Jeddah Talks: Sudan Army, RSF Agree to Protect Civilians

Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
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Jeddah Talks: Sudan Army, RSF Agree to Protect Civilians

Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS
Officials stand for pictures after Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces signed a declaration, that signifies their commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2023. Al Ekhbariya/Handout via REUTERS

Representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed in Jeddah a declaration commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan, Saudi Arabia and the US announced in a statement on Friday.

The declaration of commitment recognizes the obligations of both sides, under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians, it said.
The declaration of commitment will guide the conduct of the two forces to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of essential services, the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and clinics, and the respectful burial of the dead.

Following the signing, the Jeddah Talks will focus on reaching agreement on an effective ceasefire of up to approximately ten days to facilitate these activities. The security measures will include a US-Saudi and international-supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
In line with the step-by-step approach agreed by the parties, the Jeddah Talks will address proposed arrangement for subsequent talks - with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners - on a permanent cessation of hostilities.

In consultation with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, the facilitators said they looked forward to discussions with Sudanese civilians and regional and international partners about participation in subsequent rounds of talks.



Attacks from Iraq on East-West Pipeline Draw Strong Condemnations

Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
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Attacks from Iraq on East-West Pipeline Draw Strong Condemnations

Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters

Attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline launched from Iraqi territory drew on Saturday strong condemnations from many countries and organizations.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry blamed the attacks on the East-West pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on several drones that came from Iraq and, in a statement, said the Kingdom would not retaliate to give the Iraqi government “an opportunity to take the necessary measures.”

For its part, the Iraqi government strongly condemned the attacks, reiterating its categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the Kingdom's security, stability, or bilateral relations.

Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Al-Zaidi ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances of the strikes and identify the perpetrators.

In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency, Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Sabah Al-Numan emphasized that Baghdad will take strict legal action against anyone implicated in the assault, stressing that the state will not tolerate activities that jeopardize Iraq's national security or its ties with brotherly nations.

Al-Numan voiced appreciation for Saudi Arabia's measured response and constructive engagement with Baghdad's efforts to de-escalate tensions, noting that this stance underscores Riyadh's commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation.

He reaffirmed that Iraq's territory and airspace will not serve as a launchpad for hostile actions against any state. He reiterated Baghdad's dedication to upholding state sovereignty, good neighborliness, and regional diplomacy, ensuring relations with neighboring nations foster mutual stability rather than conflict.

Also, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, OIC, the Arab Parliament, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) were quick to condemn the attacks.

The separate statements all stressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its territory. 

 


Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from British Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from British Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Moscow on July 4, 2025. (Reuters)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Saturday from Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom Edward Miliband.

During the call, the two sides discussed regional developments.

According to SPA, at the outset, Miliband renewed his country's solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the attacks launched by the Houthi militia, stressing the Kingdom's right to take necessary measures to defend its security and capabilities in accordance with international law.

The two sides also discussed the importance of intensifying joint efforts to ensure the security and freedom of navigation in waterways, contributing to regional security and stability and protecting global trade and supply chains from the repercussions of the current crisis.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Launch of Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Launch of Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, emphasizing its importance in enhancing integration and reducing duplication of efforts while respecting countries’ national priorities.

In the Kingdom’s speech delivered on the occasion of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil said Saudi Vision 2030 aligns with the priorities of South-South cooperation, particularly in economic diversification, digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, youth empowerment, and the private sector, SPA reported.

He noted that the Saudi Fund for Development has contributed to supporting and financing development projects and programs in more than 100 developing countries across various vital sectors, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuing to work with member states, the United Nations, and partners to strengthen cooperation and achieve more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive development.