Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Asharq Al-Awsat: Khalid bin Salman’s Visit Is Very Important

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
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Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Asharq Al-Awsat: Khalid bin Salman’s Visit Is Very Important

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet on Friday. (Prince Khalid bin Salman on X)

Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati described as “very important” Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s visit to Tehran on Friday.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he noted Prince Khalid’s meetings with senior Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

The visit is evidence that bilateral relations are moving forward at a rapid pace since they were restored less than two years ago, he added.

Speaking from Tehran, Enayati hoped that the visit would have a positive impact in the region, underlining Saudi Arabia and Iran’s importance in the region.

Prince Khalid met in Tehran with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) General Ali Akbar Ahmadian

Discussions focused on the “fruitful, constructive and positive” relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, continued Enayati.

They also tackled issues that concern the region and its security and stability, as well as support to the Palestinian cause, he remarked.

Prince Khalid traveled to Iran at the directives of the Saudi leadership. He handed Khamenei a written message from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He added that he discussed with Khamenei issues of common interest and bilateral relations between their countries.

Enayati stressed the need for Saudi Arabia and Iran to invest their major capabilities in developing relations.

Khamenei underscored the importance of Saudi-Iranian ties and the need for their continuity for the interests of all parties, the ambassador said.

Prince Khalid’s visit reflects the determination of both countries to develop and bolster their ties further.

The region, he stressed, needs solidarity between its nations, especially between Saudi Arabia and Iran, added Enayati.



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.