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)
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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. 



Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Tuesday with his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

The officials discussed bilateral ties and cooperation, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts to address the situation.


'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
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'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the launch of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval, and air defense forces, as well as the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness, and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise focuses on unifying the concept of joint military action, boosting joint operational readiness, and executing and evaluating tactics to address current and emerging threats. It includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures, and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical, and support personnel.

The exercise also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and United States.

The Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supports the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities, and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Israel's demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.

“Saudi Arabia reiterates its rejection of Israeli violations of international and humanitarian norms and laws and holds the international community responsible for addressing these practices” and Israel’s continued crimes against international relief organizations, it said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia expresses its support for UNRWA in its humanitarian mission to provide relief to the Palestinian people and calls on the international community to protect relief organizations, their workers and facilities,” it urged.