Saudi Arabia Stresses Support to Resolve Crises in Syria, Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Support to Resolve Crises in Syria, Sudan

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government underscored on Tuesday the Kingdom’s keenness on supporting all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The ministers added that the political solution in Syria must preserve the country’s unity, security, stability and Arab identity.

The government welcomed the Arab League’s decision to reinstate Syria’s membership in the organization.

It also underlined the Kingdom's diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan.

It noted Riyadh’s offering of aid worth $100 million to the people of Sudan during their plight. It also kicked off a fundraising campaign to gather donations for the people, reflecting the Kingdom’s pioneering humanitarian role.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said that the Cabinet commended the Kingdom's success in evacuating its citizens and nationals of other countries stranded in Sudan. They were transported to the Kingdom with the highest levels of efficiency and competence.

These efforts are part of the Kingdom's exercising its duty towards its citizens everywhere, and its solidarity with all peoples of the world.

The cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's commitment, made during its participation in the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, to work with international and regional partners to find solutions to climate issues, including developing carbon management techniques, reducing carbon and other gas emissions in the energy sector, and limiting deforestation.

The cabinet commended Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on his announcement of the launch of four special economic zones, in Riyadh, Jazan, Ras Al-Khair and King Abdullah Economic City, with the aim of developing and diversifying the economy and improving the investment environment, making the Kingdom a leading global investment destination.

The minister said the cabinet reviewed the performance indicators of the state's general budget during the first quarter of 2023, including total revenues, expenditures and public debt. The figures reflect the robust financial position of the Kingdom, bolstered by continued economic reforms, which helps realize the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs.

The cabinet praised the Kingdom for having acted with the highest level of responsibility, seriousness and innovation to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, which reflects its keenness to secure the safety of the population and to become a global model in dealing with pandemics.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.