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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.

 

 

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Gulf

How Can the Riyadh-Paris Partnership Help Strengthen Regional Security?

France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
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How Can the Riyadh-Paris Partnership Help Strengthen Regional Security?

France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Regional security and ongoing developments in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Houthi threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, the two-state solution and recognition of a Palestinian state, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s rejection of the US plan for the territory, as well as the situations in Syria and Lebanon, constitute shared concerns for Saudi Arabia and France.

According to observers and experts interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the two countries maintain almost similar views on these issues.

Although major economic, investment, and cultural initiatives continue to strengthen the “strategic partnership” between the two countries, a partnership expected to gain further momentum with the convening on Monday of the first meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, which was agreed upon during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2024, political and security cooperation also occupies a central place in bilateral relations. Indeed, it has become intertwined with virtually every major regional issue, reflecting a model of strategic partnership that many regard as exemplary.

Mohammed bin Salman and Macron: Continuous Consultation

Political and military analyst Abdul Latif Al-Mulhim believes that both countries are actively working to promote regional and international security, stability, and peace, while pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation.

According to Al-Mulhim, there are clear indications of the importance France attaches to its partnership with Saudi Arabia. He argues that Paris increasingly regards the Kingdom, given its regional role, as a “close ally that plays a key role in maintaining regional peace, security, and stability.”

As evidence, he points to what he describes as Macron’s commitment to maintaining continuous consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on current crises and possible solutions.

Joint Projects

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Mulhim noted that Saudi Arabia and France consistently emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination in defense-related fields to serve their mutual interests.

He added that both countries’ efforts to develop their defense industries and technologies could pave the way for joint defense projects or military cooperation that would contribute to regional and global security and stability.

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance security coordination in areas such as combating crime in all its forms, counterterrorism and counter-extremism efforts, disrupting terrorist financing, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Political analyst Nidal Al-Sabaa believes there are significant opportunities for political and security cooperation between the two countries, particularly at this critical moment for the Middle East, where numerous crises remain unresolved.

He pointed to the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran, Iranian threats to the economic interests of Gulf and Arab states, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the security challenges in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the ongoing Gaza crisis resulting from the policies of Israel’s current government, uncertainty surrounding Lebanon amid continued Israeli threats, and the wider instability affecting the region.

Cooperation on Syria: A Model of Strategic Partnership

Al-Sabaa views recent developments in Syria as a positive example of Saudi-French cooperation in support of the Syrian government. He cited the international conference on implementing the two-state solution, co-chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince and Macron, as another illustration of effective bilateral coordination.

He also identified a new potential avenue for cooperation involving coordination between the European Union’s maritime mission Aspides and the multinational defense coalition launched by Saudi Arabia with the participation of several regional and international partners.

Opportunities to Secure Maritime Navigation

Aspides is a naval operation established by the European Union in February 2024 as a defensive response to the Red Sea crisis following repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping that began in October 2023.

The mission was launched with a mandate to protect commercial vessels and ensure freedom of navigation. It operates along major shipping lanes around the Bab al-Mandab Strait while monitoring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf.

French Interest in Saudi Defense Initiatives

French sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday that Paris attaches great importance to the visit of the Saudi Crown, given the Kingdom’s influential position at the Gulf, Arab, regional, and Islamic levels.

The sources also highlighted France’s interest in Saudi-led initiatives, including the Makkah Agreement, which resulted in the formation of a defense alliance bringing together Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye. According to the sources, the agreement has been designed to remain open to additional members in the future.

They also pointed to another Saudi initiative: the creation of a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

Gulf

Macron Hails Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit as ‘Important Milestone’

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
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Macron Hails Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit as ‘Important Milestone’

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to France carries significant strategic importance, describing it as an important step in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability.

In a post on X, Macron described the visit as an “important milestone.”

“At a time when the region faces major challenges, France and Saudi Arabia have always worked together to promote peace and stability, and they will continue their consultations in this regard,” he wrote.

Macron noted that the Paris-Riyadh partnership is built through concrete cooperation in major projects, advanced technologies, mutual investments, and joint international events, such as the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Paris.

He added: “We have already achieved a great deal together, and we can move forward toward even greater horizons.”

The state visit by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France, at the invitation of President Macron, reflects the commitment of both countries’ leaderships to advancing bilateral relations, strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership, and leveraging their political and economic capabilities in support of shared interests amid the rapid development of ties between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to deepening its strategic partnerships with major and influential global powers while maintaining balanced relations that serve the Kingdom’s national interests and reinforce its leading role in the Middle East and beyond.

Both countries hope the visit will help maximize the opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030, further strengthening economic cooperation in areas including joint investment, industry, energy, culture and heritage, tourism, education, technology, space, defense and security, and other sectors.

The Saudi-French relationship is regarded as one of the most important bilateral partnerships globally. It is founded on a long history of trust and cooperation and is characterized by continuous development, effective collaboration across multiple strategic sectors, and a convergence of views on many issues of mutual concern.

The ambitious partnership between the two countries is being reinforced by expanding opportunities for trade and investment cooperation in sectors such as energy, industry and mining, agriculture, health and healthcare, biotechnology, telecommunications and information technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space, smart and sustainable cities, tourism, and culture.

Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Highlights Joint Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
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GCC Secretary-General Highlights Joint Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed on Monday that the GCC states attach the utmost importance to developing their national capabilities to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

These remarks were made during his speech at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.

"Combating money laundering and terrorist financing constitutes a fundamental pillar for protecting the integrity of financial systems, bolstering economic stability, and confronting criminal activities and their funding sources," he stated in his opening remarks.

Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC states' continued dedication to strengthening their national capabilities and developing regulatory and institutional frameworks aligned with international standards and best practices.

He explained that the General Secretariat plays an essential role in fostering Gulf coordination in this field by representing the GCC member states in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), monitoring relevant international developments, and facilitating the transfer of expertise and practices that support member states' efforts.

"The workshop coincides with the fifth round of Mutual Evaluations conducted by FATF, which requires a high level of coordination and preparedness, a precise understanding of international requirements and standards, and the ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of implemented frameworks and measures on the ground," he noted.

He also emphasized that the workshop serves as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, drawing upon international practices, and discussing practical challenges.

"This contributes to unifying understanding, cementing coordination among relevant entities in the GCC states, and elevating their readiness to address the requirements of the upcoming phase efficiently and effectively," Albudaiwi said.

The secretary-general pointed out that the success of the GCC states in mitigating the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing and fulfilling their international obligations necessitates ongoing joint Gulf action, role integration among relevant stakeholders, and the utilization of international expertise, thereby enhancing the resilience of GCC economies and safeguarding the integrity of their financial systems.

He further expressed hope that the discussions and exchange of expertise during the workshop would yield practical outcomes that support existing efforts and advance Gulf coordination and integration in this vital domain.