The Gulf-Chinese Summit Asserts Sovereignty of States, Strategic Dialogue

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President XI Jinping, and Gulf Leader (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President XI Jinping, and Gulf Leader (SPA)
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The Gulf-Chinese Summit Asserts Sovereignty of States, Strategic Dialogue

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President XI Jinping, and Gulf Leader (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President XI Jinping, and Gulf Leader (SPA)

The final communique of the Riyadh Gulf-China Summit for Cooperation and Development affirmed the leaders' agreement to boost strategic partnership with China, pushing toward new horizons in various political, economic, social, and development levels.

The leaders discussed regional and international issues, and agreed on the importance of concerted efforts to achieve peace, security, stability, and prosperity in all parts of the world.

The closing statement reiterated the need to restore international peace and security through mutual respect and cooperation between countries to achieve development and progress and adhere to the principles of international law and humanitarian law, the UN Charter, and good neighborliness.

It also called for preserving the international order based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and non-use or threat of force.

The leaders stressed the need to support the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the GCC region, and ensure the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program to preserve regional and international security and stability.

They reaffirmed the call on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The two sides stressed the need for relations between the GCC states and Iran to follow the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs and respect for states' independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

They noted that relations should also be based on peacefully resolving disputes.

The leaders stressed the importance of a comprehensive dialogue with the participation of the regional countries to address the Iranian nuclear file and the destabilizing regional activities.

They also called for confronting support for terrorist and sectarian groups and illegal armed organizations, prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, ensure the safety of international navigation and oil facilities, and adhere to UN resolutions and international legitimacy.

They affirmed their support for all peaceful efforts, including the initiative and endeavors of the UAE to reach a peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations under the rules of international law.

The leaders called on Iraq to respect the sovereignty of Kuwait and the sanctity of its lands and to abide by Security Council resolutions, and the agreements concluded between the two countries and deposited with the UN.

They also urged Iraq to complete the demarcation of the maritime borders with Kuwait.

The leaders stressed the need to reach a just solution to the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution, following relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

They also asserted establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, ending settlement and all unilateral measures and respecting the historical status quo in Jerusalem.

The leaders affirmed their support for the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, headed by President Rashad al-Alimi. They hoped to reach a political solution following the GCC initiative and its Executive Mechanism, the Yemeni National Dialogue Conference (NDC) outcomes, and the Security Council resolution 2216.

They called on all Yemeni parties to immediately initiate direct negotiations under the UN auspices, adhere to the continuation of the armistice, and support the humanitarian, relief, and development needs of the Yemeni people.

The leaders condemned all terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militia on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, and international waterways and shipping routes.

They called on all countries to cooperate in combating these acts and abide by the arms embargo stipulated in Security Council Resolutions 2216 and 2624.

The leaders affirmed their full support for Iraq's sovereignty, security, stability, development, and prosperity and its efforts to combat terrorism.

They also stressed the need to intensify efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria's unity and sovereignty following Security Council Resolution 2254, their standing with the Lebanese people, and their continued support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability.

They also affirmed their support for efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis following Security Council resolutions, encouraging all Libyan parties to hold elections, unify state institutions under UN supervision, and exiting all foreign fighters and mercenaries.

The leaders stressed the importance of strengthening security and stability in Afghanistan, intensifying efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

They called on the de facto authority in Afghanistan to implement its obligations to guarantee the fundamental rights, interests, and freedoms of all Afghan people, form an inclusive government, and ensure that any terrorist groups do not use Afghan lands or the exploitation of Afghan territory to export narcotics.

The leaders affirmed their positions in support of all international efforts to find a political solution to end the Ukraine crisis under international law and the UN Charter to protect lives and property and preserve regional and global security and stability.

The leaders directed the continuation of the strategic dialogue between the two sides at all levels to discuss issues of common concern and coordinate positions regarding them.

