Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
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Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, engaged in a phone call conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Friday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was received by King Hamad on the same day.

Concurrently, Bahrain announced that Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa discussed the ambitious Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project in his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

This visionary project, conceived since 2009, spans approximately 40 kilometers, connecting the Bahraini island to the Qatari peninsula.

According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Crown Prince Salman and Sheikh Mohammed “discussed the project and directed the relevant authorities of both countries to finalize plans and commence project implementation.”

On March 13, Bahrain and Qatar decided to resume diplomatic relations after a two-year reconciliation period in the Gulf.

The decision to reestablish diplomatic ties was made during a meeting of the bilateral follow-up committee at the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh.

Both countries expressed that this step was taken “with the mutual desire to develop bilateral relations, enhance integration, and strengthen Gulf unity.”

During the phone call between Bahrain’s monarch and the Emir of Qatar on Friday, the leaders addressed “the fraternal relations between the two sisterly countries and ways to enhance and strengthen them in various fields, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection and brotherhood shared between the two nations.”

They also affirmed “determination to move forward in developing aspects of bilateral cooperation that meet the aspirations of both peoples.”

BNA also reported that King Hamad highlighted, during his phone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

He also emphasized the fruitful discussions between Bahrain’s Crown Prince and the Qatari Prime Minister, aiming to propel further collaborative efforts between the two nations across all domains.

The monarch expressed optimism about broadening the scope of interconnection and cooperation, foreseeing mutual prosperity and growth for both countries and their people.
 



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.