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Bahrain Says Partnership with US Strengthens Regional, Global Security

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
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Bahrain Says Partnership with US Strengthens Regional, Global Security

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that the Kingdom and the US would continue to boost their cooperation, reiterating the importance of pushing bilateral ties to advanced levels.

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said that during his official visit to the US, Crown Prince Salman received the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

During the meeting, Prince Salman lauded the relations between Bahrain and the United States, saying they brought about an ongoing strategic partnership that has strengthened regional and global security, peace, stability, and development.

The Crown Prince underscored the importance of peaceful and diplomatic ways to resolve various global issues. He discussed with Blinken bilateral relations and ways to develop cooperation and increase coordination between the two countries.

Prince Salman noted the importance of the Strategic Dialogue held between Bahrain and the United States, which aims to enhance regional security, prosperity, and economic and trade development, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

At the meeting, the officials reviewed existing longstanding relations and explored further cooperation and coordination. They also discussed regional and international issues and developments of common interest.

For his part, the US Secretary stressed the importance of pushing the Bahraini-US relations towards broader horizons at various levels, praising Manama’s support and partnership on multiple issues as an essential strategic non-NATO ally, especially those related to security and stability.

On Monday, the Secretary of State and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, launched the second US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced in a statement on Wednesday that Blinken met with Bahrain’s Crown Prince in Washington, and they welcomed the launch of the second US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.

Price said the two officials discussed a range of bilateral and regional policy matters, including joint peace and security initiatives, economic cooperation, and steps to advance human rights.

They also addressed Russia’s “unjustified” attack against Ukraine.

Secretary Blinken commended Bahrain for voting in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The Secretary also thanked the Crown Prince for Bahrain’s contribution in facilitating the safe transit of evacuees from Afghanistan and commended Bahrain for advancing its ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

Later, the Crown Prince met with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, at the Pentagon. They discussed the military and defense partnership which spans 75 years.

They also addressed issues of common interest and the importance of enhancing defense cooperation and coordination to support international efforts to strengthen security, stability, and development.

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Gulf

World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The World Defense Show opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together defense and military companies from around the globe to showcase advanced technologies, as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its military industries and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The third edition of the exhibition is being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the General Authority for Military Industries from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12.

It features official delegations, government entities, and international firms operating in the defense and security sectors.

The event comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a comprehensive national defense industry and localize more than 50 percent of military spending, while boosting operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

Ahmad Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries and chairman of the exhibition’s supervisory committee, said the show reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, localization, and the development of an integrated defense ecosystem.

He said the exhibition includes live air and ground demonstrations, static displays, and newly introduced zones designed to enhance cooperation between government bodies and major national and international defense companies.

Andrew Pearcey, chief executive of the World Defense Show, said the event would feature a comprehensive program starting with an official delegations initiative linking senior officials with investors and industry leaders to support international industrial and technological cooperation.

Pearcey said the “Defense Industry Lab” would highlight emerging technologies and applied research, while dedicated zones would focus on naval systems and Saudi supply chains, connecting local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises with global firms.

The program also includes meetings between Saudi government entities and industry representatives to discuss operational requirements and investment opportunities.

He added that the venue includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and large display areas, allowing the exhibition to host integrated air, land, and maritime demonstrations.

Participation in the 2026 edition is expected to exceed previous shows, reflecting growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s defense market.

South Korea’s air force aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, will take part in the exhibition for the first time in the Middle East. The South Korean Air Force said it would deploy 9 T-50 fighter jets, including 1 reserve aircraft, 4 C-130 transport planes, and about 120 personnel.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.

Gulf

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.