US Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Role in Hosting Russian-Ukrainian Talks 

A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
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US Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Role in Hosting Russian-Ukrainian Talks 

A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)
A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. (AFP)

The United States expressed its gratitude for Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his wise leadership and patronage in hosting the talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh from March 23 to 25.

The high-profile talks took place in an atmosphere of constructive cooperation and mutual respect and resulted in a series of agreements that contribute to enhancing regional and international security and stability.

In a statement issued by the White House, the US emphasized that the talks once again demonstrated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a key mediator in advancing international peace and stability.

The United States and Russia agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, avoid the use of force or military strikes, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. The US will work with Russia to facilitate its access to global markets for the export of agricultural products and fertilizers by reducing maritime insurance costs and improving access to ports and payment systems related to export transactions.

The two sides also agreed to implement measures based on the agreement between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to ban targeting energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine. The United States and Russia welcomed third-party efforts to support the implementation of agreements concerning energy and maritime navigation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to pursue a durable and sustainable peace in the region.

The United States and Ukraine also reached an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and avoid using commercial vessels for military purposes. The US confirmed its commitment to facilitating an agreement on prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children who had been forcibly taken to Russia.

Both sides also agreed to implement measures aligned with the agreement between Presidents Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to prohibit targeting energy facilities in either country. They welcomed the good offices of third countries supporting the implementation of energy and maritime-related agreements and reaffirmed their intent to continue working toward lasting peace in the region.

The statement underlined the United States’ commitment to advancing negotiations and supporting a peaceful resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict based on the understandings reached in Riyadh and in line with ongoing efforts to achieve lasting stability and peace.



World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
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World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated in Riyadh the third edition of the World Defense Show, organized by GAMI until February 12.

At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, the Defense Minister launched on Sunday SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, SAMI Land Industrial Complex, and the HEET Program.

He also unveiled the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN), the group's flagship supply chain program.

Prince Khalid and his South Korean counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development.

The agreement focuses on defense research, development, and innovation in advanced military technologies and systems.

The Saudi Defense Minister also signed three defense cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.

Furthermore, the National Industrial Development Center signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localizing the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.

Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom. They will study the creation of an engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and repair, alongside a supporting logistics network.

The agreement also covers technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers to invest in Saudi Arabia, and developing Saudi talent through educational and training partnerships with domestic institutions. It includes coordination with relevant authorities to examine procurement options, support the shift toward exports, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms to enhance project readiness and competitiveness.

GE Aerospace and the Middle East Propulsion Company Ltd. (MEPC) announced signing three new agreements to enhance operational readiness for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F110 fleet and build in-country capabilities.

Leveraging their decade-old partnership, are focused on the RSAF’s F110-129 engines and will also support F110-129 customers across the broader region.

These agreements represent Phase 3 of a long-term initiative, building on the success of similar Phase 1 and 2 agreements, which saw GE Aerospace providing repair and overhaul services support to MEPC.

The agreements seek to ensure sustained material supply and comprehensive maintenance and repair services support for the RSAF F110 Engine Structural Integrity Program (ENSIP).

They highlight the shared vision of both companies to advance the safety, efficiency, and operational excellence of defense aircraft in the wider Middle East.

MEPC Managing Director Mohammed Alnawkhani said: “These agreements represent the next phase of our strategic partnership with GE Aerospace and a major step forward in enhancing readiness for the RSAF F110 fleet.”

“Together, we are expanding in-Kingdom F110-129 sustainment capabilities, ensuring long-term material availability, and delivering the high standards of safety and performance required by our customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”

“This milestone also strengthens localization efforts in support of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to national industrial development and building sovereign aerospace sustainment capabilities,” he added.

Salim Mousallam, Vice President, Defense & Systems for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at GE Aerospace said that the enduring partnership with MEPC is a testament to the company’s shared vision of enhancing in-country capabilities and ensuring peak operational readiness through maximized availability for its customers.

“These agreements will significantly increase engine availability, streamline MRO processes, and directly support the RSAF’s critical missions. As a trusted partner to the Kingdom, we are proud to provide high-quality services to MEPC, reducing maintenance burden and service disruptions for their mission-critical F110 fleet,” he said.

Under the F110-129 Material Support Agreement, GE Aerospace will provide essential ENSIP Kits (F110-129 parts) to support MEPC in performing the necessary overhaul of RSAF F110-129 engines within the Kingdom.

The F110-129 repair and overhaul agreement further solidifies the provision of comprehensive repair and overhaul services specifically for the Royal Saudi Air Force fleet. GE Aerospace also signed a new F110-129 services agreement to extend critical repair and overhaul capabilities to support other F110 customers across the region.


Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.