Saudi-Egyptian coordination: Rejecting displacement and agreeing on regional security
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have affirmed their agreement to reject the displacement of Palestinians from their lands, ensure regional security, and safeguard maritime navigation.
During a meeting between Saudi Arabia and Egypt attended by the foreign ministers of both countries, held in Riyadh, the ministers exchanged views on various regional issues of mutual concern.
Topping the agenda were developments in Gaza, efforts to de-escalate tensions, and securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, especially given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the region.
The ministers also discussed the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan for Gaza, as well as the upcoming international conference to be hosted by Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.
The meeting also addressed the latest developments in Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, the Yemeni crisis, and maritime security in the Red Sea. Both sides aligned their perspectives on these issues and emphasized joint efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.
It was noted that the Egyptian Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with his Saudi counterpart prior to the committee’s discussions.
Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is a small coastal enclave on the eastern Mediterranean, bordered by Israel and Egypt. Historically part of ancient Palestine, it came under Egyptian control after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and was later occupied by Israel in 1967. Today, it is governed by Hamas and remains a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with severe humanitarian challenges due to blockades and recurring violence.
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and historical significance as a key trade route since ancient times. It has played a crucial role in commerce and cultural exchange, linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, which was completed in 1869. The sea’s name may derive from seasonal algae blooms or the reddish mountains along its shores.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the country’s political, financial, and cultural hub. Historically a walled oasis town along trade routes, it became the center of the First Saudi State in the 18th century and later the modern Saudi kingdom after its unification in 1932. Today, Riyadh blends traditional heritage with rapid modernization, featuring landmarks like the Masmak Fortress and the futuristic Kingdom Centre.
Sudan
Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, home to ancient civilizations like the Kingdom of Kush, which thrived along the Nile River around 2000 BCE. Notable archaeological sites include the pyramids of Meroë, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the capital of the Kushite Kingdom. Sudan’s diverse culture reflects influences from African, Arab, and Islamic traditions, shaped by its role as a crossroads of trade and empires throughout history.
Syria
Syria, located in the Middle East, is a country with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Umayyads. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the ancient city of Damascus, Palmyra, and the Crusader castle Krak des Chevaliers. In recent decades, Syria has faced significant turmoil due to ongoing conflict, which has damaged many of its cultural treasures.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a small but historically rich country in the Middle East, known for its diverse culture, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities like Beirut. It was home to the Phoenicians, a maritime trading civilization, and later fell under Roman, Ottoman, and French rule before gaining independence in 1943. Today, Lebanon is famous for its archaeological sites, such as Baalbek and Byblos, as well as its scenic Mediterranean coastline and mountainous landscapes.
Yemen
Yemen, located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is a country with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations like the Sabaeans, who established the legendary Kingdom of Sheba around 1200 BCE. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Old Walled City of Shibam, known as the “Manhattan of the Desert” for its towering mud-brick skyscrapers, and the historic Old City of Sana’a, with its distinctive architecture and centuries-old mosques. Yemen’s cultural heritage reflects its role as a crossroads of trade and religion, though recent conflicts have threatened its preservation.
Palestinian government
The Palestinian government refers to the governing bodies of the Palestinian Authority (PA), established in 1994 as part of the Oslo Accords to administer parts of the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Initially intended as an interim authority leading to full statehood, it has faced challenges due to ongoing Israeli occupation, internal divisions (notably between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza), and stalled peace negotiations. Today, it operates with limited autonomy, providing civil services while striving for international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
