Saudi-Kuwaiti Statement: Joint Emphasis on Red Sea Security, Stability

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad
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Saudi-Kuwaiti Statement: Joint Emphasis on Red Sea Security, Stability

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad

Riyadh and Kuwait have stressed the need to preserve security and stability in the Red Sea region, respecting maritime navigation rights under international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Amid ongoing events in the region, both countries called for restraint and avoiding escalation.
In a joint statement following the Kuwaiti Emir’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the two nations reiterated that the entire Dorra field belongs to Kuwait in its maritime areas.
They emphasized shared ownership exclusively between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for natural resources in the submerged area, rejecting any claims by other parties.
Both sides renewed calls for Iran to negotiate the eastern boundary of the submerged area with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait under international law.

They underlined Iraq’s commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and adherence to international agreements, especially UN Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), which outlined land and sea borders.
The importance of completing the maritime border demarcation beyond Milestone 162 was highlighted.
Additionally, both countries urged Iraq to adhere to the Maritime Navigation Regulation Agreement in Khawr Abdullah, signed in 2012.
They rejected Iraq’s unilateral cancellation of the 2008 Security Exchange Protocol and its map, part of the Joint Plan for navigation safety in Khawr Abdullah.
The joint statement also reiterated support for UN Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013), urging efforts to locate missing Kuwaitis and nationals of third countries.
It emphasized the importance of continuing the Security Council's monitoring of missing Kuwaiti properties and called for maximum efforts to reach a final resolution for all outstanding issues.
In regional discussions, both sides expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to Israeli attacks, impacting civilians and destroying vital facilities.
They called for an end to military operations in Palestinian territories, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians under international law.
Both sides urged the international community to stop Israeli violations and pressure Israel to cease aggression, preventing forced displacement of Palestinians.
They highlighted the need for international humanitarian organizations to provide assistance to Palestinians, including UN agencies.
The joint statement stressed intensified efforts for a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue, supporting a two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and relevant international resolutions.
In Yemen, both sides supported UN and regional efforts for a comprehensive political solution to the crisis.
Kuwait commended Saudi initiatives in promoting dialogue and delivering humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Regarding Sudan, both sides emphasized maintaining Sudan’s unity and independence, rejecting interference in its internal affairs.
They commended the Sudanese parties for commitment to end the conflict, welcoming outcomes from talks in Jeddah that facilitated increased humanitarian aid and paved the way for a permanent ceasefire.
In defense and security, both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, praising existing security collaboration.
They expressed a desire to strengthen joint efforts in combating crime, drug trafficking, ensuring border security, countering terrorism, and promoting a culture of moderation and tolerance for mutual security and stability.

 

 



World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The World Defense Show opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together defense and military companies from around the globe to showcase advanced technologies, as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its military industries and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The third edition of the exhibition is being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the General Authority for Military Industries from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12.

It features official delegations, government entities, and international firms operating in the defense and security sectors.

The event comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a comprehensive national defense industry and localize more than 50 percent of military spending, while boosting operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

Ahmad Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries and chairman of the exhibition’s supervisory committee, said the show reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, localization, and the development of an integrated defense ecosystem.

He said the exhibition includes live air and ground demonstrations, static displays, and newly introduced zones designed to enhance cooperation between government bodies and major national and international defense companies.

Andrew Pearcey, chief executive of the World Defense Show, said the event would feature a comprehensive program starting with an official delegations initiative linking senior officials with investors and industry leaders to support international industrial and technological cooperation.

Pearcey said the “Defense Industry Lab” would highlight emerging technologies and applied research, while dedicated zones would focus on naval systems and Saudi supply chains, connecting local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises with global firms.

The program also includes meetings between Saudi government entities and industry representatives to discuss operational requirements and investment opportunities.

He added that the venue includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and large display areas, allowing the exhibition to host integrated air, land, and maritime demonstrations.

Participation in the 2026 edition is expected to exceed previous shows, reflecting growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s defense market.

South Korea’s air force aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, will take part in the exhibition for the first time in the Middle East. The South Korean Air Force said it would deploy 9 T-50 fighter jets, including 1 reserve aircraft, 4 C-130 transport planes, and about 120 personnel.


Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.


OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.