Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, engaged in strategic dialogues with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Riyadh, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation.

This gathering was part of the GCC-India Joint Ministerial Meeting, where enhancing strategic cooperation and security initiatives between the Gulf Cooperation Council and India was the agenda. Among those present were Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi.

While dialogues were ongoing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism was busy showcasing impressive tourism investment opportunities at the International Hospitality Investment Conference in Hong Kong. Key initiatives like the Tourism Investment Enablers Program aimed to elevate the nation’s tourism capacity, already proven by receiving over 109 million tourists in 2023.

Back in Riyadh, the GCC's 161st Ministerial Council meeting focused on strengthening strategic partnerships with Russia, India, and Brazil. Top foreign ministers, including Sergey Lavrov, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Mauro Vieira, deliberated on crucial matters like economic collaboration and global security.

In the realm of defense and security, the newly commissioned Pakistani warship, PNS Hunain, participated in joint naval exercises with Saudi naval forces off the coast of Jeddah. This multi-purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel emphasizes Pakistan Navy's dedication to regional peace and combating non-traditional threats such as piracy.

Meanwhile, developments in Yemen saw US and UK jets conducting consecutive airstrikes on Houthi targets, with the US Central Command affirming the destruction of threatening drones and missile systems. With Yemen's economy suffering due to Houthi attacks on oil terminals, the government is seeking financial aid from the GCC to stabilize conditions and improve living standards.