<p>Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>"I want to apologise obviously to my teammates and to the club," Messi said in a video posted on Instagram to his 458 million followers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
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“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”.<br />
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“I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. <a href="https://t.co/GBuarEgwSl">pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl</a></p>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1654506639930667009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was suspended by the Qatar-owned club after failing to turn up for training on Monday, a day after their 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1. Instead, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Saudi Arabia without PSG's permission to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office.</p>

<p>"I honestly thought we were going to have the day off after the match as had happened in the previous weeks," he said. "I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously. This time I couldn't cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see what the club decides to do."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/napoli-fan-dies-after-sustaining-wounds-from-celebratory-gunshot-589331">Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots</a></p>

<p>The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Messi will remain at PSG beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires.</p>

<p>A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Messi would be sidelined for "several days", and he is therefore set to play no part in PSG's match against Troyes this weekend in Ligue 1.</p>

<p>Various media in France said he would be suspended for two weeks, although AFP has not been able to confirm those reports.</p>

<p>PSG, who are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1, will have just four more matches remaining this season following their game against Troyes.</p>

<p>"We will see when Leo comes back. We will see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the club as a whole but also with Leo because this concerns him first and foremost," PSG coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday when asked if Messi would play for the team again.</p>

<p>Galtier also said that the decision to suspend the 35-year-old Messi was not his to take in the first place.</p>

<p>"It wasn't my decision to take. I was informed of the decision and I defer to it," he insisted.</p>

<p>PSG fans angry at the way the club has been run in recent seasons under Qatari ownership this week protested in front of their offices and even gathered outside Neymar's home in the Paris suburb of Bougival to voice their discontent.</p>

<p>The club have boosted security at their training ground and at the homes of Messi and Neymar as a result.</p>

<p>Messi has spent less than two years at the club since his high-profile move from Barcelona.</p>

<p>He has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances for the French champions and won the Ligue 1 title last season. Messi has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15.</p>

<p>However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team.</p>


Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel Messi on Friday apologised for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia that led to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain being suspended by his club Paris Saint-Germain. "I want to apologise obviously to my teammates and to the club," Messi said in a video posted on Instagram to his 458 million followers. Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi “I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”. “I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023 × He was suspended by the Qatar-owned club after failing to turn up for training on Monday, a day after their 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1. Instead, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Saudi Arabia without PSG's permission to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office. "I honestly thought we were going to have the day off after the match as had happened in the previous weeks," he said. "I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously. This time I couldn't cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see what the club decides to do." ALSO READ: Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Messi will remain at PSG beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Messi would be sidelined for "several days", and he is therefore set to play no part in PSG's match against Troyes this weekend in Ligue 1. Various media in France said he would be suspended for two weeks, although AFP has not been able to confirm those reports. PSG, who are five points clear at the top of Ligue 1, will have just four more matches remaining this season following their game against Troyes. "We will see when Leo comes back. We will see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the club as a whole but also with Leo because this concerns him first and foremost," PSG coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday when asked if Messi would play for the team again. Galtier also said that the decision to suspend the 35-year-old Messi was not his to take in the first place. "It wasn't my decision to take. I was informed of the decision and I defer to it," he insisted. PSG fans angry at the way the club has been run in recent seasons under Qatari ownership this week protested in front of their offices and even gathered outside Neymar's home in the Paris suburb of Bougival to voice their discontent. The club have boosted security at their training ground and at the homes of Messi and Neymar as a result. Messi has spent less than two years at the club since his high-profile move from Barcelona. He has scored 31 goals in 71 appearances for the French champions and won the Ligue 1 title last season. Messi has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1, with 15. However, his form since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar has declined along with that of most of the PSG team.

WATCH VIDEO - Lionel Messi issues apology to PSG fans for unauthorised Saudi trip

<p>The Sudanese army, late Friday (May 5), said that it sent envoys to Saudi Arabia to discuss “details of the truce in the process of being extended” with its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as quoted by news agency AFP. This comes after multiple ceasefires have been agreed on since the fighting began, last month, all of which were broken quickly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had previously backed a seven-day ceasefire announced by South Sudan on Wednesday, but early on Friday, the paramilitary RSF said they were extending by three days a previous truce brokered under the United States-Saudi mediation.<br />
<br />
The announcement by the Sudanese Army was later confirmed by the&nbsp;US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who&nbsp;in a statement wrote, "The US&nbsp;and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcome the start of pre-negotiation talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Jeddah."</p>

