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.
 



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.