Arab World Welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Hosting of US-Russia Talks

In this handout picture released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their meeting at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. (SPA)
In this handout picture released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their meeting at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. (SPA)
TT

Arab World Welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Hosting of US-Russia Talks

In this handout picture released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their meeting at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. (SPA)
In this handout picture released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their meeting at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025. (SPA)

Countries and organizations across the Arab world welcomed on Tuesday Saudi Arabia's hosting of talks between the United States and Russia aimed at improving relations between them and paving the way for peace in Ukraine. 

The talks were held at the directives of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 

Oman's Foreign Ministry expressed its support for “these initiatives to promote dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of political solutions that foster peace, security, and stability.”  

Official Spokesperson for Arab League Secretary-General Jamal Rushdi stated that the Kingdom's hosting of the talks “represents a significant Arab contribution to global efforts aimed at establishing peace,” including resolving the Ukraine war. 

The meeting brought together Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and officials from both countries. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban also attended the talks. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hoped the discussions would serve as a significant step toward bridging differences and boosting communication and dialogue to end the Ukraine conflict. 

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in hosting the talks, saying it reflected the Kingdom's commitment to supporting international peace efforts and promoting global stability and prosperity. 

The ministry underscored the Emirates' firm stance supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts and international cooperation in addressing global issues. 

Moreover, it emphasized the need to prioritize diplomacy and constructive dialogue among the concerned parties and to work collectively toward achieving security, peace, and prosperity in the region and world. 

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saudi Arabia's hosting of the talks is an extension of its responsible role in supporting peaceful solutions and establishing dialogue as a fundamental approach to resolving disputes and enhancing international understanding. 

The ministry praised Saudi Arabia's dedicated diplomatic efforts in bridging perspectives between international parties, expressing its support for all regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving peace and boosting cooperation among nations to ensure global security and stability. 

Bahrain highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts in facilitating the talks, stressing its steadfast support for resolving disputes peacefully, and the importance of prioritizing diplomacy and constructive dialogue between all concerned parties to achieve lasting security, peace, and prosperity at the regional and global levels. 

Palestine welcomed Saudi Arabia's hosting of talks, which confirms the Kingdom's effective role in achieving security and peace. 

The Palestinian presidency stressed that the Kingdom's hosting of these important talks comes as a culmination of the wise policy adopted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed. 

The talks will boost regional and international stability and reflect the Kingdom's leading position on the international scene, it added. 

Jordan hailed Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks, which it said were part of its tireless efforts to achieve peace and justice in the world.  

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry hoped the talks would achieve their desired goal of bolstering global security and stability. 

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said Saudi Arabia's hosting of the talks reflects its international standing and its policies that support international stability through dialogue and diplomacy. 



Mohammed bin Salman Takes Prince William on Tour of Diriyah

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
TT

Mohammed bin Salman Takes Prince William on Tour of Diriyah

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales pose for a photograph at the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, February 9, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, took on Monday Britain’s Prince William on a tour of Diriyah in the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Prince William had arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday for a first official visit, aimed at deepening economic cooperation. 

He was greeted at the airport by the deputy governor of the Riyadh region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The trip, which will wrap up on Wednesday, aims to celebrate growing trade, energy and investment ties ahead of the two nations marking a century of diplomatic relations. 

William, a keen environmentalist, is also set to visit the historic city of AlUla, where he will learn about conservation efforts, according to Kensington Palace. 


World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia Committed to Building Advanced, Competitive Defense Industry

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
TT

World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia Committed to Building Advanced, Competitive Defense Industry

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA
The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains - SPA

The World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, which is organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), entered its second day on Monday with a strong focus on innovation and defense integration, supporting national industrial development and the advancement of future capabilities.

GAMI Governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali delivered keynotes reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to building an advanced, globally competitive defense industry.

He stated that Saudi Arabia continues to invest in a defense industry built on innovation and partnership, ensuring an integrated approach to defense and security.

According to SPA, he added that WDS 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to lead globally through technologies that enhance readiness, strengthen supply chains, and support localization under Vision 2030.

Following these remarks, senior Saudi defense leadership led a series of high-level discussions framing the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s defense transformation. Chief of the General Staff General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili delivered an address highlighting the priority of building a future-ready, integrated defense and discussing how global operational trends shape the Kingdom’s approach.

Across the wider venue, the Content Theater Program officially opened, bringing together senior Saudi and international speakers for high-level discussions on industrial development, aerospace growth, defense investment, and supply-chain strengthening. These sessions underscored the Kingdom’s strategic direction and its commitment to building a future-ready defense ecosystem. Parallel to the leadership program, activity across the Future Defense Lab and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone continued to facilitate expert engagement and industry dialogue, serving as additional platforms to support collaboration and capability development.

CEO of World Defense Show Andrew Pearcey said: “Day Two demonstrated the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the future of defense technologies and industrial capability. Through strong participation, forward-looking programs, and strategic leadership, WDS continues to serve as a global meeting point for innovation and collaboration.”

The World Defense Show 2026 continues throughout the week with live demonstrations, strategic programs, and engagements spanning air, land, sea, space, and security domains. This year’s edition brings together 1468 exhibitors from 89 countries, with participation from defense leaders, innovators, and investors contributing to Saudi Arabia’s long-term industrial transformation.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Sign General Cooperation Agreement

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Sign General Cooperation Agreement

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA
The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Riyadh Monday Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic Robert Kaliňák.

They reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in a manner that serves their mutual interests and discussed regional and international developments, SPA reported.

The two sides signed a general cooperation agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Slovak Republic, aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding across various fields.