Saudi Arabia Calls for Reducing Tension, Promoting Dialogue 

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his participation in the first session of the Manama Dialogue Forum on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his participation in the first session of the Manama Dialogue Forum on Saturday. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Calls for Reducing Tension, Promoting Dialogue 

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his participation in the first session of the Manama Dialogue Forum on Saturday. (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his participation in the first session of the Manama Dialogue Forum on Saturday. (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji stressed that Saudi Arabia continues to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions, confronting challenges, promoting dialogue and strengthening partnership between all countries.  

Addressing the Manama Dialogue on Saturday, Al-Khuraiji said his country has offered many initiatives in this regard, adding: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to play its role as a source of energy in the world, as we deal with energy in its comprehensive concept, and pay attention to international obligations towards climate change.”  

He added: “In light of the Economic Vision 2030, the Kingdom has set plans to find a stable base that fosters investments and projects, with the aim to advance economic development.”  

Al-Khuraiji stressed that geopolitical conflicts affect all countries and sensitive sectors such as security, food and energy. He emphasized the need to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes in order to face the common challenges that afflict the international community.  

The Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the Kingdom has ambitions and priorities in light of Vision 2030, which “necessitates harnessing its diplomatic efforts to provide a secure and stable regional and international environment that fosters investments, enables development and encourages the establishment of new international partnerships and the strengthening of existing ties.”  

Kuwait and energy security 

Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, stressed the need to unite efforts to confront challenges related to energy, food security and climate change. 

He noted that fateful decisions must be taken to move energy supply chains, adding that all countries were encouraged to participate positively in this framework, amid warnings of an imminent recession in many regions. 

In his speech during the first session of the 18th session of the Manama Dialogue, the FM underlined that the effects of the energy crisis on the climate could not be ignored, adding that the international community have decisive obligations to confront the challenges in the areas of food and energy security, climate change, growth and prosperity.  

Bahrain, and the impact of conflicts in the region 

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul-Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani said on Saturday, that external conflicts and competition between foreign countries have greatly contributed to shaping the modern Middle East and increased challenges and crises in the region. 

During his participation in the second dialogue session of the Manama Dialogue Conference, under the title, “The Impact of Conflicts outside the Region on the Security Situation in the Middle East,” Al-Zayani noted that given the geostrategic importance of the region, “external forces are likely to continue to focus and directly interfere in its affairs.” 

He explained that the conference, which is held amid ongoing global turmoil, was an opportunity for participants to emphasize the pivotal role of peaceful dialogue in preventing and resolving conflicts. 



Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
TT

Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)

A cargo vessel was attacked by a drone on Sunday in Qatari waters northeast of Mesaieed port as the ship travelled from Abu Dhabi, causing a limited fire that was contained, the Qatari Defense Ministry said.

No injuries were reported and the vessel continued its journey towards ‌the port.

The UK Maritime Trade ‌Operations (UKMTO) ⁠said earlier a bulk ⁠carrier had reported being struck by an unknown projectile while sailing 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Authorities are investigating the source of the projectile, UKMTO ⁠said.

Vessels in the area have been ‌advised to transit with caution.

Ships in the Gulf have been attacked by Iran since the US and Israel launched air ‌strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Strait of Hormuz, ⁠the ⁠vital energy-trade chokepoint that connects Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has been virtually closed since.

Separately, a Qatari tanker crossed the Strait towards Pakistan on Sunday, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran's response to its latest proposals to begin peace talks.


Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
TT

Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Saturday from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The two officials discussed regional developments and ongoing efforts made by both countries to maintain security and stability.


Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
TT

Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Iraq’s prime minister-designate. 

In the cable, he said he was looking forward to working with al-Zaidi on consolidating the fraternal relations between their countries and peoples and bolstering them in all fields. 

He wished him success in serving Iraq and its people. 

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his election as Prime Minister of Hungary.

He also congratulated him on the formation of a new government, its gaining the confidence of the National Assembly, and taking the constitutional oath.

The Crown Prince expressed his congratulations for success and prosperity to Magyar, and for continued progress and prosperity to the people of Hungary.