The gathering reflected the continued growth in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, highlighting a commitment to deeper cooperation and sustained regional stability.

The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral ties and strengthening collaboration across strategic sectors.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of expanding joint work at the bilateral and multilateral levels, especially in fields where combined experience can support the wider Gulf region’s development goals.

Officials discussed a series of initiatives designed to elevate cooperation to broader horizons.

These initiatives aim to enhance policy coordination, streamline communication, and reinforce complementary economic and political interests shared by both nations.

Participants noted that the Coordination Council has become an increasingly effective platform for identifying new opportunities.

They underscored how strengthened committee-level engagement has played a key role in expanding the scope and impact of joint projects.

The executive committee secretariat presented a detailed overview of the Council’s progress over the past period.

This included assessments of achievements, ongoing initiatives, and preparations for the upcoming eighth Council meeting, reflecting a clear trajectory of organized and focused cooperation.

Saudi and Qatari officials expressed satisfaction with the steady pace of advancement in institutional collaboration.

They emphasized the value of well-structured dialogue mechanisms in ensuring momentum and translating shared goals into tangible action.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning development strategies in sectors such as investment, energy, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.

Both nations recognize that joint initiatives in these fields can strengthen diversification efforts and contribute to long-term economic resilience.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue under the framework of the Coordination Council.

They noted that enhanced communication channels support more effective policy implementation and help address emerging regional challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prince Faisal and Sheikh Mohammed signed the minutes of the executive committee session.

The signing reaffirmed the shared intention to maintain a structured, forward-looking approach as the Council prepares its agenda for the next phase of cooperation.

Observers view the Riyadh meeting as a positive indicator of strengthening Gulf unity.

The sustained engagement between Saudi Arabia and Qatar reflects a broader commitment to diplomatic stability, economic partnership, and collective regional progress.

The growing alignment between the two nations is expected to support future projects anchored in innovation and shared strategic priorities.

As preparations advance for the eighth Council meeting, both sides appear focused on transformative initiatives that can expand regional cooperation and enhance prosperity.

This large-scale military drill highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to improving combat readiness, enhancing operational coordination, and fostering defense partnerships with allied nations.

The ATLC-35 exercise is recognized as one of the region’s most advanced and strategic air and missile defense training operations.

Its primary goal is to simulate realistic combat environments, strengthen tactical planning, and test the interoperability of forces from different countries.

The participation of Saudi Arabia underscores its continuous efforts to build modern, efficient, and cooperative defense capabilities.

The Royal Saudi Air Force is actively taking part with Tornado fighter aircraft, conducting a wide range of missions that include defensive and offensive operations, combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and night flying exercises.

These drills are designed to enhance precision, coordination, and rapid response under complex battle conditions — essential skills in ensuring national and regional security.

Similarly, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Force plays a crucial role in this joint exercise, focusing on missile defense systems, airspace monitoring, and intercept operations.

By engaging in these integrated drills, Saudi forces are refining their strategic capabilities to detect, track, and neutralize airborne threats effectively.

The ATLC-35 exercise also provides a valuable opportunity for the Kingdom to share expertise with partner nations, exchange tactical knowledge, and develop joint operational strategies.

These collaborations help participating countries achieve a higher level of military integration and trust, reinforcing stability and collective defense across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in this advanced training operation reflects the Kingdom’s broader defense vision under Vision 2030, which emphasizes strengthening national capabilities and enhancing regional partnerships.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a leader in technological innovation, defense modernization, and international cooperation.

By taking part in multinational exercises like ATLC-35, the Kingdom showcases its readiness to contribute to peace, security, and stability both regionally and globally.

These exercises not only improve tactical efficiency but also build stronger military relationships with allied countries in the Middle East and beyond.

The ATLC-35 program represents the modern face of military training — one that combines cutting-edge technology, strategic coordination, and joint decision-making.

Through this, Saudi pilots, engineers, and defense specialists gain invaluable experience working alongside world-class forces, preparing them for a wide range of future missions.

Beyond technical training, the exercise emphasizes cooperation, mutual understanding, and the spirit of alliance.

It allows Saudi personnel to engage in real-time simulations that enhance decision-making under pressure and adaptability in complex scenarios.

These skills are critical in maintaining a strong and capable defense force ready to face modern challenges.

The Kingdom’s active participation in such exercises sends a strong message of unity and preparedness. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to defending its interests while supporting collective regional defense efforts.

By continually enhancing its forces’ skills and capabilities, the Kingdom is ensuring that peace and security remain top priorities in an increasingly dynamic world.

The ATLC-35 exercise in the UAE stands as another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s defense achievements — a testament to the Kingdom’s growing strength, strategic vision, and dedication to global peace through cooperation and readiness.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the high-profile international security conference, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji attended the opening session on Saturday, where leaders, diplomats, and policy experts gathered to discuss some of the most pressing global and regional challenges.

Now in its 21st edition, the Manama Dialogue has become one of the most influential platforms for security and foreign policy discussions in the Middle East.

It provides an opportunity for world leaders, ministers, and strategists to engage in constructive dialogue, share perspectives, and explore collective solutions to achieve lasting peace, stability, and prosperity. The Kingdom’s active participation underscores its role as a leading voice for diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and regional development.

During the conference, Al-Khuraiji emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for dialogue and partnership as essential tools for resolving global challenges.

He highlighted that the Kingdom’s foreign policy, guided by Vision 2030, prioritizes peace, cooperation, and economic progress across the region.

He also noted that Saudi Arabia continues to work closely with its allies and international organizations to promote regional stability and encourage peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy and dialogue.

On the sidelines of the event, Al-Khuraiji met with Anne-Claire Legendre, adviser to the French president on Middle East and North Africa affairs.