<p>He added, "I thank KSA for hosting. We urge the parties to engage in these talks seriously as a path toward ending the conflict."<br />
<br />
In a joint statement, the&nbsp;US and Saudi governments confirmed direct talks between the warring sides which would begin&nbsp;in Jeddah on Saturday&nbsp;and said, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States urge both parties to take in consideration the interests of the Sudanese nation and its people and actively engage in the talks toward a ceasefire and end to the conflict."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We welcome the joint statement by Saudi Arabia and the United States, initiating talks between the conflicting parties in Jeddah.<br />
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We appreciate all regional and international efforts to establish a ceasefire, open humanitarian corridors, and provide essential services to the…</p>
— Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeneralDagllo/status/1654778757830393856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, it is unclear whether the warring forces would abide by the truce as similar ceasefire announcements have failed to yield any results in the past. As this also comes days after, South Sudan’s foreign ministry, in a statement, said that both sides would send representatives for peace talks “to be held at an agreed venue of their choice”, reports CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, air strikes and gunfire rocked the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, on Friday with no signs of slowing down from either side. The fighting between the Sudanese army’s chief and RSF chief, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, is entering its third week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, 700 people have been killed, most of them in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, said news agency AFP, citing data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>UN’s warning about food insecurity in Sudan</strong></p>

<p>The United Nations has reiterated its warning about the ongoing conflict affecting the people in Sudan and said hunger and malnutrition could affect as many as 19 million people in the coming months, said a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres citing data from the World Food Program.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to estimates by the WFP, “the number of acutely food insecure people in Sudan will increase by between two and 2.5 million people. That raises the number to a total of 19 million people in the next three to six months if the current conflict continues,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>More than one million polio vaccines destroyed: UNICEF</strong></p>

<p>Hazel De Wet, deputy director of the Office of Emergency Programmes, UNICEF told Reuters, on Friday, in an email that more than one million polio vaccines intended for children have been destroyed as a result of looting in Sudan.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“A number of cold chain facilities have been looted, damaged and destroyed, including over a million polio vaccines in South Darfur,” wrote De Wet, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Separately, UNICEF also warned&nbsp;that “the situation in Sudan has become fatal for a frighteningly large number of children”. James Elder, spokesperson for the agency, citing data which was not yet independently verified by the UN said, 190 children were killed and 1,700 wounded during the first 11 days of the conflict.<br />
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<strong>Human rights council to hold special session</strong></p>

<p>The UN Human Rights Council, also announced that it would hold a special session on conflict-torn Sudan on May 11, “to address the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict”. The gathering is set to take place in Geneva following a request submitted Friday by the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and the United States, which 52 countries have so far supported.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Sudanese army, late Friday (May 5), said that it sent envoys to Saudi Arabia to discuss “details of the truce in the process of being extended” with its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as quoted by news agency AFP.

