Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister, received French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, in Riyadh, on Monday. During the reception, the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts was discussed to ensure the security and safety of regional waterways and freedom of navigation, and to support diplomatic efforts to reach comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the current regional crises, thus contributing to consolidating security and stability in the region.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, the existing partnership between them in various fields, and ways to enhance them in a way that achieves mutual interests and supports the aspirations of the two friendly countries.
They also discussed developments in the regional situation and efforts made to limit the repercussions of the events there, as the French Foreign Minister affirmed his country's condemnation of the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia, and France's solidarity with the Kingdom.
The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries called for classifying the Houthi group as a terrorist group, and stopping the support that enables it to possess missiles and drones, while they called on Iran to stop its attacks on the countries of the region and compensate for the damages resulting from them.
During their meeting in Manama, the ministers stressed the need to involve the Gulf states in any negotiations or arrangements affecting their security, and for any understandings with Iran to include its nuclear, missile and drone programme, and support for proxies in the region, while supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing the escalation. The Gulf foreign ministers and their Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, also stressed, in the ninth ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia, on addressing crises diplomatically. Lavrov stressed the need to give the Gulf states the decisive say and the basic decision in the security arrangements for the region.
On the ground, 6 Saudi citizens were injured when a Houthi projectile fell on a residential site in Najran, while the “Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen” destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militias towards Khamis Mushait, and 3 drones targeting the Riyadh and Sharqiya regions. Two Saudi officers were also martyred after a reconnaissance helicopter crashed in Najran as a result of a technical defect, and the “coalition” vowed strict measures to neutralize the Houthis’ capabilities. The coalition confirmed taking strict operational measures, vowing to neutralize and destroy the offensive capabilities of the Houthi militias, and protect civilians.
Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense, reviewed with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed the developments in the regional situation and the importance of consultation on the priorities of this stage.
Under the guidance of the Saudi leadership, Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at the Beach Palace in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, in the presence of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President of the Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Presidential Court.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged visions regarding the latest developments in the region, and issues and topics of common interest.
The meeting was attended from the Saudi side by Hisham bin Saif, Advisor to the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, and from the Emirati side, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun, Advisor to the President of the State, and a number of officials.
On the other hand, Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, where they reviewed Saudi-Emirati relations and stressed the importance of continuing coordination and joint cooperation. In a way that contributes to supporting the security and stability of the region.
Prince Khalid bin Salman had arrived earlier in Abu Dhabi, where he was received at Al Bateen Airport by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
