Saudi Arabia Officially Reopens its Embassy in Damascus

Saudi Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Haris speaks at the reopening of the embassy in Damascus. (Saudi Arabia's embassy in Damascus)
Saudi Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Haris speaks at the reopening of the embassy in Damascus. (Saudi Arabia's embassy in Damascus)
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Saudi Arabia Officially Reopens its Embassy in Damascus

Saudi Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Haris speaks at the reopening of the embassy in Damascus. (Saudi Arabia's embassy in Damascus)
Saudi Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Haris speaks at the reopening of the embassy in Damascus. (Saudi Arabia's embassy in Damascus)

Saudi Arabia officially reopened on Tuesday its embassy in Damascus after a 12-year closure.

Saudi Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Haris made the announcement during the reopening in the Syrian capital. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior Syrian government officials and diplomats.

Al-Haris described the reopening as a historic day in relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria.

He underscored the embassy’s keenness on exerting all possible efforts to bolster bilateral relations between Riyadh and Damascus.

Saudi Arabia had named Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel as its ambassador to Syria months after announcing that it was restoring diplomatic ties with Damascus.

He is the Kingdom’s first ambassador to Syria since 2012.

Riyadh and Damascus announced in October that they were restoring ties, days after Syria’s membership was reinstated in the Arab League. Flights between the two countries were also resumed.



Albudaiwi: GCC Petroleum Meeting Aims to Enhance Energy Security and Supply Chain Integration

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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Albudaiwi: GCC Petroleum Meeting Aims to Enhance Energy Security and Supply Chain Integration

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee comes to follow up on and discuss the outcomes of implementing the directives of the leaders of the GCC states at their 19th consultative meeting, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, and to develop recommendations aimed at strengthening energy supply chains among the GCC states.

This came during the extraordinary meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee, held on Thursday via videoconference, chaired by Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, with the participation of the energy ministers in the GCC states, SPA reported.

The secretary-general affirmed that this meeting reflects the keenness of the leaders of the GCC states to strengthen joint GCC action in the energy sector, as one of the main pillars of sustainable economic development, in a manner that contributes to enhancing energy security, ensuring the sustainability of its supplies, and raising the efficiency of integration among the GCC states in this vital sector.

Albudaiwi also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the ministers for their continued efforts and support for the work of the committee, as well as for their joint work and coordination to support the journey of GCC integration, strengthen energy security, and ensure the sustainability of supply chains, in a manner that serves the interests of the GCC states and meets their future aspirations.


OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer
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OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

OIC Condemns Israeli Knesset's Approval of Bill Targeting Call to Prayer

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli Knesset's preliminary approval of a bill aimed at banning the Muslim call to prayer (Adhan), describing the measure as invalid and a discriminatory and racist legislative act.

The General Secretariat said the proposed legislation represents a dangerous escalation in what it described as a series of Israeli decisions, laws, and measures aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence and targeting Arab and Islamic identity, SPA reported.

It called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and its relevant bodies, to take urgent action to halt Israeli measures and policies that violate international law.

It also urged the repeal of the proposed legislation and other measures it characterized as discriminatory and illegal, and called for safeguards to ensure freedom of worship and the protection of Islamic holy sites.


Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments, as well as the ongoing efforts to address them, SPA said.