The Sudanese army, late Friday (May 5), said that it sent envoys to Saudi Arabia to discuss “details of the truce in the process of being extended” with its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as quoted by news agency AFP. This comes after multiple ceasefires have been agreed on since the fighting began, last month, all of which were broken quickly. Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had previously backed a seven-day ceasefire announced by South Sudan on Wednesday, but early on Friday, the paramilitary RSF said they were extending by three days a previous truce brokered under the United States-Saudi mediation. The announcement by the Sudanese Army was later confirmed by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who in a statement wrote, "The US and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcome the start of pre-negotiation talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Jeddah." He added, "I thank KSA for hosting. We urge the parties to engage in these talks seriously as a path toward ending the conflict." In a joint statement, the US and Saudi governments confirmed direct talks between the warring sides which would begin in Jeddah on Saturday and said, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States urge both parties to take in consideration the interests of the Sudanese nation and its people and actively engage in the talks toward a ceasefire and end to the conflict." We welcome the joint statement by Saudi Arabia and the United States, initiating talks between the conflicting parties in Jeddah. We appreciate all regional and international efforts to establish a ceasefire, open humanitarian corridors, and provide essential services to the… — Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (@GeneralDagllo) May 6, 2023 × However, it is unclear whether the warring forces would abide by the truce as similar ceasefire announcements have failed to yield any results in the past. As this also comes days after, South Sudan’s foreign ministry, in a statement, said that both sides would send representatives for peace talks “to be held at an agreed venue of their choice”, reports CNN. According to reports, air strikes and gunfire rocked the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, on Friday with no signs of slowing down from either side. The fighting between the Sudanese army’s chief and RSF chief, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, is entering its third week. So far, 700 people have been killed, most of them in Khartoum and the western Darfur region, said news agency AFP, citing data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. UN’s warning about food insecurity in Sudan The United Nations has reiterated its warning about the ongoing conflict affecting the people in Sudan and said hunger and malnutrition could affect as many as 19 million people in the coming months, said a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres citing data from the World Food Program. According to estimates by the WFP, “the number of acutely food insecure people in Sudan will increase by between two and 2.5 million people. That raises the number to a total of 19 million people in the next three to six months if the current conflict continues,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief. More than one million polio vaccines destroyed: UNICEF Hazel De Wet, deputy director of the Office of Emergency Programmes, UNICEF told Reuters, on Friday, in an email that more than one million polio vaccines intended for children have been destroyed as a result of looting in Sudan. “A number of cold chain facilities have been looted, damaged and destroyed, including over a million polio vaccines in South Darfur,” wrote De Wet, as quoted by Reuters. Separately, UNICEF also warned that “the situation in Sudan has become fatal for a frighteningly large number of children”. James Elder, spokesperson for the agency, citing data which was not yet independently verified by the UN said, 190 children were killed and 1,700 wounded during the first 11 days of the conflict. Human rights council to hold special session The UN Human Rights Council, also announced that it would hold a special session on conflict-torn Sudan on May 11, “to address the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict”. The gathering is set to take place in Geneva following a request submitted Friday by the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and the United States, which 52 countries have so far supported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudanese army, RSF to meet in Saudi Arabia for ceasefire talks; UN warns of ‘acute’ food insecurity

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil producer, has lowered its oil prices for Asia. That is driven by concerns that a global economic slowdown could hurt oil demand. State-controlled Saudi Aramco's key Arab light-grade crude was reduced to 2.55 dollars a barrel for June.

Saudi Arabia cuts oil prices for Asia

<p>Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2).</p>

<p>Messi signed an optional third-season clause in his contract when he first arrived in 2021. Club officials have decided not to activate it, the report said.</p>

<p>The 35-year-old was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday, L'Equipe added, as he was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-inch-closer-to-first-title-since-2019-with-1-0-win-over-osasuna-588362">La Liga: Barcelona inch closer to first title since 2019 with 1-0 win over Osasuna</a></p>

<p>The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension.</p>

<p>Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but might return for the match against Auxerre on May 21. He will then be available for the club until the season ends on June 3.</p>

<p>PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille.</p>

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Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2).

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday (May 2). Messi signed an optional third-season clause in his contract when he first arrived in 2021. Club officials have decided not to activate it, the report said. The 35-year-old was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday, L'Equipe added, as he was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona inch closer to first title since 2019 with 1-0 win over Osasuna The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension. Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but might return for the match against Auxerre on May 21. He will then be available for the club until the season ends on June 3. PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: PSG to not renew Lionel Messi's contract after suspension post Saudi trip, says report

<p>Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days,"&nbsp;Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday (April 28) as the restoration of ties&nbsp;due to&nbsp;a China-brokered peace starts taking up an independent bilateral shape between Tehran and Riyadh.</p>

<p>The Iranian foreign minister was speaking at a news conference in the Lebanese capital Beirut.</p>

<p>Amirabdollahian, however, did not give specific dates for the reopening of the embassies.</p>

<p>The two countries agreed to restore relations on March 10 and said they would reopen embassies in each other's capitals within "two months". It appears that the establishment of a Saudi embassy in Tehran and an Iranian embassy in Riyadh may happen well before that self-imposed&nbsp;two month deadline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong></p>

<p>The Iranian and Saudi embassies in the respective countries have been closed since January 2016 when Riyadh executed a prominent Saudi Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr.</p>

<p>The closure of embassies was simply the culmination of Tehran-Riyadh bilateral turmoil that was ongoing for decades and plunged to a low in 2015&nbsp;following the intervention of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the Yemen war. Despite this intervention,&nbsp;the Iran-aligned Houthi movement toppled the Saudi-backed government and seized control of the capital Sana'a.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia?</strong></p>

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<p>Saudi Arabia accused Iran of providing weapons to the Houthis who attacked Saudi cities with armed drones and ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>In 2019, Riyadh accused Tehran of being responsible for an attack targeting Aramco oil facilities, which resulted in stopping half of its oil production.</p>

