Egypt, Bahrain Discuss Cooperation, Regional Developments

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
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Egypt, Bahrain Discuss Cooperation, Regional Developments

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)

Egyptian Abdel Fattah al-Sisi kicked off on Tuesday a two-day visit to Bahrain, flying in from Oman, as part of a Gulf tour.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Sisi at al-Sakhir Palace in Manama. The two leaders held official talks in the presence of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad.

The King praised Egypt's pivotal role as the pillar of security and stability in the region, highlighting its commendable efforts in championing Arab causes and boosting joint Arab action against various challenges.

Sisi stressed the importance of the relations, asserting: "We are always keen on holding such meetings to enhance cooperation between our two brotherly countries across various fields."

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said the two sides reviewed the solid fraternal Bahraini-Egyptian relations and ways to further the strategic cooperation between them for the benefit of the two brotherly peoples.

King Hamad said Sisi's visit reflects the outstanding bilateral relations and embodies the keenness of the two countries' leaderships on constant communication, coordination, and consultation on various regional issues of mutual interest to serve their interests and address the problems of the Arab Nation.

The Egyptian presidency spokesman announced that the two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern that require concerted efforts to protect Arab national security and confront attempts to destabilize and interfere in their domestic affairs.

Ahead of his arrival in Bahrain, Sisi concluded a two-day official visit to Oman, during which six memoranda of understanding, two agreements, three executive programs, and letters of cooperation were signed.

Sisi met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in the Omani capital, Muscat.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, affirming the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and dialogue.

They stressed the depth of relations between their countries and underscored the need to develop them in various fields of cooperation, especially the economic, investment, tourism, and scientific levels.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.

A joint statement issued after the Egyptian President visited Oman affirmed the two countries' strong desire to strengthen bilateral relations and advance them towards broader horizons.

The Egyptian spokesman said Sultan Haitham valued Egypt's prominent role in enhancing the mechanisms of joint Arab action in the face of the current crises and challenges in the region.

He noted that the role of Egypt is a model to be emulated in preserving stability and improving the economic and social conditions in the Arab world.

The meeting discussed ways to foster closer cooperation, notably in trade and economic relations and joint investments, particularly in light of the outcomes of the Joint Business Council and the Egyptian-Omani Joint Committee held in Muscat in January 2022.

The two sides exchanged views on several international issues, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions on the region.

They exchanged visions regarding the upcoming summit between the Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the United States, to be held in Saudi Arabia.

They discussed the developments in Arab and regional issues, especially the Yemeni crisis.

They agreed on the importance of bolstering coordination between the two countries to support the unity and sovereignty of the Yemeni state and the safety of its national institutions, leading to a sustainable political settlement that ends the Yemeni people's suffering and meets their needs and aspirations.

They stressed that the security and stability of Yemen are of utmost importance to the safety of the Arab and the Red Sea regions.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque on Friday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of attacks on places of worship, the intimidation of innocent civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood, stressing Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.

It also extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.


MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

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

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, the Saudi Press Agency said Saturday.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Mohammed Al-Issa denounced the attack as a grave crime that violates all religious and humanitarian values, stressing the sanctity of human life and places of worship.

He reaffirmed the MWL’s rejection of violence and terrorism in all forms and expressed full solidarity with Pakistan in safeguarding its security and stability. Al-Issa also offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Pakistani people, praying for mercy for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.


Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
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Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)

The foreign minister of several Arab countries and Slovenia met in Ljubljana on Friday to discuss efforts to boost regional and international security and stability, with focus on the Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Bahraini FM Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and Qatari FM Sultan Al Muraikhi and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

The FMs stressed the need to respect and fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They discussed the need to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to the enclave.

They tackled efforts to ensure the success of the peace plan launched by US President Donald Trump, and progress towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.

The ministers discussed the situation in the occupied West Bank, stressing the need to halt illegal unilateral Israeli measures there and Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, which are deepening tensions and undermining all de-escalation efforts.

The ministers commended Slovenia's support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its recognition of the State of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The talks also addressed developments in the region, ways to reduce tensions through negotiation and dialogue, and efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.