Gulf states back Saudi Arabia, urge dialogue on regional tensions
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia following a reported projectile strike in the kingdom's southwest, while calling for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
The positions were outlined in a final statement issued Sunday after the 168th session of the GCC Ministerial Council in Manama, Bahrain, where foreign ministers discussed regional security, maritime navigation and the conflicts affecting the Arabian Peninsula.
The council reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security, pledging solidarity with Riyadh and backing measures to protect its national interests.
It also called for a political settlement in Yemen based on dialogue, the GCC Initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Saudi Arabia reports six injured in projectile strike
Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense said a “hostile projectile” fell in the southwestern city of Najran on Sunday, injuring six people and damaging three houses and three vehicles.
Authorities did not identify those responsible for the incident.
The reported strike comes amid continued fighting in Yemen and attacks attributed to the Houthi movement targeting Saudi territory with missiles and drones.
GCC demands freedom of navigation
The GCC ministerial council stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea is a shared international interest and responsibility.
It rejected restrictions on maritime traffic and called for a return to conditions in the Strait of Hormuz before February 28.
The council also backed mediation efforts to resolve tensions between Washington and Tehran, warning against further regional instability.
It said any agreement with Iran should address its nuclear and missile programmes, drone capabilities and support for regional armed groups. The GCC also stressed that member states must be involved in negotiations affecting their security and interests.
Russia and Saudi Arabia discuss maritime security
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed concern over tensions in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait during talks in Manama on Sunday.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue.
According to Russia's Foreign Ministry, both ministers highlighted the importance of maritime security and the uninterrupted passage of vessels through international waterways.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral political dialogue and expanding trade, investment, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Continued coordination within the OPEC+ framework was also discussed.
Moscow and Kuwait call for de-escalation
Lavrov also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to discuss regional and international developments, with particular attention to tensions in the Gulf.
Both ministers called for a swift reduction in tensions, stressing that political and diplomatic engagement was the only way to resolve disputes while respecting the interests of all countries in the region.
They also pledged to strengthen Russia-Kuwait relations through regular political consultations and expanded economic, trade, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The diplomatic discussions come as Gulf states intensify calls for regional stability, the protection of critical shipping routes and negotiations to prevent further escalation across the Middle East.
Source:AA
