Latest news with #regionalties
Arab News
07-08-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi envoy, Balochistan governor discuss mobility, investment, regional ties
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki has acknowledged efforts by the governor of Balochistan to facilitate direct travel from Quetta to the Kingdom following a meeting between the two officials to discuss mobility, investments and regional ties, the governor's office said on Thursday. The envoy's meeting with Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, held in Islamabad, reflects a broader trend of Saudi engagement beyond Pakistan's federal capital, with Balochistan, a resource-rich but underdeveloped province increasingly seen as strategically important in regional trade and energy corridors. Both sides discussed 'cordial relations between the two brotherly Islamic countries… regional economic and political developments and matters of mutual interest,' the statement from Mandokhail's office said. 'Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki appreciated Governor Mandokhail's personal efforts in facilitating direct travel from Quetta to Saudi Arabia for the people of Balochistan,' the governor's office said in a statement. While the statement did not elaborate on timelines or agreements regarding direct travel between Quetta and Saudi Arabia, the ambassador's reported remarks signal interest in easing mobility for religious pilgrims, workers and business travelers from the province, many of whom currently travel via Karachi or Islamabad. The meeting also underscores growing recognition of Balochistan's role in Pakistan's future economic landscape, as well as Saudi Arabia's intent to broaden the scope of its bilateral engagement beyond federal corridors of power. Mandokhail, for his part, reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties. 'History bears witness to Saudi Arabia's special support for Pakistan during every difficult time,' he said, according to the statement. Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan's closest diplomatic and economic partners. In recent months, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its intention to invest in large-scale infrastructure, mining, and agricultural projects across Pakistan, including in Balochistan. Saudi financial assistance has also been critical to Pakistan's macroeconomic stability, particularly during periods of external financing stress.
Russia Today
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Morocco ready to resolve ‘issues' with neighbor
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has expressed readiness for a 'frank and responsible dialogue' with Algeria to help resolve longstanding disputes between the North African neighbors, which he said share deep historical and cultural ties. The King made the remarks in a speech on Tuesday marking the 26th anniversary of his coronation, which focused on national development commitments and strengthening regional ties. 'I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria and said Morocco was ready for frank, responsible, fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending between the two countries,' he said. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been strained for decades over Rabat's claim to Western Sahara, which it annexed after Spain withdrew in 1975. Morocco controls about 80% of the territory, while the Algerian-backed Polisario Front seeks full independence and a UN-backed referendum on sovereignty. Algiers considers Rabat's claims an occupation of the sparsely populated region, but Morocco has ruled out a referendum on independence for the Sahrawi people who live there. Morocco's head of state added that he was 'proud of the growing international support' for an autonomy plan his government has been pushing since 2007. The US, Israel, France, Portugal, and the UK have endorsed the proposal as the only viable route to resolving the territorial dispute. 'As proud as I am of these stances, which uphold right and legitimacy, I keenly look forward, as well, to finding a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties,' the Moroccan leader said. The King reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Arab Maghreb Union, which has remained largely inactive for decades due to strained ties with Algiers. The five-member economic and political group, established in 1989, includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. 'I firmly believe that it cannot exist without the involvement of Morocco and Algeria, alongside the remaining sister countries concerned,' he stated.
CNA
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Malaysian PM Anwar lays out vision for ASEAN ahead of summit
Malaysia's prime minister and current ASEAN chair has laid out his vision for a more cohesive Southeast Asia, ahead of a summit next week. Anwar Ibrahim aims to boost regional ties and economic resilience during Malaysia's tenure. But he also acknowledged that the biggest challenges cannot be resolved within a year. Afifah Ariffin reports from Kuala Lumpur.
