Arab, Islamic, African Mechanism Established to Support Palestinian Cause

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
TT

Arab, Islamic, African Mechanism Established to Support Palestinian Cause

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)

The Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union (AU) signed a tripartite agreement on Monday to support the Palestinian cause, during the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh.

The move was praised by the summit, especially for the African Union’s strong position on the issue.

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the mechanism will be coordinated through the organizations’ secretariats. Representatives will meet regularly to align their positions and strengthen their influence in international forums.

Joint coordination meetings will be held soon to finalize the details of the agreement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the cooperation, noting that the three organizations will now speak with one voice internationally, instead of through individual bilateral talks.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit added that while Arab-African and Arab-Islamic cooperation already exists, this is the first time an agreement has united the three organizations on this issue.

He said the agreement will expand cooperation and set a clear strategy moving forward.



Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia to Host First Meeting of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Cybersecurity Authority, is set to host on Monday the inaugural meeting of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council.

The meeting will be attended by ministers and officials responsible for cybersecurity in Arab League member states, alongside the organization’s Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The agenda includes discussions on key topics of mutual interest, such as drafting the Arab cybersecurity strategy, organizing joint cybersecurity exercises, and reviewing working papers submitted by Arab League member states. These initiatives aim to foster enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity across the Arab region.

The Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council, established following a proposal by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by all Arab countries, is tasked with formulating general policies, strategies, and priorities to advance joint Arab efforts in cybersecurity.

Its objectives include enhancing collaboration, coordinating efforts among Arab states on cybersecurity issues, sharing knowledge and expertise, and safeguarding member states' interests in international cybersecurity organizations. The council also seeks to develop a unified Arab stance on cybersecurity matters in international forums and contribute to creating a secure and trustworthy Arab cyberspace that promotes growth and prosperity for all member states.