<p>Iran denied those accusations.</p>

<p>Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed last month to end their diplomatic row and restore diplomatic missions under a deal brokered by China.</p>

<p>"During the last phone call between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia on Eid al-Fitr, we agreed to work in the next coming days on the reopening of the Iranian and Saudi embassies in Tehran and Riyadh," Amirabdollahian said, according to the official Arabic translation reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Amirabdollahian was speaking at the end of his visit to Lebanon in which he met with Lebanese officials including Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.</p>

<p>When asked about a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Damascus, Amirabdollahian confirmed it, saying there was a "programme" put in place for "the near future" without indicating a specific timeframe.</p>

<p>The visit will be the first by an Iranian president to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since war broke out in Syria in 2011.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Saudi Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days," Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday (April 28) as the restoration of ties due to a China-brokered peace starts taking up an independent bilateral shape between Tehran and Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are set to open embassies in each other's capitals "within days," Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday (April 28) as the restoration of ties due to a China-brokered peace starts taking up an independent bilateral shape between Tehran and Riyadh. The Iranian foreign minister was speaking at a news conference in the Lebanese capital Beirut. Amirabdollahian, however, did not give specific dates for the reopening of the embassies. The two countries agreed to restore relations on March 10 and said they would reopen embassies in each other's capitals within "two months". It appears that the establishment of a Saudi embassy in Tehran and an Iranian embassy in Riyadh may happen well before that self-imposed two month deadline. ALSO READ | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West The Iranian and Saudi embassies in the respective countries have been closed since January 2016 when Riyadh executed a prominent Saudi Shia cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, commonly referred to as Sheikh Nimr. The closure of embassies was simply the culmination of Tehran-Riyadh bilateral turmoil that was ongoing for decades and plunged to a low in 2015 following the intervention of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the Yemen war. Despite this intervention, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement toppled the Saudi-backed government and seized control of the capital Sana'a. ALSO WATCH | Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia? × Saudi Arabia accused Iran of providing weapons to the Houthis who attacked Saudi cities with armed drones and ballistic missiles. In 2019, Riyadh accused Tehran of being responsible for an attack targeting Aramco oil facilities, which resulted in stopping half of its oil production. Iran denied those accusations. Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed last month to end their diplomatic row and restore diplomatic missions under a deal brokered by China. "During the last phone call between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia on Eid al-Fitr, we agreed to work in the next coming days on the reopening of the Iranian and Saudi embassies in Tehran and Riyadh," Amirabdollahian said, according to the official Arabic translation reported by Reuters. Amirabdollahian was speaking at the end of his visit to Lebanon in which he met with Lebanese officials including Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. When asked about a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Damascus, Amirabdollahian confirmed it, saying there was a "programme" put in place for "the near future" without indicating a specific timeframe. The visit will be the first by an Iranian president to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since war broke out in Syria in 2011. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia, Iran to reopen embassies in each other's capitals 'within days'

<p>On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it. The peace deal offers hope for peace and end to conflicts in the region. Among such conflicts is the eight-year-long ongoing war in Yemen where Saudi-led coalition is pitched against Iran-backed Houthi rebels since March 2015. As per the peace deal, both sides have agreed to end their support to the war in Yemen. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia, along with regional Arab Allies and the US, launched airstrikes in Yemen on 26th March, 2015 in the air assault codenamed "Operation Decisive Storm", in response to the Houthi’s armed conflict against the government of Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | The West Asia Post: Yemenis bear the cost of war</strong></p>

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<p>Already, there are signs of the peace deal taking shape in Yemen. On 09th April, Saudi and Omani delegations held talks in Sanaa with Houthi officials as well as the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat. The talks focused on an early reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and the Sanaa airport, nation rebuilding efforts and a clear timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. In the past few weeks, both sides have exchanged number of prisoners too, as a goodwill gesture. There were concerns that the armed conflict could resume after Ramzan as the ceasefire in Yemen had expired in October 2022, but there is hope that the relative calm over past one year may finally translate into cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conflict in Yemen however, goes well beyond the war since March 2015. The seeds of the unrest and conflict have a long history, mostly internal to Yemen and a long-lasting peace can only prevail only once both external and internal conflicts are resolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Internal Conflict</strong></p>

