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Gulf

Iraq, Qatar Sign Joint Declaration of Intent and Multiple MoUs

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a welcome ceremony in Baghdad (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a welcome ceremony in Baghdad (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office)
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Iraq, Qatar Sign Joint Declaration of Intent and Multiple MoUs

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a welcome ceremony in Baghdad (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a welcome ceremony in Baghdad (Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office)

Iraq and Qatar have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent and agreements and memorandums of understanding in several areas.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday on an official visit and was welcomed by the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The two sides signed oil and gas supply agreements with Iraq, establishing a joint oil company and constructing a refinery.

The Emir announced on the sidelines of the joint press conference with the PM that they discussed regional political matters and enhancing bilateral relations in various areas, including trade, investment, and energy.

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) also announced that the agreements included a memorandum of understanding in air and land transport and another memorandum to cancel visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.

Sudani said he discussed with the Emir the economic opportunities available to the Qatari companies within the government's plans for reconstruction, public services, and infrastructure.

He added that Doha is one of Baghdad's strongest allies, noting that they discussed Iraq's political and security stability, making it a promising workplace.

Spokesman Bassem al-Awadi announced that the visit had significant economic and political aspects.

Last month, Iraq launched the $17 billion "Development Road" project with Qatar, Iran, Türkiye, Syria, Jordan, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) representatives. It aims to boost regional cooperation and economic opportunities.

The project aims to tie the Grand Faw Port in Iraq to Türkiye, turning the country into a transit hub between Asia and Europe.

Iraqi sources believe the Emir's visit reflects the Iraqi PM's foreign policy, based on "productive diplomacy" that leads to economic partnerships.

They indicated that the visit affirms Iraq's position in the region and its ability to connect with influential parties at the regional and international levels.

The visit relates to the Development Road that the Iraqi PM announced at the Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia, they noted.

It reflects Doha's will to participate in the Development Road project and the industrial city, said the sources, adding that it also signifies that Qatar views Iraq as its partner with a vital road to transport energy to Europe.

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Gulf

Makkah Pact Committee to Meet in Riyadh on Monday

The first meeting of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee met in Istanbul on Aug. 31. Photo: Saudi Defense Ministry
The first meeting of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee met in Istanbul on Aug. 31. Photo: Saudi Defense Ministry
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Makkah Pact Committee to Meet in Riyadh on Monday

The first meeting of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee met in Istanbul on Aug. 31. Photo: Saudi Defense Ministry
The first meeting of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee met in Istanbul on Aug. 31. Photo: Saudi Defense Ministry

A committee of the Makkah Defense Pact between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will hold talks in Riyadh on Monday.

The meeting is expected to bring together the defense and foreign ministers as well as the army chiefs of staff of the three countries.

The official Turkish Anadolu Agency, citing sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, reported that the Turkish side is scheduled to present its vision during the meeting regarding the institutionalization process of the alliance and future steps.

It will also offer an assessment of the threats facing peace and stability in the Middle East and emphasize the importance of the progress made in the alliance's work within a short period as an important factor toward achieving lasting stability in the region, in addition to expressing Ankara's stance supporting Riyadh in facing Houthi attacks.

Istanbul hosted the first meeting of the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee on Aug. 31, bringing together the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of staff of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.

During the meeting, the three countries reaffirmed their determination to work together under the Makkah agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in their region and continue supporting efforts to promote de-escalation and restraint.

They encouraged peaceful solutions to crises in line with their commitment to fulfilling their regional responsibilities.

Political analyst specializing in international affairs, Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, says holding the second meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee in Riyadh less than two weeks after the first meeting in Istanbul clearly demonstrates the transition of coordination among the three countries into a phase of joint action.

Political analyst Faisal Al-Shammeri expects that, in light of new developments - specifically the announcement by Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi on the launch of military operations to liberate the remaining Yemeni territories - the meeting will form a real foundation for the upcoming phase.

Gulf

King Salman Invites Qatar’s Emir to Participate in Second GCC-EU Summit

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives the Saudi ambassador in Doha (QNA).
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives the Saudi ambassador in Doha (QNA).
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King Salman Invites Qatar’s Emir to Participate in Second GCC-EU Summit

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives the Saudi ambassador in Doha (QNA).
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives the Saudi ambassador in Doha (QNA).

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a written message to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, inviting him to participate in the second Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-European Union (EU) Summit, which Saudi Arabia will host in October.

The message was delivered by Saudi Ambassador to Qatar Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad during the Emir's reception of him at his office at Lusail Palace, SPA reported.

The ambassador conveyed to the Emir the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, along with his wishes for continued health and happiness and for the Qatari people to enjoy further progress and prosperity.

For his part, the Qatari Emir asked the ambassador to convey his greetings to his brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, along with his wishes for continued health and well-being and for the Saudi people to enjoy continued prosperity and progress.

During the reception, the two sides reviewed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to develop and strengthen them.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Provides $59.7 Million to Support Yemen's Budget, Salaries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Provides $59.7 Million to Support Yemen's Budget, Salaries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Under the leadership's directives, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), has provided a new financial installment of more than $59.7 million to support the Yemeni state budget.

The funding is designated to cover operational expenses and salaries, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to supporting stability and development for the brotherly Yemeni people.

The support aims to ensure the regular flow of government funds and salary payments and to improve the efficiency of fiscal policy, putting economic and social development on a more sustainable path. It is also expected to boost purchasing power, stabilize household incomes, and revive commercial markets.

Saudi Arabia is Yemen's largest supporter across the humanitarian, development, and economic fields. Its development and economic interventions totaled more than $12.6 billion between 2012 and 2026. These interventions include deposits and grants to the Central Bank of Yemen aimed at achieving fiscal balance and supporting macroeconomic stability. They have been a cornerstone in strengthening Yemeni institutions' capacity to continue delivering services and easing economic and social pressures.

To date, SDRPY has implemented 300 development projects and initiatives across eight vital sectors in Yemen, upgrading infrastructure, improving public services, building local institutional capacity, and creating job opportunities.