Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief Signs Several Agreements with Syria to Support its Recovery

Saudi and Syrian officials are seen at the signing ceremony on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi and Syrian officials are seen at the signing ceremony on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief Signs Several Agreements with Syria to Support its Recovery

Saudi and Syrian officials are seen at the signing ceremony on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi and Syrian officials are seen at the signing ceremony on Sunday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed in Damascus on Sunday a number of agreements with the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and other agencies as part of its humanitarian and relief efforts across Syria. 

The first agreement signed with the ministry aims to remove and manage debris in the Damascus countryside, specifically in Darayya and Douma.  

The partnership includes removing more than 75,000 cubic meters of debris from roads and public facilities to support recovery efforts.  

Under the agreement, a debris management unit will also be established and equipped, and no less than 30,000 cubic meters of debris will be recycled.  

The initiative strengthens local capacities by providing equipment to sustain debris removal and recycling operations. It will reduce environmental impact and is expected to benefit more than four million people. 

The second agreement with the ministry aims to rehabilitate sewage networks in Qaboun, in the Damascus governorate.  

The project includes rehabilitating sewage networks and cleaning and sealing exposed canals. It aims to improve access to residential areas, curb the spread of disease, enhance environmental and health sustainability and promote public safety. About 21,000 people are expected to benefit. 

The third agreement with the ministry aims to rehabilitate wells in the Douma area. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed Al-Saleh. The agreement was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz. 

The agreement provides for the full rehabilitation of 15 wells, improving groundwater extraction efficiency and supporting the sustainability of water resources. It also includes awareness campaigns to promote rational water use among local residents, benefiting an estimated 250,000 people. 

This initiative comes as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, through KSrelief, to enhance water services in affected areas, ensure access to safe water, reduce the spread of disease, promote public health, and support sustainable development in Syria. 

KSrelief also signed a joint cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to support the wheat production chain in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. 

Efforts will focus on rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation and drainage systems. The project seeks to improve the availability of high-quality Syrian wheat seeds and provide crucial technical support for agricultural extension and mechanization. 

The intervention will cover a total area of 2,750 hectares, benefiting approximately 16,500 individuals from 2,750 families. By empowering small farmers, the program aims to increase local reliance on agricultural resources and promote self-sufficiency. 

The agreements are part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts to improve services and support recovery in affected areas across Syria. 



Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received in Riyadh on Wednesday his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi.

They reviewed the strong bilateral relations between their countries and ways to boost them across various fields.

They also addressed the latest developments in the region and the importance of continuing efforts to achieve security and stability.


OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
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OIC Condemns Israeli Decision to Ban 37 Aid Groups from Operating in Gaza

 The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)
The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year’ Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. (Reuters)

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s decision to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in the humanitarian and health sectors from carrying out their activities in Gaza.

The Secretariat stressed that these organizations “play an indispensable role in alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza.”

The OIC General Secretariat “warned of the grave consequences of this arbitrary measure, which is likely to dangerously exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions that hinder the entry of sufficient humanitarian and medical aid.”

It deemed the Israeli decision as “illegal and a “blatant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which obliges the Israel to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organizations and to allow the adequate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.”

The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community “to take the necessary measures and exert effective pressure on Israeli authorities to reverse this decision, ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, and guarantee the freedom of humanitarian organizations to operate without restriction throughout the occupied Palestinian territory.”


Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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Gulf Countries, OIC Say Security of Saudi Arabia and GCC States Integral to Region

A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A general view of Kuwait City buildings, Kuwait, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)

Qatar announced that it is following with great interest the ongoing developments and events in Yemen, reiterating its full support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the importance of preserving Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, safeguarding the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people, and achieving their aspirations for security, stability, and development.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states is integral to the security of Qatar, stemming from the deep-rooted brotherly ties and shared destiny that unite the GCC countries.

The ministry commended the statements issued by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, noting that they reflect a commitment to prioritizing the region’s interests, boosting the principles of good neighborliness, and adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Qatar will remain at the forefront of countries supporting efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy as the optimal path to achieving prosperity, security, and stability for the region and its peoples, stressed the ministry.

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued a similar statement, saying the security of Saudi Arabia and GCC states is a fundamental pillar of Gulf collective security, rooted in the bonds of brotherhood and shared destiny among them.

It expressed continued support for regional and international efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and peace, emphasizing diplomacy as the most effective path to achieving security, stability, and lasting peace in the region.

Bahrain, chair of the current session of the GCC, praised the “pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in supporting the security and stability of Yemen, stemming from their brotherly responsibilities and shared commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf region within the GCC framework.” 

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its “confidence in the wisdom of the leaderships of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and in their ability to contain any differences within the framework of the GCC, in line with the principles of the GCC based on solidarity, mutual understanding, and unity, serving the shared aspirations to instill security, stability, peace, and prosperity for the benefit of the region and its peoples.” 

The ministry reiterated Bahrain’s “firm and supportive stance toward all regional and international initiatives and efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen, in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” 

Jordan also praised Saudi Arabia and the UAE's roles in supporting Yemen.

OIC

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha underlined the organization’s firm stance in support of Yemen, its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.  

He reiterated the OIC’s categorical rejection of any actions or attempts that would undermine Yemen’s unity or compromise its constitutional legitimacy and national institutions, in light of recent developments in the country. 

He renewed the OIC’s full support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council. He stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening state institutions in order to realize the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development. 

Taha condemned any actions or practices by the Southern Transitional Council that pose a direct threat to Yemen’s unity, undermine peace efforts, and prolong the conflict.  

“Any disruption to Yemen’s security and stability also threatens peace and security across the region,” he warned. 

He welcomed the announcement of the UAE’s withdrawal of forces from Yemen, describing it as a “constructive step that supports de-escalation efforts and spares the blood of the Yemeni people.” 

He further stressed that the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia “constitute inviolable red lines.” 

“Any threat to the Kingdom’s security is a direct threat to the security of the entire region and the Islamic world,” Taha added, underscoring the OIC’s “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to safeguard its national security.” 

He stressed “the need to continue supporting political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Yemeni crisis.” 

He called on all Yemeni parties “to uphold legitimacy, renounce violence, and prioritize dialogue and the higher interests of Yemen and its people, in order to achieve security, stability, and development while preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”