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)
TT

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.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's condemnation and denunciation of the bombing that targeted a cafe in the Hejaz district of the Syrian capital, Damascus, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people.

The ministry stated in a press release: "The Kingdom affirms its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, and expresses its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Syria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery."


US Central Command Hosts Regional Security Dialogue in Bahrain

Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
TT

US Central Command Hosts Regional Security Dialogue in Bahrain

Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it led a regional security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force on Wednesday to discuss the regional security environment and ways to strengthen defense cooperation across the Middle East.

The Strategic Allied Military Dialogue brought together senior defense officials from 12 countries, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Coope and senior military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

According to CENTCOM, Cooper said the United States “continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners,” adding that the discussions underscored a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

The United States and regional partners operate the world’s most sophisticated and largest active air and missile defense umbrella across the Middle East. In January, CENTCOM and regional countries established a new Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell for sharing information and threat warnings as well as responding to contingencies.

Officials are seen at the conference in Bahrain. (BNA)

The security dialogue marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a regional defense conference led by the United States.

Speaking at the event, Bahraini Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi said the region is experiencing rapid developments and profound geopolitical shifts following Iran’s “treacherous and criminal attacks” targeting national security, sovereignty, and civilian infrastructure.

Al Nuaimi said the region’s exceptional geopolitical and economic importance requires a clear understanding of current and future challenges and the development of comprehensive strategic solutions based on collective resolve.

Closer cooperation, greater cohesion, and stronger unity are essential to confronting regional threats with determination, he stressed.


Bahrain's King Discusses Regional Security with CENTCOM Commander

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
TT

Bahrain's King Discusses Regional Security with CENTCOM Commander

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in defense and military fields, during a meeting with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

The two sides underscored the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the two countries to support regional and international security and stability.

The talks also covered regional and international developments, including the latest developments in the region, efforts to enhance security and stability, the Iranian attacks targeting the region, and other issues of mutual interest.

King Hamad praised the close ties and ongoing coordination between Bahrain and the United States, highlighting progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and military coordination.

He also commended the United States' pivotal role in safeguarding regional security and stability and promoting international peace.