Saudi FM in Tehran… ‘Positive, Transparent’ Talks

 Image distributed by the Iranian Presidency showing a meeting between President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Tehran.
Image distributed by the Iranian Presidency showing a meeting between President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Tehran.
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Saudi FM in Tehran… ‘Positive, Transparent’ Talks

 Image distributed by the Iranian Presidency showing a meeting between President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Tehran.
Image distributed by the Iranian Presidency showing a meeting between President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the positive and transparent nature of his talks with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during a press conference in Tehran.

The Saudi top diplomat underscored the importance of cooperation between the two countries and its implications for regional security.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met with Prince Faisal on Saturday to review bilateral relations and discuss ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, in line with the aspirations of both countries and their peoples.

Raisi’s reception of the Saudi minister took place at the Presidential Palace in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Discussions centered around the latest developments in both regional and international arenas, as well as the efforts being made to address them.

Prince Faisal conveyed greetings and appreciation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Iranian president.

They expressed their wishes for further progress and prosperity for the government and people of Iran.

Meanwhile, Raisi extended his greetings and appreciation to the Saudi King and Crown Prince, along with his wishes for the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to thrive and prosper.

Prince Faisal’s meeting with the Iranian president came after his meeting with his Iranian counterpart.

The two foreign ministers discussed “enhancing joint coordination on many regional and international issues of mutual interest, in order to achieve security and stability for the region and the world.”

Prince Faisal arrived in Tehran on Saturday, in his first official visit to Iran as the Saudi Foreign Minister in years.

During a press conference, Prince Faisal stated that his first visit to Tehran was in line with the implementation of the agreement signed in Beijing on March 10, 2023.

He added that efforts are underway to resume diplomatic and consular missions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Prince Faisal mentioned the opening of the Iranian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah, as well as the mission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on June 6. He further mentioned that the Saudi embassy in Tehran will be reopened soon.

The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized that “natural relations between the two countries are the norm” and that they are important nations in the region, bound by bonds of Islamic brotherhood and good neighborliness.

He stressed that the relations between the two countries are based on a clear foundation of full and mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to international law, the UN Charter, and the OIC.



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.”

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) were quick to condemn the attacks.

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


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.


GCC Secretary-General Condemns East-West Pipeline Attack in Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns East-West Pipeline Attack in Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the targeting of the East-West Pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by several drones launched from Iraq, resulting in casualties and material damage.

He affirmed that the attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi Arabia's security and the safety of its territory and vital facilities, constituting a flagrant violation of the principles of international law.

He stressed the GCC’s categorical rejection of all acts targeting the Kingdom’s security, stability, and national resources, SPA reported.

The GCC secretary-general underscored the importance of the Iraqi government exerting greater efforts and taking necessary and decisive measures to prevent its territory from being used as a launchpad for such attacks, and working to halt and prevent their recurrence, thereby helping preserve the region's security and stability and preventing further escalation.

He reiterated the GCC’s full and steadfast support for Saudi Arabia and its complete backing of all measures and actions taken by the Kingdom to protect its security and stability, the safety of its territory and vital facilities, and its citizens and residents.