Saudi Arabia will host on Friday an unofficial meeting between leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Jordan and Egypt.
The “fraternal” meeting aims to bolster cooperation and coordination between the countries.
An official Saudi source said the meeting is taking place at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and will be held in Riyadh.
Such gatherings have been held regularly over the years given the close fraternal ties that bind the leaders, he added.
The officials will discuss the emergency Arab League summit that Egypt is hosting on March 4.
Saudi political analyst Dr. Khaled al-Habbas told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting is part of the ongoing coordination and consultations between these countries, which gain more significance in wake of the developments in the region.
The developments in the Palestinian territories will top the agenda, he revealed.
Moreover, he noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the meeting underscores its leading political role in the region and world, highlighting Riyadh’s hosting on Tuesday of landmark talks between the United States and Russia aimed at mending their relations and restoring peace in Ukraine.
The Arab League summit next month will focus on the developments in the Palestinian territories. Arab countries are drafting a plan about the future of Gaza to counter US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he wants to displace its residents and impose US control over the enclave.
His proposal was vehemently rejected by the Arab world and denounced by US allies and opponents alike.
Cairo is mulling a plan that would establish “safe zones” for the people of Gaza as the enclave is reconstructed. The plan will be presented at the Arab summit.
