Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
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Yemenis, Int’l Parties Welcome GCC Initiative for Intra-Yemeni Talks

Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)
Students after completing final school exams in Sanaa on Saturday. (EPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s invitation for holding intra-Yemeni consultations was welcomed by international and Yemeni parties. In an official statement, the Yemeni presidency urged everyone to participate actively and positively.

Yemenis are looking forward to the consultations leading to results that will turn the page of the conflict and help chart a clear path to peace.

The Yemeni presidency welcomed on Friday the GCC’s announcement that it will host Yemeni consultations at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, from March 29 to April 7.

It praised in a statement the GCC and Saudi-led Arab coalition’s sincere efforts to restore security and stability and achieve peace in Yemen, based on the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, outcomes of the national dialogue and relevant UN resolutions, mainly resolution 2216.

The presidency called on all Yemeni components to participate effectively and positively in the upcoming talks and join efforts to resolve the crises, end the suffering of Yemenis and start building the future of the next generations.

The United Nations also welcomed the initiative.

“I can tell you that the UN appreciates all initiatives to reach an inclusive negotiated political settlement to the conflict in Yemen,” said Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric.

“In that context, we welcome the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative to hold consultations among the parties to the conflict in Yemen in the coming weeks in support of the UN’s own efforts,” he added.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the initiative announced by the GCC, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The OIC’s General Secretariat had called for supporting a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and encouraged dialogue between all Yemeni parties and the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, and appreciated all efforts, especially efforts of UN and Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire and advancing the political process.

OIC Secretary General, Hissein Brahim Taha praised the GCC initiative, which would bridge the rift between Yemeni brothers.

He called on all Yemeni parties to engage in this very important initiative to stop the bleeding of Yemeni blood and reach a political solution to end the conflict and advance the interests of the Yemeni people and in support of security and stability in the region.



Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
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Emir of Qatar, Syrian President Hold Talks on Regional Developments

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2026. (Amiri Diwan/Handout via Reuters)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks in Doha on Wednesday with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, focusing on regional and international developments.

Sheikh Tamim hoped the visit would strengthen cooperation and expand ties between their two countries across various sectors.

Sharaa stressed Syria's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in a way that serves the shared interests of both nations and their peoples.

He also expressed solidarity with Qatar following Iranian attacks targeting the country and other states in the region, voicing support for measures taken by Doha to safeguard its sovereignty, security and citizens.

The leaders underscored their commitment to supporting regional security and stability, while discussing bilateral relations and ways to further develop them.

The meeting was attended by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, as well as a number of senior officials.

Also in attendance were Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani, along with a number of senior officials.

Sheikh Tamim and Al-Sharaa held a separate bilateral meeting to exchange views on key issues of mutual interest, followed by an official luncheon hosted in honor of the visiting delegation.

Al-Sharaa is on a tour of the Gulf that he kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday where he met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.


Egyptian Prime Minister Meets with Saudi Ambassador to Egypt

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
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Egyptian Prime Minister Meets with Saudi Ambassador to Egypt

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Prime Minister of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly met Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Dr. Madbouly emphasized the strong historical and strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and also noted the continued coordination and consultations on regional and international issues of common interest, SPA reported.

The ambassador expressed pride in the strong relations between the two countries and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields, in light of the fraternal ties between their leaderships.

The meeting addressed ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation, as well as to increase the volume of bilateral trade.


KSrelief Signs Cooperation Agreement for Economic Empowerment of Displaced Persons, Refugees, Host Community in Niger

his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia  - SPA
his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia - SPA
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KSrelief Signs Cooperation Agreement for Economic Empowerment of Displaced Persons, Refugees, Host Community in Niger

his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia  - SPA
his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), via videoconference, on Monday signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to implement a project for the economic empowerment of displaced persons, refugees, and the host community in Niger, SPA reported.

Under the agreement, sustainable job opportunities will be created and livelihoods for displaced persons and refugees will be improved by empowering youth and women in targeted areas through providing nine specialized training courses in automotive and motorcycle mechanics, electricity, solar energy, carpentry, plumbing, sewing, textiles, and barbering and beauty, in addition to establishing seven farms equipped with artesian wells suitable for agriculture and human use in Tillabéri and Maradi regions

The total number of beneficiaries of the project is estimated at 1,028 individuals, according to SPA.

This assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to improve living conditions in countries in need around the world.