<p>The roots to the internal conflict in Yemen go back to 22nd May 1990 when the erstwhile two Yemeni nations were united and brought under a single flag. People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) merged with Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) to form a new country, ‘Republic of Yemen’. It was a forced union as, Yemen, since the 19th century, had been divided in two separate entities along a north-south divide.</p>

<p>North Yemen was part of the former Ottoman Empire, while South Yemen fell under British influence in 1839 when the British captured the port of Aden. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, North Yemen became an independent republic while South Yemen continued under the British until Britain withdrew in 1967, after which it was largely under control of communist forces, till unification in 1990.</p>

<p>The unification which came about more as a result of collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, was a compromise and a power-sharing formula attempting to balance political power. President Saleh, who was the President of Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) since July 1978, continued as the president while the southern leader al-Beidh was made the Vice president.</p>

<p>However, the simmering conflict continued. Outnumbered one-is-to-four in terms of population and facing discrimination in jobs and sharing of revenue, Southern Yemenis felt left out and exploited. The first national elections, held on 27th April 1993, which promised a solution to the political unrest, resulted in a stalemate as neither of the parties could muster up a majority.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/saudi-led-coalition-releases-over-100-additional-yemen-war-prisoners-583456">Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners</a></strong></p>

<p>The impasse continued till King Hussein of Jordan helped negotiate Yemen’s Document of Pledge and Accord (DPA), signed in Amman in February 1994, promising a balanced and equitable distribution of power and decentralized system of governance. The hope for peace was shattered when Saleh’s forces attacked a camp of southern forces in Sanaa in April 1994. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Suffering heavy losses, southern leader Ali Salem al-Beidh formally declared secession on 20th May.Armed clashes continued until 07th July 1994, when Saleh’s troops marched into Aden and declared victory. The military defeat and the continuing discrimination left the people in Southern Yemen feeling betrayed which slowly paved the way for the emergence of ‘Southern Movement’ in 2007, which has been fighting since for the rights of Southern Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July 2017, the Southern Movement, which was supporting President Hadi government and the Saudi coalition against the Houthis till then, formed a ‘Southern Transitional Council’ (STC), a secessionist movement focused on re-gaining independence for South Yemen. It was formed owing to a discord with President Hadi when Hadi fired governor of Aden in April 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the STC has attempted coup against the Hadi government twice, once in January 2018 and again in August 2019, when its forces overthrew the Hadi government and forced them to vacate Aden. After a sustained regional effort, the STC and the Hadi government signed the Riyadh Agreement in November 2019 which promised de-escalation and reconciliation. However, the STC soon scrapped the peace deal on 26th April 2020 and declared self-rule in key port city of Aden and other southern provinces. It later rescinded its declaration of self-rule on 29th July 2020, through Saudi mediation efforts. &nbsp;<br />
Current Crisis&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current conflict owes its origin to the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011. Thousands of protesters, angered by continuing poverty, unemployment and corruption, gathered in the capital city Sanaa in January 2011, calling for President Saleh to step down as president. Saleh initially was dismissive about the protests but later offered concessions including assurance to step down after the current term ends in 2013. However, on 18th March, when protesters in Sanaa were fired upon by Saleh loyalists, killing at least 50 people, many officials, diplomats, ministers, and members of parliament resigned in protest. These included Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, commander of the army’s 1st Armoured Division and one of the most powerful military officers in Saleh government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crisis intensified and on 03rd June, President Saleh was injured in a bomb blast in the presidential palace. &nbsp;He was rushed to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the GCC countries along with the UN attempted a peaceful resolution to the crisis and formulated a plan called ‘GCC Initiative’ in May 2011 to support an agreement on the peaceful transfer of power.</p>

<p>On 21st October, 2011, the UNSC voted unanimously to pass the resolution UNSC Resolution 2014 which called for immediate implementation of GCC initiative and transfer of power in Yemen. On 23rd November 2011 finally, President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a power–transfer agreement and relinquished post of the President to hand over power to Vice President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A National Dialogue Conference (NDC) too was launched in March 2013 to reach consensus on major issues facing the country's political future but conflict continued and the Houthis kept extending their reach across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September 2014, armed Houthi tribesmen overran Sanaa, seizing key government buildings. On 21st January 2015, Houthi fighters overran the presidential palace. President Hadi and PM Khaled Bahah (along with the cabinet) were placed under house arrest and thereafter resigned on 22nd January 2015. Hadi escaped to Aden on 21st February describing the Houthi takeover of Sana’a as a “coup”. &nbsp;The Houthis took control of Taiz Airport and entered Aden unopposed on 25th March 2015, completing control of the three major cities in the country, Sana’a, Taiz and Aden. President Hadi fled to Riyadh on 25th March and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on 26th March 2015. The war have continued ever since.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>The conflict in Yemen is therefore, equally about the external as well as the internal fault lines. While the Saudi-Iran peace deal many lead to formal end to the war between the Coalition and the Houthis, the more acute internal conflict may take longer. The mistrust between the South and the North would take time and trust to heal. However, it would be best left for the people to internally and mutually come with their own peace formula. A federal government with decentralized power structures in the North and South with a balanced and fare revenue-sharing structure could be one option.</p>

