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Gulf

Bilateral Consultations Boost Coordination Between Riyadh, Washington

The Saudi Foreign Minister’s official US visit caps week of high-level coordination between the two countries (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
The Saudi Foreign Minister’s official US visit caps week of high-level coordination between the two countries (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Bilateral Consultations Boost Coordination Between Riyadh, Washington

The Saudi Foreign Minister’s official US visit caps week of high-level coordination between the two countries (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
The Saudi Foreign Minister’s official US visit caps week of high-level coordination between the two countries (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi-US coordination has seen a notable uptick in recent days, with five rounds of bilateral consultations held over the span of a week. The talks, which covered political, defense, and security issues, as well as regional and international developments, reflect deepening engagement between the two allies.

The surge in activity comes amid growing momentum in the relationship, with Riyadh hosting multiple American delegations in recent weeks, including repeated visits by the US Secretary of State.

The heightened diplomatic exchange also precedes a planned visit by US President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia in May — his first overseas trip during his second term in office.

As part of this intensified coordination, US Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla conducted a five-day tour of the region from April 1 to 5, visiting five countries. He spent two days in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili late last week.

Kurilla, Al-Ruwayli, and the other leaders discussed shared security concerns, the importance of joint readiness and interoperability, and their mutual commitment to addressing regional threats, according to a statement released by USCENTCOM.

Earlier this week, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met with Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US to the Kingdom Alison Dilworth at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the two officials reviewed bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international developments, along with efforts to address them.

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman also received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday.
They discussed defense cooperation between the two countries.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
The two officials reviewed the state of Saudi-US defense ties and explored prospects for deeper cooperation, according to a readout of the call.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that the defense chiefs discussed the regional security landscape, including progress in US operations aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Both sides also discussed opportunities to expand the US-Saudi partnership in defense affairs and agreed to maintain close communication going forward.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on an official visit, where he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday at the State Department.

The two top diplomats discussed developments in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and the Russia-Ukraine war, exchanging views on ways to support international peace and security. They also explored options to strengthen coordination and cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual concern.

The talks also focused on the strategic ties between the two countries and opportunities to deepen them across various sectors.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts to help mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, bolster economic and defense cooperation, counter Houthi threats in the region, and restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Bruce added that the ministers also discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of hostages in Gaza and achieving a permanent ceasefire that includes the full disarmament of Hamas and dismantling of its authority.

The statement said Prince Faisal and Rubio agreed on the need for Sudan’s armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces to resume peace talks, protect civilians, open humanitarian corridors, and return to civilian rule.

According to Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, an expert in US and international affairs, Saudi-US coordination is currently experiencing one of its strongest phases.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that global and regional dynamics are pushing both sides to intensify consultation and cooperation - a trend reflected in five rounds of talks held in less than a week.

Al-Ibrahim said the heightened level of coordination underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance to both regional and global peace and security, as well as to Washington’s foreign policy priorities.

Key issues such as freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the war in Gaza, Sudan, and developments in Syria and Lebanon, highlight Riyadh’s central role, he noted.

He added that two of the most pressing US foreign policy challenges - the war in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine - are seeing significant Saudi engagement.

Riyadh, he said, has been actively advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and has taken a leading role in hosting and supporting peace talks related to the Ukraine war, along with broader Russian-American relations.

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Gulf

How Can the Riyadh-Paris Partnership Help Strengthen Regional Security?

France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
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How Can the Riyadh-Paris Partnership Help Strengthen Regional Security?

France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Regional security and ongoing developments in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Houthi threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, the two-state solution and recognition of a Palestinian state, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s rejection of the US plan for the territory, as well as the situations in Syria and Lebanon, constitute shared concerns for Saudi Arabia and France.

According to observers and experts interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the two countries maintain almost similar views on these issues.

Although major economic, investment, and cultural initiatives continue to strengthen the “strategic partnership” between the two countries, a partnership expected to gain further momentum with the convening on Monday of the first meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, which was agreed upon during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2024, political and security cooperation also occupies a central place in bilateral relations. Indeed, it has become intertwined with virtually every major regional issue, reflecting a model of strategic partnership that many regard as exemplary.

Mohammed bin Salman and Macron: Continuous Consultation

Political and military analyst Abdul Latif Al-Mulhim believes that both countries are actively working to promote regional and international security, stability, and peace, while pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at safeguarding maritime security and freedom of navigation.

According to Al-Mulhim, there are clear indications of the importance France attaches to its partnership with Saudi Arabia. He argues that Paris increasingly regards the Kingdom, given its regional role, as a “close ally that plays a key role in maintaining regional peace, security, and stability.”

As evidence, he points to what he describes as Macron’s commitment to maintaining continuous consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on current crises and possible solutions.

Joint Projects

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Mulhim noted that Saudi Arabia and France consistently emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination in defense-related fields to serve their mutual interests.

He added that both countries’ efforts to develop their defense industries and technologies could pave the way for joint defense projects or military cooperation that would contribute to regional and global security and stability.