They stressed the importance of mutual support to achieve the common interests of both sides and the importance of boosting cooperation to achieve their common interest, including the completion of free trade negotiations.

The leaders expressed their keenness to promote dialogue between civilizations, preserve cultural diversity, and encourage communication and cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and sports.

The leaders praised Qatar's success in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and its good organization, denouncing the malicious media campaigns directed against Doha.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye Push for Swift Progress in US-Iran Talks

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye pose for a family photo in Cairo on Sunday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye pose for a family photo in Cairo on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye Push for Swift Progress in US-Iran Talks

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye pose for a family photo in Cairo on Sunday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye pose for a family photo in Cairo on Sunday. (SPA)

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Türkiye pushed for swift progress in US-Iran talks at a meeting in Cairo on Sunday, as negotiations between the two foes began in Switzerland.

In a joint statement, the ministers called for a "swift and successful conclusion" to negotiations aimed at reaching a solution to outstanding issues that is "lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable", while taking into account regional concerns, particularly the security and stability of Gulf states.

The meeting also addressed the Israeli military escalation against Lebanon and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultations to sustain the diplomatic track, mitigate the repercussions of the crisis, and restore security and stability across the region.

Present at the meeting were Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan.


Saudi FM Attends Meeting with Egyptian and Turkish Counterparts and US Adviser in Cairo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.(SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.(SPA)
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Saudi FM Attends Meeting with Egyptian and Turkish Counterparts and US Adviser in Cairo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.(SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah took part in a meeting in Cairo with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, Türkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, and Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The participants discussed a range of regional developments, with a particular focus on the situations in Sudan and Libya, and reviewed ongoing joint efforts to promote security, stability, and political solutions in both countries.

The meeting was also attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan, Adviser to the Saudi Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini.


Lebanese Exports to Saudi Arabia Resume as First Containers Head to Jeddah

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al Dossari inspect security and logistical procedures at the Port of Beirut ahead of the departure of the first shipments to Jeddah Port following Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports (Asharq Al Awsat).
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al Dossari inspect security and logistical procedures at the Port of Beirut ahead of the departure of the first shipments to Jeddah Port following Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports (Asharq Al Awsat).
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Lebanese Exports to Saudi Arabia Resume as First Containers Head to Jeddah

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al Dossari inspect security and logistical procedures at the Port of Beirut ahead of the departure of the first shipments to Jeddah Port following Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports (Asharq Al Awsat).
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Saudi Ambassador Fahd Al Dossari inspect security and logistical procedures at the Port of Beirut ahead of the departure of the first shipments to Jeddah Port following Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports (Asharq Al Awsat).

The first shipments of Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia have departed from Beirut, marking the resumption of trade after a five year suspension imposed because of large scale smuggling of illicit goods into the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia reversed its decision last week in light of the positive results achieved through Lebanon's stricter security measures at ports, airports, and land border crossings.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged on Saturday that Lebanon "will never again allow itself to become a launching point for any harm against our Arab brothers. Rather, it will be a partner in their security, stability, and prosperity."

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd Al Dossari reaffirmed his country's support for "Lebanon's stability, its sovereignty over all its territory, the well being of its people, and the prevention of its use as a platform to harm its brothers."

His remarks came during a ceremony marking the departure of the first Lebanese exports to Jeddah Port following the Saudi decision to lift the ban on Lebanese imports.

Asharq Al-Awsat learned from Lebanese sources that Beirut is moving toward tighter oversight of exports and is preparing a mechanism expected to be launched soon that will enable direct cooperation with Saudi authorities to detect and prevent smuggling operations. Under the mechanism, scanning devices operating at ports, airports, and land crossings will be directly linked to their counterparts at Saudi entry points, allowing Saudi authorities to monitor incoming shipments and verify them in real time.

Once implemented, the system will allow officials at Jeddah Islamic Port to review scanner results immediately after cargo passes through inspection. Saudi authorities will be able to intervene to halt suspicious shipments or request manual inspections whenever concerns arise. The same data will also be available directly to Lebanese customs officials, who monitor the information on large screens in Beirut.

