Egypt's Grand Mufti Praises Pivotal Role of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt's Grand Mufti Praises Pivotal Role of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt's Grand Mufti Dr. Shawki Allam praised the "pivotal regional and international role" of Saudi Arabia and the great efforts made by the Kingdom, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, to serve Islam and Muslims.

The Grand Mufti met with the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh, during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa said the meeting addressed several issues of common interest, namely serving Islamic work in its various fields.

The Grand Mufti praised the role of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Minister's support in bringing together the nation's scholars and thinkers from different countries of the world to discuss the concerns of Muslims.

The statement said Allam stressed the need for cooperation and solidarity between Islamic religious institutions to confront extremist ideology, correct concepts, and explain the true religion and its tolerance for the world.

The Minister, for his part, underscored the strength of Saudi-Egyptian relations, especially at the religious level, lauding the achievements of Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa.

The Grand Mufti participated in the "Russia - Islamic World" conference, held in Jeddah, under the theme "Dialogue and Cooperation Prospects."

The conference was attended by several senior scholars and thinkers from Russia and various countries of the Islamic world and addressed issues of common interest between Russia and the Islamic world and ways of enhancing cooperation to face challenges.

Meanwhile, Al-Sheikh discussed with the Egyptian Minister of Endowments, Mohammad Mokhtar Gomaa cooperation between their ministries.

He praised the efforts of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in building, developing, reforming, and advancing the Egyptian state.

He also lauded the efforts of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed in developing and reforming Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian Minister praised the role of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed in serving the Holy Mosques and the Arab and Islamic nations, stressing the strength and importance of the relationship between the two countries in various fields.

Gomaa also praised the efforts of the Saudi Minister in confronting extremist ideology and the "destructive" ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood.



Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
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Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said work has begun on a defense cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia that includes joint investment in the production of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s progress in defense industries is being closely followed by Saudi Arabia, as well as by other countries, adding that Ankara is preparing to conclude significant agreements with Riyadh in this field.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with his remarks published on Thursday, Erdogan said: “We have received many positive comments on the Turkish fighter KAAN, and discussions are under way on joint investment with Saudi Arabia in this regard.”

He stressed that KAAN is not merely a combat aircraft but a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering capabilities and its determination to maintain an independent defense posture. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this area is likely to expand, including through joint investments.

In February 2024, Türkiye announced the successful first flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries. With this milestone, Türkiye became one of only five countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aims to export the jet.

KAAN is designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and conduct precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.

Erdogan said he held “highly productive” talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, noting that Saudi Arabia holds a special place for Türkiye in defense industries, transport, healthcare, investment, and construction services. Bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2025, while Turkish contractors have completed more than 400 projects in the Kingdom worth a total of $30 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Türkiye share aligned views on regional issues, stressing that both countries oppose any new war in the region and favor peace, stability, and calm, which he said would benefit all parties.

 

 

 

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a letter from Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on bilateral relations between their countries.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received the letter on Thursday during a meeting with Maldives Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Sareer at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Discussions during the meeting addressed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest.


Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" tactical exercise serves to bolster Gulf security integration and embodies the unity and shared destiny of member states.

The statement was made Wednesday during Albudaiwi’s participation in the closing day of the exercise, held in Qatar. The event was attended by Qatari Interior Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with the GCC Ministers of Interior.

"This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework," the secretary-general said.

He stressed its role in enhancing coordination and integration among the respective ministries and elevating joint readiness and response to security challenges, thereby contributing to the consolidation of security and stability across the GCC.

He further highlighted that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.

The secretary-general expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in hosting and organizing the exercise, noting that the extensive resources and capabilities provided were instrumental to its success.

Closing his remarks, he voiced his aspiration that the exercise achieves its strategic objectives, fulfilling the visions of leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability for the peoples of the GCC.