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Gulf

GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon are pushing the two-state solution to the forefront of the agenda for the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union (GCC-EU) Summit in Brussels next Wednesday.
The summit is expected to back the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, recently launched by Saudi Arabia.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, said the EU and Gulf countries are united in their call for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he also expected a strong, unified position on establishing a Palestinian state during this first-of-its-kind summit.
Farnaud highlighted the EU’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid, while reaffirming the EU’s alignment with Arab and Gulf nations on the two-state solution.
Recognition of Palestine ‘Just a Matter of Time’
On the topic of recognizing a Palestinian state, Farnaud revealed that many EU member states have reached an initial agreement, and it's “only a matter of time” before more countries officially recognize Palestine.
Some have already done so, while others are deciding the right timing.
He praised the Saudi-led Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, launched in September, which includes Arab, Islamic, Norwegian, and EU support.
The initiative was well received internationally, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell commending Saudi Arabia’s efforts during a recent UN meeting on Gaza.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the two-state solution “the only reliable path to peace in the Middle East” and stressed the need to establish a Palestinian state now.
Economic Partnership, Cooperation
On the economic front, Farnaud said the summit will build on previous meetings to strengthen long-term partnerships between the EU and the Gulf. The leaders will discuss economic, investment, and trade cooperation, with trade in goods alone between the two regions reaching €170 billion.
Key Issues on the Summit Agenda
The summit will also address security, regional stability, and ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Red Sea. Both sides are committed to finding diplomatic solutions to these issues.
Free Trade, Visa Cooperation
Farnaud confirmed the EU’s commitment to reaching a free trade agreement with Gulf countries, while noting that some technical issues remain. He also expressed interest in advancing talks on a potential visa waiver between the Schengen area and Gulf nations.
The summit will be the first of its kind between the GCC and the EU. Farnaud recently held positive discussions with Saudi officials to finalize preparations and set priorities for the meeting.

 

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Reiterates its Firm Stance in Supporting Int’l Security and Stability

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates its Firm Stance in Supporting Int’l Security and Stability

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s firm and steadfast stances in support of efforts to establish security and stability in the region and the world.

It highlighted its contribution to responding to humanitarian calls and extending assistance to those in need and the affected around the world.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Jeddah.

The Cabinet was briefed on the telephone calls Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received from Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as well as the message he received from Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments.

The Cabinet commended Saudi Arabia's progress in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, reaching 13th place globally and third among G20 countries, in addition to advancing across all main pillars and ranking in the top ten in 74 sub-indicators, reflecting the effectiveness of the Saudi model in competitiveness-related fields.

The Cabinet noted that the Kingdom’s retention of the top position in the Global Cybersecurity Index for the third consecutive year reflects its leadership in this critical sector. It attributed this achievement to the Kingdom’s progress at the local, regional, and international levels, as well as its efforts to support digital transformation, localize priority technologies, and strengthen cooperation and partnerships with countries and organizations around the world.

The Cabinet commended the achievements of the Health Sector Transformation Program in developing a more integrated and efficient healthcare ecosystem centered on improving the well-being of individuals.

The program has helped in expanding access to healthcare services, enhancing their quality, strengthening comprehensive medical care across all levels, increasing the number of healthy cities, and advancing preventive healthcare initiatives, while encouraging communities to adopt sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

The Cabinet reviewed the advanced performance of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program in 2025, stressing its pivotal role in driving non-oil economic growth. It has strengthened the appeal of strategic sectors, including industry, mining, and logistics, while contributing to higher levels of investment, export growth, and local content, in line with the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification objectives.

Gulf

Saudi Aid to Refugees and Displaced People Worldwide Approaches $24 Billion

Projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center have benefited 113 countries worldwide (SPA). 
Projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center have benefited 113 countries worldwide (SPA). 
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Saudi Aid to Refugees and Displaced People Worldwide Approaches $24 Billion

Projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center have benefited 113 countries worldwide (SPA). 
Projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center have benefited 113 countries worldwide (SPA). 

Saudi Arabia’s support for refugees, displaced persons, and temporary residents around the world has reached unprecedented levels, according to newly released figures that highlight the Kingdom’s expanding humanitarian role.

The assistance reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, rooted in its humanitarian values and dedication to preserving human dignity wherever it is threatened.

The figures were released as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced Sunday the establishment of a new camp for displaced Palestinians north of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

The facility is intended to provide safe shelter for families who have lost their homes amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and is part of the Saudi public fundraising campaign to assist the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Coinciding with World Refugee Day, the data show that Saudi Arabia has provided more than $23.7 billion in humanitarian assistance to refugees, displaced persons, and temporary residents, both within the Kingdom and through relief, humanitarian, and development programs implemented across the globe.

The total reinforces Saudi Arabia’s standing as one of the world’s largest humanitarian donors.

Support for Refugees Living in Saudi Arabia

According to the data, refugees account for approximately 5.5 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population. The Kingdom has devoted considerable attention to those residing within its borders by providing free healthcare and education, facilitating access to employment opportunities, and promoting their integration into society across all regions of the country.

By 2026, assistance provided to visitors and refugees from Yemen, Syria, the Rohingya minority, and Sudan had exceeded $20.43 billion.

International Relief Efforts

Internationally, KSrelief continues to implement relief programs designed to ensure aid reaches those most in need. Its efforts include establishing and equipping refugee camps, operating mobile medical clinics, distributing food baskets and shelter supplies, and implementing water and sanitation projects.

Syria topped the list of beneficiary countries, receiving 254 KSrelief projects valued at $290 million. These included the management and operation of KSrelief clinics in Jordan’s Zaatari Refugee Camp at a cost exceeding $2 million; the distribution of winter clothing vouchers in Lebanon under the Kanaf program, valued at $700,000; and the distribution of more than six million loaves of bread through the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery at a cost of more than $3 million.

In Yemen, KSrelief implemented 49 humanitarian projects worth more than $145 million. The initiatives included the operation and maintenance of the Saudi Village for Yemeni Refugees in Obock, Djibouti, as well as the operation of medical clinics providing primary and emergency healthcare services and early-stage medical intervention.

In Palestine, the center carried out 41 projects valued at more than $17 million, focusing on strengthening food and agricultural security, supplying essential inputs for bread production, and distributing vouchers for basic food commodities.

Joint Programs with International Organizations

As part of broader efforts to support refugees and displaced populations, KSrelief has signed joint implementation agreements with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations.

Among these initiatives is a program to strengthen protection services for displaced and refugee families in Yemen, benefiting 44,722 individuals at a cost exceeding $3 million.

The center has also funded an emergency relief program for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The initiative serves more than 23,000 beneficiaries and aims to improve living conditions while reducing the risks associated with harsh winter weather.

In Burkina Faso, KSrelief launched a separate project to procure and distribute 3,400 shelter kits to the most vulnerable families, benefiting approximately 17,000 people.

Since its establishment in 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has implemented 4,394 projects in 113 countries, with a total value exceeding $8 billion.

 

 

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister Meets Counterparts from Sudan, Algeria, Syria, and Mauritania

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets Counterparts from Sudan, Algeria, Syria, and Mauritania

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on Monday held separate meetings in Amman with his counterparts from Sudan, Algeria, Mauritania, and Syria on the sidelines of the 165th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

During his meeting with Sudan’s FM, Mohieldin Salem Ahmed Ibrahim, the two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

The Saudi minister and his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional developments and efforts underway to address them.

With the Foreign Minister of Mauritania, Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, bin Farhan reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed several issues of mutual interest.

The Saudi minister also discussed bilateral ties with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani, as well as regional developments and efforts underway to address them.