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance security coordination in areas such as combating crime in all its forms, counterterrorism and counter-extremism efforts, disrupting terrorist financing, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Political analyst Nidal Al-Sabaa believes there are significant opportunities for political and security cooperation between the two countries, particularly at this critical moment for the Middle East, where numerous crises remain unresolved.

He pointed to the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran, Iranian threats to the economic interests of Gulf and Arab states, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the security challenges in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the ongoing Gaza crisis resulting from the policies of Israel’s current government, uncertainty surrounding Lebanon amid continued Israeli threats, and the wider instability affecting the region.

Cooperation on Syria: A Model of Strategic Partnership

Al-Sabaa views recent developments in Syria as a positive example of Saudi-French cooperation in support of the Syrian government. He cited the international conference on implementing the two-state solution, co-chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince and Macron, as another illustration of effective bilateral coordination.

He also identified a new potential avenue for cooperation involving coordination between the European Union’s maritime mission Aspides and the multinational defense coalition launched by Saudi Arabia with the participation of several regional and international partners.

Opportunities to Secure Maritime Navigation

Aspides is a naval operation established by the European Union in February 2024 as a defensive response to the Red Sea crisis following repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping that began in October 2023.

The mission was launched with a mandate to protect commercial vessels and ensure freedom of navigation. It operates along major shipping lanes around the Bab al-Mandab Strait while monitoring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf.

French Interest in Saudi Defense Initiatives

French sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday that Paris attaches great importance to the visit of the Saudi Crown, given the Kingdom’s influential position at the Gulf, Arab, regional, and Islamic levels.

The sources also highlighted France’s interest in Saudi-led initiatives, including the Makkah Agreement, which resulted in the formation of a defense alliance bringing together Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye. According to the sources, the agreement has been designed to remain open to additional members in the future.

They also pointed to another Saudi initiative: the creation of a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

Gulf

Macron Hails Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit as ‘Important Milestone’

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
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Macron Hails Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit as ‘Important Milestone’

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, August 23, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to France carries significant strategic importance, describing it as an important step in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability.

In a post on X, Macron described the visit as an “important milestone.”

“At a time when the region faces major challenges, France and Saudi Arabia have always worked together to promote peace and stability, and they will continue their consultations in this regard,” he wrote.

Macron noted that the Paris-Riyadh partnership is built through concrete cooperation in major projects, advanced technologies, mutual investments, and joint international events, such as the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Paris.

He added: “We have already achieved a great deal together, and we can move forward toward even greater horizons.”

The state visit by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France, at the invitation of President Macron, reflects the commitment of both countries’ leaderships to advancing bilateral relations, strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership, and leveraging their political and economic capabilities in support of shared interests amid the rapid development of ties between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to deepening its strategic partnerships with major and influential global powers while maintaining balanced relations that serve the Kingdom’s national interests and reinforce its leading role in the Middle East and beyond.

Both countries hope the visit will help maximize the opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030, further strengthening economic cooperation in areas including joint investment, industry, energy, culture and heritage, tourism, education, technology, space, defense and security, and other sectors.

The Saudi-French relationship is regarded as one of the most important bilateral partnerships globally. It is founded on a long history of trust and cooperation and is characterized by continuous development, effective collaboration across multiple strategic sectors, and a convergence of views on many issues of mutual concern.

The ambitious partnership between the two countries is being reinforced by expanding opportunities for trade and investment cooperation in sectors such as energy, industry and mining, agriculture, health and healthcare, biotechnology, telecommunications and information technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space, smart and sustainable cities, tourism, and culture.

Gulf

GCC Secretary-General Highlights Joint Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
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GCC Secretary-General Highlights Joint Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)
Al-Budaiwi speaking to attendees at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Riyadh (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed on Monday that the GCC states attach the utmost importance to developing their national capabilities to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

These remarks were made during his speech at the introductory workshop on international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.

"Combating money laundering and terrorist financing constitutes a fundamental pillar for protecting the integrity of financial systems, bolstering economic stability, and confronting criminal activities and their funding sources," he stated in his opening remarks.

Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC states' continued dedication to strengthening their national capabilities and developing regulatory and institutional frameworks aligned with international standards and best practices.

He explained that the General Secretariat plays an essential role in fostering Gulf coordination in this field by representing the GCC member states in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), monitoring relevant international developments, and facilitating the transfer of expertise and practices that support member states' efforts.

"The workshop coincides with the fifth round of Mutual Evaluations conducted by FATF, which requires a high level of coordination and preparedness, a precise understanding of international requirements and standards, and the ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of implemented frameworks and measures on the ground," he noted.

He also emphasized that the workshop serves as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, drawing upon international practices, and discussing practical challenges.

"This contributes to unifying understanding, cementing coordination among relevant entities in the GCC states, and elevating their readiness to address the requirements of the upcoming phase efficiently and effectively," Albudaiwi said.

The secretary-general pointed out that the success of the GCC states in mitigating the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing and fulfilling their international obligations necessitates ongoing joint Gulf action, role integration among relevant stakeholders, and the utilization of international expertise, thereby enhancing the resilience of GCC economies and safeguarding the integrity of their financial systems.

He further expressed hope that the discussions and exchange of expertise during the workshop would yield practical outcomes that support existing efforts and advance Gulf coordination and integration in this vital domain.