Gulf, Arab Countries Express Solidarity with Saudi Arabia against Houthi Attackshttps://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3392581/gulf-arab-countries-express-solidarity-saudi-arabia-against-houthi-attacks
Gulf, Arab Countries Express Solidarity with Saudi Arabia against Houthi Attacks
Bahrain's capital Manama. (Getty Images)
Gulf and Arab countries condemned the drone attack by the Iran-backed Houthi militias against southern Saudi Arabia. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Kingdom, backing all the measures authorities are taking to protect Saudi territory.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement that the country “considers this targeting a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security, safety, and lives of civilians, and calls for taking all necessary measures to protect civilians from Houthi threats.”
The statement said that the security of the UAE and Saudi Arabia are indivisible, and “any threat or danger facing the Kingdom is considered by the UAE as a threat to its security and stability system.”
Bahrain also denounced the attacks and praised the vigilance and efficiency of the Arab coalition forces, which were able to intercept and destroy the aircraft.
Manama said that the terrorist acts carried out by the militias in a systematic and deliberate manner constitute a blatant attack on the Kingdom’s sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity.
Kuwait said the continuation of these aggressive practices and the escalation in targeting civilians, civilian areas, the security of the Kingdom, and regional stability are a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law and require the international community to act quickly and decisively to deter these threats and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Egypt and Jordan also issued similar statements strongly condemning the attacks, reiterating their full solidarity with the Kingdom and their support for all the measures it takes to maintain its security and stability.
Qatar expressed “cautious optimism” on Tuesday that the agreement between the United States and Iran would bolster security in the Middle East.
It called for “regional dialogue” aimed at building trust with Iran after the signing of the deal.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a weekly press briefing: “We are cautiously optimistic that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will lead to the next phase of regional security through talks over the nuclear file and other issues.”
Qatar played a key meditating role in the negotiations that led to the agreement that ended the war between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran announced that they have reached a MoU to end the conflict. They are set to sign it in Switzerland on Friday.
Al-Ansari said Qatar will be represented at the Switzerland meeting, stressing that it helped bridge divides between the two sides to reach the settlement.
“We hope that the signing of the MoU will restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
He said the MoU was the first step towards a broader agreement that would ensure stability in the region.
The spokesman said that communication was ongoing to prevent an escalation and to achieve stability in the region. Qatar is in contact with all parties within Pakistan’s mediation.
“We want to restore peace and security in the region to the way they were before the war and we are working towards that,” he stressed.
Moreover, al-Ansari said that Qatar has not paid any funds. “Global coordination is underway to handle the economic fallout of the crisis,” he went on to say.
Meetings are being held through the Pakistani mediation; none are being held in Doha with Washington and Tehran, he clarified.
Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalationhttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5285106-portugal-praises-saudi-arabia%E2%80%99s-support-de-escalation
Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalation
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has met with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who praised the Kingdom for calling for de-escalation in the region.
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. They welcomed the agreement between Iran and the United States to end military operations and launch detailed negotiations toward a lasting settlement, underscoring the importance of diplomatic solutions in maintaining regional security and stability.
Prince Faisal renewed his congratulations to Portugal on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, wishing it success during its term in a way that supports international peace and security.
The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for Portugal’s positions in support of regional issues, including its official recognition of the State of Palestine and its backing for peaceful solutions and initiatives to implement the two-state solution.
He further commended Portugal for hosting the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Lisbon, praising its role in promoting understanding and coexistence among peoples.
The Portuguese minister expressed his country's appreciation for the Kingdom's positions, calling for de-escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions.
He affirmed Portugal’s keenness to continue coordinating and working jointly with the Kingdom to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
Also Tuesday, Prince Faisal and Rangel signed an agreement on the mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports.
It comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Portugal, and aims to facilitate travel and communication, enhance joint coordination, and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Straithttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5285089-saudi-arabia-stresses-importance-restoring-freedom-navigation-hormuz-strait
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Strait
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to the way it was before the eruption of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.
It hoped that peace would be restored to bolster regional and global security and that it would take into account the security interests of countries in the region, including non-interference in their internal affairs.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Jeddah.
The Cabinet welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran to end military operations and begin negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement. It also expressed appreciation for Pakistan and Qatar's mediation efforts in this regard.
Turning to the recent Hajj, the Cabinet expressed praise and thanks to Almighty Allah for bestowing upon Saudi Arabia the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, and for the remarkable success and meticulous organization achieved during this year’s pilgrimage.
Through integrated efforts, the Kingdom enabled more than 1.7 million pilgrims to perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility, further reinforcing its position as a leading global model in crowd management and the delivery of the highest-quality services to the pilgrims, in accordance with a comprehensive institutional approach founded on planning, data, and advanced technologies.
The Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the Supreme Hajj Committee and all entities involved in the pilgrim service ecosystem for their efforts and dedication in carrying out this great responsibility. Their high levels of coordination, integration, and readiness contributed to achieving the objectives of the security, preventive, organizational, and service plans, while mobilizing all available resources and capabilities to care for pilgrims from their arrival in the Kingdom until their safe return to their home countries.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, presides over the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
The Cabinet reviewed discussions and consultations held over the past week between Saudi Arabia and a number of brotherly and friendly countries. The engagements aimed to strengthen relations and advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination across various fields in a manner that serves common interests, while supporting international efforts to reinforce regional and international security and stability.
The Cabinet said that the selection of Riyadh as the headquarters of the first cybersecurity office established by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cybersecurity. It underscores the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives to promote stability in cyberspace and support societal prosperity and economic growth.
These efforts have helped position the Kingdom as a leading destination for regional and international organizations operating in this vital sector, said the Cabinet.
It also welcomed the statement by International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts following the conclusion of the 2026 Article IV consultation discussions, which reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the Saudi economy in the face of regional developments.
The statement cited the Kingdom’s strong economic fundamentals, ample reserves, diversified oil and logistics infrastructure, and continued reforms under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Cabinet praised the achievements of the National Transformation Program in 2025, coinciding with the completion of 71% of its implementation initiatives. The initiatives aim to protect the environment, ensure sustainable food and water security, support community development, strengthen the non-profit sector, expand workforce participation among various segments of society, and enhance labor market attractiveness. They also help boost private-sector participation, deepen economic partnerships, and promote excellence in government performance.
The Cabinet highlighted the gains achieved by the Human Capability Development Program in advancing the education and training ecosystem, boosting the competitiveness of Saudi talent locally and globally, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, expanding the use of modern technologies, and strengthening the Kingdom’s national identity and cultural presence.
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