the continued aggression by the terrorist Houthi militia against the Kingdom, particularly its targeting of the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif with ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in injuries to civilians and damage to several residential homes and vehicles, SPA reported.

In a statement issued by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa reiterated his condemnation of these attacks that violate religious values, as well as international and humanitarian laws and norms.

He also reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to deter aggression and safeguard the Kingdom's security, as well as the safety of its citizens and residents.