Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Arab Security Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Arab Security Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Honorary President of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz underlined on Sunday the importance of boosting Arab security cooperation.

Speaking at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis, he stressed the need for integrated efforts to combat crime, monitor evolving threats, and develop a comprehensive security strategy to address shared challenges.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the Saudi leadership’s greetings and hopes for stronger Arab security collaboration. He thanked Tunisian President Kais Saied for hosting the meeting, the Tunisian people for their hospitality and Interior Minister Khaled Nouri for ensuring the event’s success.

Highlighting the council’s significance, he stated: “Our council represents the depth of Arab security alliances, built on trust and cooperation, as we navigate rapid changes, crises, and emerging challenges. Our security today is founded on past achievements and present capabilities to confront current and future threats.”

Officials at the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. (SPA)

Prince Abdulaziz warned that global instability has fueled armed terrorist groups and increased security threats, including organized crimes like drug trafficking. He highlighted how these groups exploit cyberspace, emerging technologies and covert methods to evade international oversight, making it easier for them to acquire and manufacture advanced weaponry and explosives.

Moreover, he called for continued efforts to strengthen Arab security cooperation, particularly in border security and surveillance. “Regardless of how sophisticated criminal organizations become, our security alliance remains stronger than any challenge. This drives us toward deeper collaboration and continuous, effective coordination,” he emphasized.

The council awarded the Prince Naif Medal for Arab Security (First Class) to Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in recognition of their efforts to strengthen Arab security. Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Abdullah Al-Faraya and Omani Interior Minister Hamoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi accepted the awards on their behalf.

The ministers delivered speeches and discussed various agenda topics, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation.



Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: Our Pilgrims Continue to Arrive in the Kingdom for Hajj

Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat. (Turky Al-Agili)
Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat. (Turky Al-Agili)
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Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: Our Pilgrims Continue to Arrive in the Kingdom for Hajj

Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat. (Turky Al-Agili)
Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat. (Turky Al-Agili)

The first batch of Iranian pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj amid an integrated system of services offered by the Kingdom for pilgrims from all over the world.

Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati told Asharq Al-Awsat that the second batch of Iranian pilgrims will arrive on Tuesday.

“They are being generously welcomed by Saudi Arabia, as are all pilgrims and as have all Iranians over the years,” he stressed.

The first batch of arrivals were administrative and social staff that will accompany the Iranian pilgrims. They will be followed by the pilgrims on Tuesday after Iran reopened its airspace over the weekend.

Pilgrims first started arriving in the Kingdom on April 18.

The Kingdom is dedicating all of its means to serve them and allow them to perform the holy rituals with ease.

Enayati hoped the Iranians would perform the rituals with ease and return home safely, expressing his gratitude to Saudi and Iranian authorities for their services.

The Iranian embassy is ready to offer any assistance and is coordinating with the Saudi Foreign Ministry, he added.

He noted the recent telephone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that tackled regional developments and diplomatic efforts exerted towards them.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry has been implementing the Makkah Road Initiative for eight years as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program. It is being carried out in 10 countries: Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Cote d'Ivoire, Maldives, Senegal and Brunei Darussalam.

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has served over 1.2 million pilgrims. It aims to facilitate their journey through offering integrated services in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies.


Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Receives Written Message from Djibouti’s President

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama. SPA
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama. SPA
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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Receives Written Message from Djibouti’s President

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama. SPA
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama. SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received on Sunday a written message from Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, concerning bilateral relations between the two countries.

The message was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed ties between Saudi Arabia and Djibouti, and discussed the latest developments in the region and the world.


Saudi Arabia Denounces Shooting Targeting Event Attended by US President

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Denounces Shooting Targeting Event Attended by US President

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its denunciation of the shooting that targeted an event attended by US President Donald Trump, SPA reported.

The Kingdom expressed its solidarity with the United States of America and affirms its rejection of all forms of violence.