Saudi Arabia, Greece Study Supplying Europe With Energy

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
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Saudi Arabia, Greece Study Supplying Europe With Energy

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)

Saudi Arabia and Greece began working on strategic cooperation on several issues of joint interest, including electricity generation through renewable energy and exporting electricity produced by renewable energy to Greece and Europe.

The two countries also agreed on cooperation in clean hydrogen, including low-carbon and green hydrogen, and its transfer to Europe.

The two countries issued a joint statement at the end of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day visit to Greece.

The statement highlighted the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in the energy field. It also lauded the formation of a joint technical team in electrical interconnection and exporting electricity to Greece to make the necessary studies and start implementation accordingly as soon as possible.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the circular carbon economy approach and its technologies such as carbon capture, reuse, transfer and storage, and carbon direct air capture to reduce the effects of climate change.

They also agreed on cooperation in energy efficiency and the transfer of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in innovation and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in the energy sector and the development of clean technologies to use hydrocarbon resources in various applications in the industrial and construction fields.

Regarding climate change issues, the two sides stressed the importance of adhering to the Framework Convention on Climate Change principles and the Paris Agreement.

They asserted the necessity to develop and implement climate agreements by focusing on emissions without sources.

Greece also praised the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, expressing its support for Saudi Arabia's efforts in the climate change field and reducing emissions.

Saudi Arabia welcomed Greece's ambitious green agenda, especially the islands' green economy initiative.

The two countries agreed to boost their cooperation regarding the trade exchange of crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals.

The two sides agreed to enhance multi-dimensional cooperation in defense and security based on the results achieved within the framework of the bilateral comprehensive military cooperation agreement that was signed during this visit.

The agreement provides a comprehensive framework for establishing more cooperation in defense to enhance security and stability in both countries and the entire region.

The statement stressed the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries by aligning the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Greek National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Greece 2.0).

They also affirmed their keenness to support investment integration opportunities between the two countries in several sectors of common interest.

The two sides praised the signing of the agreement to encourage and protect mutual investment in their belief in the private sector's vital role in achieving the ambitious investment programs.

The two sides renewed their determination to encourage investment partnerships between the private sectors in the two countries, enhance joint work and coordination by providing facilities, and find solutions to any challenges the private sector may face by strengthening investment and trade exchange.

They highlighted the fruitful results of the 5th session of the Saudi-Greek Joint Committee in Athens in May 2022, the Saudi-Greek Business Council, and the results of the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum in May 2022 in Athens.

During the visit, they praised the round table meeting between the Saudi and Greek companies.

The two sides welcomed the signing of several agreements and MoUs between the private sectors, amounting to about SR14 billion in energy, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, maritime transport and logistics, communications and information technology, health care, and food.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a data cable project agreement to strengthen the infrastructure for data transmission between Asia and Europe.

Later, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the dinner banquet hosted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The Crown Prince and the Greek Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in the cultural field.

The Crown Prince toured the Acropolis Museum and was briefed on its contents of archeological and historical antiquities and artifacts.



Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received in Riyadh on Wednesday his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi.

They reviewed the strong bilateral relations between their countries and ways to boost them across various fields.

They also addressed the latest developments in the region and the importance of continuing efforts to achieve security and stability.


OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
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OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s decision to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in the humanitarian and health sectors from carrying out their activities in Gaza.

The Secretariat stressed that these organizations “play an indispensable role in alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza.”

The OIC General Secretariat “warned of the grave consequences of this arbitrary measure, which is likely to dangerously exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions that hinder the entry of sufficient humanitarian and medical aid.”

It deemed the Israeli decision as “illegal and a “blatant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which obliges the Israel to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organizations and to allow the adequate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.”

The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community “to take the necessary measures and exert effective pressure on Israeli authorities to reverse this decision, ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, and guarantee the freedom of humanitarian organizations to operate without restriction throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.”


Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)

Qatar announced that it is following with great interest the ongoing developments and events in Yemen, reiterating its full support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the importance of preserving Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, safeguarding the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people, and achieving their aspirations for security, stability, and development.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states is integral to the security of Qatar, stemming from the deep-rooted brotherly ties and shared destiny that unite the GCC countries.

The ministry commended the statements issued by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, noting that they reflect a commitment to prioritizing the region’s interests, boosting the principles of good neighborliness, and adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Qatar will remain at the forefront of countries supporting efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy as the optimal path to achieving prosperity, security, and stability for the region and its peoples, stressed the ministry.

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued a similar statement, saying the security of Saudi Arabia and GCC states is a fundamental pillar of Gulf collective security, rooted in the bonds of brotherhood and shared destiny among them.

It expressed continued support for regional and international efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and peace, emphasizing diplomacy as the most effective path to achieving security, stability, and lasting peace in the region.

Bahrain, chair of the current session of the GCC, praised the “pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in supporting the security and stability of Yemen, stemming from their brotherly responsibilities and shared commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf region within the GCC framework.” 

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its “confidence in the wisdom of the leaderships of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and in their ability to contain any differences within the framework of the GCC, in line with the principles of the GCC based on solidarity, mutual understanding, and unity, serving the shared aspirations to instill security, stability, peace, and prosperity for the benefit of the region and its peoples.” 

The ministry reiterated Bahrain’s “firm and supportive stance toward all regional and international initiatives and efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen, in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” 

Jordan also praised Saudi Arabia and the UAE's roles in supporting Yemen.

OIC

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha underlined the organization’s firm stance in support of Yemen, its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.  

He reiterated the OIC’s categorical rejection of any actions or attempts that would undermine Yemen’s unity or compromise its constitutional legitimacy and national institutions, in light of recent developments in the country. 

He renewed the OIC’s full support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council. He stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening state institutions in order to realize the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development. 

Taha condemned any actions or practices by the Southern Transitional Council that pose a direct threat to Yemen’s unity, undermine peace efforts, and prolong the conflict.  

“Any disruption to Yemen’s security and stability also threatens peace and security across the region,” he warned. 

He welcomed the announcement of the UAE’s withdrawal of forces from Yemen, describing it as a “constructive step that supports de-escalation efforts and spares the blood of the Yemeni people.” 

He further stressed that the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia “constitute inviolable red lines.” 

“Any threat to the Kingdom’s security is a direct threat to the security of the entire region and the Islamic world,” Taha added, underscoring the OIC’s “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to safeguard its national security.” 

He stressed “the need to continue supporting political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Yemeni crisis.” 

He called on all Yemeni parties “to uphold legitimacy, renounce violence, and prioritize dialogue and the higher interests of Yemen and its people, in order to achieve security, stability, and development while preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”