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 Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished
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Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

The Saudi Ministry of Energy said on Monday that a limited fire broke out at the East-West pipeline in Madinah following an attack.

Emergency teams successfully extinguished it without any injuries or fatalities.

An official source at the ministry said that "the pipeline's operational activities were unaffected," adding that "emergency teams and specialized technical crews immediately commenced their operations upon the occurrence of the targeting, taking all necessary procedures to secure the site and verify its safety in accordance with approved safety regulations and contingency plans."


Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Situation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Situation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Monday a phone call with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on regional developments.

They stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, safeguard maritime navigation and shipping routes, and limit the impact of these developments on regional security and stability.


Riyadh and Moscow Look to Shape a New Century of Cooperation, Coordination

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh in 2023 (SPA)
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Riyadh and Moscow Look to Shape a New Century of Cooperation, Coordination

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh in 2023 (SPA)

Experts and diplomats said the centennial of Saudi-Russian diplomatic relations offers an opportunity to assess the partnership's evolution, examine how the two countries have adapted to regional and international changes, and explore new areas of mutual interest.

Participants in a webinar titled "Saudi-Russian Relations: A Future Vision," organized Monday by the Riyadh-based Gulf Research Center (GRC), said coordination between Riyadh and Moscow has helped stabilize energy markets and enabled the two countries to manage shared interests despite differences over regional and international issues.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, said the centennial provides an opportunity to review the relationship's development and assess both countries' ability to respond to changing circumstances and capitalize on opportunities for cooperation.

He noted that reciprocal visits by the two countries' leaders and cooperation within OPEC+ have marked important milestones in the development of political and economic ties.

Sager said cooperation has continued despite the countries' differing alliances, citing the war in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia's consistent calls for a political settlement through dialogue.

He argued that their energy partnership extends beyond managing oil markets, demonstrating Riyadh and Moscow's ability to sustain economic cooperation despite political differences.

On regional issues, Sager said the two countries share positions on supporting a two-state solution, Red Sea security, and the protection of international shipping and trade.

However, he stressed the need for more candid dialogue on areas of disagreement, particularly Russia's relations with Iran.

He expressed hope that Moscow would use its influence with Tehran to encourage it to respect the sovereignty of regional states and act as a responsible member of the international community.

On the economic front, Sager said bilateral trade remains below the two countries' potential.

Citing official figures, he noted that Saudi imports from Russia exceeded SAR 12 billion, while Saudi exports to Russia amounted to no more than SAR 274 million.

He identified energy, investment, industry, mining, food security and tourism as promising areas for cooperation, calling for existing understandings to be translated into concrete projects and for a more balanced trade relationship.

Saudi Ambassador to Russia Sami Al-Sadhan said the presentation of a document of recognition to King Abdulaziz by Karim Khakimov in 1926 marked the historic beginning of bilateral relations, with the Soviet Union becoming the first country to recognize the Kingdom.

He highlighted several important milestones in the relationship, including high-level visits, most notably those by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince to Russia in 2017.

Al-Sadhan said the visits focused on deepening the partnership in areas including OPEC+ cooperation, technology, investment and cultural exchange.

He also pointed to growing ties across several sectors, the launch of direct flights between the two countries, and the entry into force of a mutual visa-waiver agreement on May 11, 2026.

The ambassador said the achievements of the past century provide a foundation for strengthening mutual trust and expanding cooperation over the next 100 years.

For his part, Aslan Aziev, senior counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Riyadh, said the political dialogue initiated by the two countries' leaders forms the foundation of their partnership strategy.

He noted that Saudi Arabia and Russia, as major oil producers and leading members of OPEC+, play an important role in supporting the stability of oil markets and the broader energy sector.

Aziyev said bilateral engagement has expanded to industry, agriculture, investment, digitalization and trade.

He cited the participation of 70 Russian companies and 170 Saudi companies in an industrial exhibition held in Riyadh in 2026, as well as Saudi Arabia's designation as guest of honor at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

On regional affairs, Aziyev said Moscow and Riyadh maintain dialogue on security and stability, adding that the Gulf is a priority in Russian foreign policy.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and mutual respect would continue to strengthen trust between the two countries despite their differences.

Former Saudi ambassador and minister Abdulaziz Khoja recalled his diplomatic experience in Moscow, saying he was appointed the Kingdom's first ambassador to the Soviet Union after a decades-long break in relations.

Khoja said he arrived in Moscow as the Soviet Union was disintegrating and recalled that President Boris Yeltsin welcomed him and ordered officials to facilitate the opening of the Saudi Embassy and provide the necessary support for its staff.

He described the task of restoring momentum to bilateral relations as an immense responsibility during a particularly difficult period in Russia's history.