Lebanese authorities hope to expand the system in the future to other countries, including states that export goods to Lebanon, enabling Lebanese customs officials to monitor shipments bound for Lebanon in a similar manner.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed on June 10 that Lebanese exports to the Kingdom be resumed in light of the "positive steps" taken by the Lebanese government to rebuild state institutions. The decision came in response to a request from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Ambassador Fahd Al Dossari inspect security procedures at the Port of Beirut (Asharq Al Awsat).

The first container bound for Jeddah Islamic Port departed on Saturday following the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia. The event was attended by Salam, several ministers, and Saudi Arabia's new ambassador to Beirut, Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al Dossari.

In his remarks, Ambassador Al Dossari said: "Based on the positive steps taken by the Lebanese state, we gather today to witness the relaunch of the first Lebanese exports to the Kingdom."

He added: "This step confirms Saudi Arabia's support for Lebanon's stability, its full sovereignty over all its territory, and the well being of its people. It also reflects the Kingdom's confidence in the Lebanese state's ability to take the necessary measures to prevent its territory from being used as a platform to harm its brothers."

A Moment Lebanon Has Long Awaited

Speaking from the Port of Beirut as the first container departed, Prime Minister Salam said Lebanon was "witnessing a moment it has awaited for a long time, namely the departure of the first containers bound for Jeddah Port after the lifting of the ban on Lebanese exports to the Kingdom."

He added: "I recall standing in this very place on November 25 last year. At that time, I said frankly that Lebanon had been used as a transit point for the export of illicit goods to a number of Arab countries, with the Kingdom, unfortunately, at the forefront. I also said that our ability to control our exports was a fundamental condition for lifting the ban, and that the installation of scanning equipment meant that the lifting of restrictions on Lebanese exports was drawing near."

Salam continued: "But we did not stop at installing modern scanning equipment at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli to monitor everything entering and leaving Lebanon. After appointing a new port administration composed of experienced and qualified professionals, and later a new customs administration, we worked to tighten border control measures with Syria and strengthened efforts to combat smuggling in all its forms."

Salam reiterated: "We will never again allow Lebanon to become a launching point for any harm against our Arab brothers. Rather, it will be a partner in their security, stability, and prosperity."

A Return of Hope for Thousands of Farmers

Salam noted that Saudi Arabia "was, before the ban, by far the largest market for our exports. Today, with the departure of this container, we are returning to those markets. I hope not only that we regain the level of exports we had before the ban, but that we surpass it."

He stressed that "our return to Saudi markets means the return of hope to thousands of farmers in the Bekaa, the South, and the North, to factories that survived the most difficult circumstances, and to all exporters who have waited a long time for this day."

He added that "this decision does not revive just one sector. It activates an entire economic chain, helps create job opportunities, and ensures an inflow of hard currency."

Salam pointed out that "this decision comes at a stage when Lebanon needs every possible measure to stimulate its economy and strengthen the capabilities of its productive sectors."

He added: "We hope this step will be followed by further measures that strengthen cooperation and facilitate travel between our two countries."

Salam continued: "From this platform, in the name of the Lebanese state and in my personal name, I renew my thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his generous decision to lift the ban on exports from Lebanon. Lebanon values its deep historical ties with Saudi Arabia and highly appreciates the role played by its leadership over decades in supporting Lebanon, its stability, and its institutions."

Five Year Ban

The Saudi ban began in 2021 on agricultural imports before being expanded to include all goods. It was linked to the smuggling of the narcotic Captagon after smugglers and criminal networks used Lebanon as a platform for trafficking drugs into the Kingdom.

The move increased pressure on Lebanon's already collapsing economy, which had been struggling with a severe financial crisis since 2019, particularly as agricultural exports lost access to their traditional Gulf markets. Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia totaled approximately $240 million in 2020.