Italy, GCC Sign MoU to Bolster Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
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Italy, GCC Sign MoU to Bolster Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the MoU signing ceremony. (GCC)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signed in Rome on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to bolster cooperation and coordination frameworks between them.

The MoU also expands partnership areas across several sectors of common interest, helping in supporting political dialogue, exchanging expertise, and developing joint action mechanisms.

"Relations between the GCC member states and Italy are witnessing continuous development across various fields, driven by their close ties and mutual interests," said Albudaiwi.

He added that both sides are keen on elevating ties toward broader horizons to serve common interests and boost security, stability, and development.

The GCC and Italian officials hold talks in Rome on Monday. (GCC)

They hoped that the MoU would lead to opening new horizons for cooperation and cementing communication and coordination between them to achieve their common aspirations for further cooperation and prosperity.

Earlier, Albudaiwi and Tajani held talks on GCC-Italy relations and proposals and initiatives aimed at boosting economic ties and the growth of trade and investment exchange.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments.

They stressed the importance of promoting dialogue and coordination, as well as backing efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability.

Albudaiwi expressed his gratitude for Italy's stance in support of the GCC member states and its condemnation of the Iranian attacks that targeted Gulf countries during the recent conflict.

Italy’s position reflects its commitment to consolidating the existing partnership between the two sides, he remarked.



Etidal, Telegram Remove over 34 Million Extremist Items

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and curb its spread across the digital space. SPA
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and curb its spread across the digital space. SPA
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Etidal, Telegram Remove over 34 Million Extremist Items

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and curb its spread across the digital space. SPA
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and curb its spread across the digital space. SPA

Joint efforts by the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) and Telegram led to the removal of 34,290,268 items of extremist content and the closure of 1,275 channels used to disseminate and promote such material during the first half of 2026.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to counter extremist propaganda and curb its spread across the digital space.

Since the collaboration began in February 2022 through June 30, 2026, a total of 292,597,845 items of extremist content have been removed and 20,362 channels closed.

The continued cooperation underscores the effectiveness of joint efforts by Etidal and Telegram in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and contributing to a safer digital environment.


Saudi Royal Orders Transform Ehsan Platform into Independent Non-Profit Foundation

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Saudi Royal Orders Transform Ehsan Platform into Independent Non-Profit Foundation

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued on Thursday a Royal Order to transform the National Platform for Charitable Work (Ehsan) into an independent non-profit foundation under the name "Ehsan Foundation for Charitable Work".

The foundation aims to strengthen charitable work and connect donors with beneficiaries by providing diverse donation opportunities, enabling individuals and companies to donate, and, in coordination with government and private entities, enhancing the efficiency of the non-profit sector in the Kingdom.

Another Royal Order was issued to form the Board of Trustees of the Ehsan Foundation for Charitable Work, chaired by Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and his deputy Ahmed Al-Rajhi. The membership term is three years that can be renewed.

The board includes Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaitea, Adib bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Zamil, Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Abdulrahman, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen bin Mohammed Al-Khalaf, and Emad bin Abdulqader bin Abdulmohsen Al-Muhaideb.

For more than five years, the Ehsan platform has received support and enabled contributions from all segments of society. As a result, the platform has received more than 440 million donations totaling SAR17 billion, underscoring society's confidence in the platform's role in empowering the Kingdom's charitable sector and its commitment to charitable giving across various fields.

This institutional transformation represents a major step toward achieving the objectives and future aspirations of charitable work in the Kingdom by strengthening the Ehsan Foundation for Charitable Work's ability to promote innovation and develop Ehsan platform services. It will also support programs, services and non-profit donation platforms and contribute to unifying technical and professional efforts in charitable and development work.


Saudi Ambassador Inaugurates 3rd Phase of Lebanese Land Exports to the Kingdom

Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
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Saudi Ambassador Inaugurates 3rd Phase of Lebanese Land Exports to the Kingdom

Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari inaugurated on Thursday the third phase of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom.

The exports will pass through the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria.

Thursday’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, representing the prime minister, along with several government officials.

Rasamny praised the Kingdom’s decision to resume imports of Lebanese products, describing it as a direct support for the national economy and a step that opens new opportunities for Lebanese producers.

The ceremony also included the activation of the scanner at Masnaa. This was followed by an inspection visit to the site designated for the establishment of a new land border crossing center.