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GCC Affirms Strategic Partnership with Yemen

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
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GCC Affirms Strategic Partnership with Yemen

The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)
The head of the Presidential Leadership Council received the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his accompanying delegation in Aden on Thursday (SABA)

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), received Jasem Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in the interim capital of Aden on Thursday, in the first such visit in approximately eight years.

During their meeting, Al-Alimi and Albudaiwi discussed the strategic partnership between the GCC and Yemen.

The meeting with Albudaiwi and his accompanying delegation took place at the Presidential Palace.

Al-Alimi briefed the GCC secretary-general and attending delegates on developments in Yemen.

He tackled the latest developments related to the mediation efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to renew the ceasefire and build upon it for the launch of a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace, stability, and development.

The PLC leader also spoke about the violations and infringements committed by Houthi militias, their overt support for terrorist organizations, and the regional and international pressures required to end the prolonged humanitarian suffering in Yemen.

Al-Alimi, on behalf of himself, PLC members, and the Yemeni government, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the GCC for its stance regarding Yemenis and their constitutional legitimacy.

Throughout various phases, the GCC has helped Yemen confront risks that threaten its identity and national economy following the coup by the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

Al-Alimi commended the support provided by the GCC to the PLC and the legitimate government, as well as all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the country under the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and relevant international resolutions, especially Resolution 2216.

For his part, Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s consistent stance in supporting UN efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in Yemen, based on the three references: the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The secretary-general also reiterated support for the implementation of the remaining provisions of the Riyadh Agreement.

Albudaiwi acknowledged the efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman to preserve Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence, emphasizing the support of GCC countries for the PLC in achieving security and stability in the country.

He ultimately stressed the significance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and Yemen.

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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)
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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.