Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
TT

Saudi FM Discusses Tensions with His Indian, Pakistani Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held separate telephone calls on Saturday with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts where discussions focused on de-escalating military tensions between the two countries.

During his telephone talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar., the Saudi minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to regional security and stability, emphasizing its strong and balanced relations with both friendly nations.

In relation, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir visited India and Pakistan on May 8 and 9, following directives from the Saudi leadership in a diplomatic effort aimed at defusing tensions between the two countries.

In a statement on Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit is part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to de-escalate tension, end ongoing military confrontations, and promote dialogue and diplomatic channels as a means to resolve disputes between the two nations.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received al-Jubeir in Islamabad on Thursday. The two discussed the recent developments in the region, underscoring the importance of diplomatic channels and peaceful solutions to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Shahbaz expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan’s government said in a statement, praising the positive fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Al-Jubeir had on Wednesday met in New Delhi with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. In a post on X, the Indian Prime Minister described the meeting as “productive”.

On April 30, Saudi Arabia expressed concern about the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

In an official statement, the Kingdom urged the two countries to defuse tensions and resolve the disputes through diplomatic means.
 



GCC Secretary-General Affirms Gulf Stability as a Cornerstone of Global Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Affirms Gulf Stability as a Cornerstone of Global Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed during a working session before the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) that Gulf–European relations are more important than ever amid current regional and international challenges, and called for elevating them from consultation to a more practical partnership, SPA reported.

Albudaiwi, who is holding a series of meetings with senior officials in Brussels, explained that recent security developments in the region, along with threats to maritime routes, supply chains, and energy and food security, confirm that Gulf stability is not merely a regional matter, but a fundamental element of global stability.

He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and secure under international law, particularly UNCLOS (1982).

He also praised the EU’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and its efforts to contain escalation through urgent diplomatic engagement.


Makkah Police Arrest Resident over Fraudulent Hajj Ads

 A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Makkah Police Arrest Resident over Fraudulent Hajj Ads

 A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A general of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

Makkah Region police arrested an Egyptian resident for fraud after posting advertisements on social media offering fake permits to enter the holy sites and fraudulent Hajj services, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

Legal action was taken against him and he was referred to the Public Prosecution.

The General Directorate of Public Security urged citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines and to report violators.

On Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the penalties that will be imposed on violators of the regulations requiring a permit to perform Hajj.

A fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on any individual found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

A fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on any person who applies for the issuance of a visit visa of any type for an individual who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit.

Infiltrators, including residents and those who overstay their visas, will be deported back to their countries and banned them from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief Distributes 29,000 Hot Meals in Gaza

KSrelief distributed 29,000 hot meals to the most vulnerable families in central and southern Gaza Strip. (SPA)
KSrelief distributed 29,000 hot meals to the most vulnerable families in central and southern Gaza Strip. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief Distributes 29,000 Hot Meals in Gaza

KSrelief distributed 29,000 hot meals to the most vulnerable families in central and southern Gaza Strip. (SPA)
KSrelief distributed 29,000 hot meals to the most vulnerable families in central and southern Gaza Strip. (SPA)

The central kitchen operated by Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 29,000 hot meals to the most vulnerable families in central and southern Gaza Strip, as part of the Saudi public campaign to provide relief to the Palestinian people, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

This initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication, through KSrelief, to supporting the Palestinian people in times of crisis.

On Monday, KSrelief distributed 1,196 food baskets to the most vulnerable groups in Gaza's city of Khan Younis, benefiting 7,176 individuals.