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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to End Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the need to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The Kingdom had declared that position at the Munich Security Conference.

It had called for prioritizing the need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. Efforts must be exerted to deliver more humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, it added.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet expressed immense pride in the Kingdom's remarkable three-century legacy on the eve of Founding Day, which is celebrated on February 22.

It highlighted the unity, security and stability enjoyed for generations, which led to constant progress and development. It commended the state's unwavering commitment and steadfastness, and acknowledged the march forward toward a brighter future for the country.

The cabinet was briefed on recent government activities, and highlighted the efforts exerted toward deepening ties with various countries, in pursuit of shared goals and stronger cooperation in diverse fields.

The cabinet praised the successful visit by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the Kingdom where he held talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The cabinet stressed that the Kingdom's successful bid to host the 11th session of the World Water Forum in 2027 solidifies its leading role in addressing water issues both regionally and internationally. It reflects the nation's ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.

The cabinet lauded the outcomes of the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) that was held in Riyadh, highlighting the successful launches and signing of memoranda of understanding. The initiatives aim to boost sustainability and improve the quality of life in Saudi cities, aligning with the Kingdom's objective of having at least ten of its cities ranked among the top 50 globally.

The ministers reviewed on the inclusion of three new Saudi cities into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, attaining the highest growth rate among major tourist destinations worldwide, and leading the Electronic Government Services Index in the Middle East and North Africa.

The achievements underscore the Kingdom's unwavering interest and support for all sectors, aspiring to establish the country as an exemplary model on multiple fronts.

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Gulf

Ukrainian Official Expects Imminent Bilateral Meeting Between Zelenskyy and Trump

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attend a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2026. (Reuters)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attend a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2026. (Reuters)
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Ukrainian Official Expects Imminent Bilateral Meeting Between Zelenskyy and Trump

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attend a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2026. (Reuters)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff attend a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2026. (Reuters)

A high-ranking Ukrainian source suggested that a bilateral meeting could take place this September between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his US counterpart Donald Trump, as the latter’s special envoys continue their shuttle diplomacy efforts in an attempt to find mutually acceptable solutions to advance diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow.

Anatolii Petrenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We remain in constant contact with the US negotiating team. We are coordinating further steps and preparing next communications.”

“Ukraine’s peace proposals remain constructive. We must continue working actively and jointly with the US and our European partners to keep diplomacy moving forward,” he added.

“We thank President Donald Trump for his personal engagement and efforts to bring an end to this war,” he stressed.

“We believe that the best format moving forward would be a meeting between leaders - President Zelenskyy and Putin - with the possible involvement of President Trump, because the most sensitive issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders,” said the ambassador.

“Such a meeting can take place in any neutral location suitable for both sides. For Ukraine any country except Russia and Belarus is doable. The Ukrainian side is ready for such a meeting without preconditions,” he went on to say.

Anatolii Petrenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. (Ukrainian Embassy in Saudi Arabia)

“We are grateful to the United States for the assistance provided and look to continued support for Ukraine’s energy sector and the strengthening of Ukraine’s air and missile defense ahead of a difficult winter amid Russia’s aggression,” Petrenko said.

Moreover, he stated that the Ukrainian-American talks covered all issues on peace efforts and the bilateral agenda, including renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war, security guarantees, prosperity plan, and winter package.

“Such a substantial meeting can already be viewed as a success. It allowed us to work through many details on a really broad agenda,” he added.

“There were three rounds of substantial talks, including with the participation of representatives of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Ukraine welcomes the participation of European representatives, which demonstrates unity and solidarity with Ukraine,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Ukraine also appreciates Saudi Arabia’s “steadfast support for our state’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the humanitarian assistance generously extended to our nation.”

“The principled and balanced position of Saudi Arabia in accordance with international law allows it to play an effective and constructive mediation role to comprehensively advance the efforts aimed at reaching long lasting and just peace,” Petrenko noted.

“We believe that the pace and spirit of bilateral interaction development between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia demonstrates a gradual transformation into the projected framework of political, economic and security cooperation with the initial outlines of a strategic partnership,” he said.

“The momentum we have built will allow us to sustain the upward dynamics and convert the accumulated political capital into joint projects and long-term mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation,” he added.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia at BRICS Summit: Our National Security and Safety of Our Assets Are Non-Negotiable

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. (SPA)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia at BRICS Summit: Our National Security and Safety of Our Assets Are Non-Negotiable

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. (SPA)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia stressed on Sunday that its national security, territorial integrity, and capabilities are non-negotiable, and that the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will not accept the targeting of their lands, facilities, or vital interests, under any pretext or designation.

Speaking at the BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said: “In light of the current developments in the region, the priority should be to de-escalate tensions and create space for political and diplomatic efforts.”

Delivering a speech on behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Faisal added that security in the Arabian Gulf “cannot be achieved without respect for the sovereignty and independence of its states, non-interference in their internal affairs, adherence to the principles of good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

“The security of the Kingdom, integrity of its territory, and protection of its national assets are non-negotiable, and GCC states will not accept any targeting of their territories, facilities, or vital interests, regardless of the pretexts or justifications invoked,” he declared.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime corridors, stating that “any disruption to these routes would have repercussions for global markets, supply chains, and economic growth.”

Prince Faisal highlighted the purposes for which international institutions were established and the urgent need to strengthen their capacity to fulfill their responsibilities.

He added that “the credibility of the international system depends on how consistently its rules and laws are applied”, noting that the Kingdom “looks forward to continuing its engagement with BRICS and its partners across the international community.”

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince, Pakistani PM Discuss Regional De-escalation, Islamabad Slams Houthi Attacks

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Pakistani PM Discuss Regional De-escalation, Islamabad Slams Houthi Attacks

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Sunday a phone call from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, with whom he discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Sharif condemned the Houthi militia's attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, slamming the flagrant violations of Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterating Pakistan's full solidarity with the Kingdom.

He also condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia's vital oil infrastructure. He praised the Kingdom's restraint and its support for Iraqi government efforts to prevent the use of its territory to launch attacks against the Kingdom and neighboring countries.