The meeting reflected the close and historic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France. Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation, and address shared regional and international priorities.

They also reviewed recent global developments and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to stability and constructive engagement in the region.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing coordination between Riyadh and Paris in various sectors, including defense, economic investment, cultural exchange, and clean energy initiatives.

These discussions align with Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic strategy of fostering strong partnerships with global allies to advance common goals and sustainable development.

The Manama Dialogue featured participation from a wide range of regional and international representatives, including foreign ministers, national security advisers, and senior policymakers.

Topics of discussion included regional security architecture, international cooperation on counterterrorism, maritime security, and energy stability.

The event also emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing global challenges such as climate change, conflict prevention, and humanitarian relief efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the dialogue reflects its growing role as a key player in shaping global and regional policy discussions.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom continues to champion initiatives that promote dialogue over division, stability over conflict, and development over stagnation.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a diplomatic hub, hosting and participating in major international conferences aimed at fostering cooperation between nations.

Its contributions extend beyond security and politics to include global humanitarian aid, sustainable energy transition, and cultural exchange.

These initiatives embody the Kingdom’s forward-looking approach, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a bridge between East and West, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration.

Al-Khuraiji’s presence at the Manama Dialogue reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to constructive diplomacy and partnership. His participation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, which prioritizes peace, security, and economic growth not only for the Kingdom but for the entire region.

The Kingdom’s message at the conference was clear: cooperation and dialogue remain the foundation for a stable and prosperous future.

By engaging with international partners and contributing to discussions on critical issues, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its leadership role in advancing peace and development in the Middle East and beyond.

The Manama Dialogue 2025 once again proved to be an important platform for building trust and strengthening relationships among nations.

For Saudi Arabia, it served as another opportunity to reaffirm its vision of a peaceful and interconnected world built on respect, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, reflecting the strong historical and strategic partnership that unites Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Discussions focused on enhancing economic, political, and cultural collaboration to serve the aspirations of their leaderships and citizens, as well as advancing joint initiatives that promote regional stability and prosperity.

The two sides also exchanged perspectives on key regional and international developments, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and coordination in addressing global challenges and fostering peace and sustainable development in the region.

Earlier, Prince Faisal arrived in Manama to chair the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council — a vital platform that enhances bilateral cooperation and aligns strategic projects between the two nations. He was received by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairy.

The meeting brought together senior Saudi officials, including Walid Al-Samaeel, Director General of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed Al-Yahya, Advisor to the Minister; and Engineer Fahad Al-Harthi, Head of the Working Groups of the General Secretariat of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.

The discussions underscored the shared vision of both Kingdoms to continue building on their strong partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration that support growth, innovation, and long-term regional unity. Both leaders expressed confidence that their joint efforts would further strengthen Gulf cooperation and reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two nations.

The meeting reflected the unwavering commitment of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to deepening bilateral relations, fostering economic and diplomatic advancement, and working together to achieve common goals that benefit the Gulf region as a whole.

Reflecting on recent developments, including the September 9 Israeli operation in Qatar, Prince Turki called on Gulf states to strengthen cooperation and review their strategic policies to safeguard sovereignty and regional stability.

“Recent developments remind us of the importance of unity and resilience among Gulf nations,” Prince Turki said. “Our collective security and strategic planning are key to protecting our region and fostering a safe environment for all.”

Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he welcomed recent diplomatic progress toward a two-state solution, highlighting efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France that resulted in several countries recognizing Palestinian statehood at last week’s UN General Assembly.

“Recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people is a step toward lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said, stressing the role of justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

Prince Turki also reflected on his role in helping establish Arab News in 1975 and praised the newspaper for 50 years of reporting, highlighting the importance of journalism and open dialogue in addressing regional challenges.

He concluded by urging Gulf nations to focus on unity, resilience, and proactive diplomacy, emphasizing that cooperation and strategic planning are essential to navigate challenges while promoting peace and stability.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, a high-level meeting took place between PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince conveyed his heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to India in the aftermath of the brutal attack.

“As I said, the recent terror attacks in Kashmir were discussed and His Royal Highness Crown Prince conveyed his condolences. The leaders strongly condemned this terror attack,” said Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, during a media briefing in Jeddah.

In addition to expressing sympathy, the Crown Prince offered any necessary assistance to India, underscoring the strengthening security cooperation between the two countries as they jointly confront the menace of terrorism.

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates issued a firm statement condemning the heinous attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) declared its strong rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, emphasizing that such acts undermine security and stability, violating international law.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims affected by this senseless violence. It also wished a swift recovery to those injured in the attack.

UAE’s Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali posted, “My most sincere condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the people of India. I pray for the swift and full recovery of the injured.”

The joint condemnation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights the growing consensus among Gulf nations against Pakistan-backed terrorism and their firm stance in support of India’s sovereignty and security. These developments come amid broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in counterterrorism, investment, and diplomatic ties.

PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, comes at a critical time when collaboration against terrorism has become a top priority for both nations.

During the meeting, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral ties, stating that strengthened relations between the two nations and their military establishments would “bring despair and hopelessness to our enemies and joy to our friends.”

Bagheri also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role as an observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise, IMEX 2024. The joint naval drill was held in the Indian Ocean with participation from Iran, Russia, and Oman, alongside observer delegations from several countries including Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Qatar, and Bangladesh.

Highlighting progress since the normalization of diplomatic ties, Bagheri noted that military relations between Tehran and Riyadh have steadily developed following the Beijing Agreement signed in March 2023, which marked the restoration of diplomatic relations after years of tensions.

The visit by Prince Khalid signals a continued thaw in relations and growing defense dialogue between the two regional powers, as both sides seek to strengthen stability and cooperation across the Middle East.