<p>The other could be an option taking Yemen back to the pre-1990 era of two nations sharing borders, but in peace and mutual respect. There may be other options too. The ‘Arab Spring’ protests of the previous decade have however taught the world a clear lesson. Political changes are best reconciled within the representatives groups of people themselves and external interference only brings about chaos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finally, Yemen has suffered for far too long. It is an important country of the Arabian Peninsula and holds the key to a very critical choke point across the Red Sea at Bab-al-Mandab for the global trade. The UN has called Yemen one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. In 2023, a staggering 21.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance as 80 percent of the country struggles to put food on the table and access basic services. It is time now for Yemen to heal and for peace to have a chance.</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></p>

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On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it.

On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it. The peace deal offers hope for peace and end to conflicts in the region. Among such conflicts is the eight-year-long ongoing war in Yemen where Saudi-led coalition is pitched against Iran-backed Houthi rebels since March 2015. As per the peace deal, both sides have agreed to end their support to the war in Yemen. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia, along with regional Arab Allies and the US, launched airstrikes in Yemen on 26th March, 2015 in the air assault codenamed "Operation Decisive Storm", in response to the Houthi’s armed conflict against the government of Yemen. Watch | The West Asia Post: Yemenis bear the cost of war × Already, there are signs of the peace deal taking shape in Yemen. On 09th April, Saudi and Omani delegations held talks in Sanaa with Houthi officials as well as the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat. The talks focused on an early reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and the Sanaa airport, nation rebuilding efforts and a clear timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. In the past few weeks, both sides have exchanged number of prisoners too, as a goodwill gesture. There were concerns that the armed conflict could resume after Ramzan as the ceasefire in Yemen had expired in October 2022, but there is hope that the relative calm over past one year may finally translate into cessation of hostilities. The conflict in Yemen however, goes well beyond the war since March 2015. The seeds of the unrest and conflict have a long history, mostly internal to Yemen and a long-lasting peace can only prevail only once both external and internal conflicts are resolved. Internal Conflict The roots to the internal conflict in Yemen go back to 22nd May 1990 when the erstwhile two Yemeni nations were united and brought under a single flag. People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) merged with Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) to form a new country, ‘Republic of Yemen’. It was a forced union as, Yemen, since the 19th century, had been divided in two separate entities along a north-south divide. North Yemen was part of the former Ottoman Empire, while South Yemen fell under British influence in 1839 when the British captured the port of Aden. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, North Yemen became an independent republic while South Yemen continued under the British until Britain withdrew in 1967, after which it was largely under control of communist forces, till unification in 1990. The unification which came about more as a result of collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, was a compromise and a power-sharing formula attempting to balance political power. President Saleh, who was the President of Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) since July 1978, continued as the president while the southern leader al-Beidh was made the Vice president. However, the simmering conflict continued. Outnumbered one-is-to-four in terms of population and facing discrimination in jobs and sharing of revenue, Southern Yemenis felt left out and exploited. The first national elections, held on 27th April 1993, which promised a solution to the political unrest, resulted in a stalemate as neither of the parties could muster up a majority. Also Read | Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners The impasse continued till King Hussein of Jordan helped negotiate Yemen’s Document of Pledge and Accord (DPA), signed in Amman in February 1994, promising a balanced and equitable distribution of power and decentralized system of governance. The hope for peace was shattered when Saleh’s forces attacked a camp of southern forces in Sanaa in April 1994. Suffering heavy losses, southern leader Ali Salem al-Beidh formally declared secession on 20th May.Armed clashes continued until 07th July 1994, when Saleh’s troops marched into Aden and declared victory. The military defeat and the continuing discrimination left the people in Southern Yemen feeling betrayed which slowly paved the way for the emergence of ‘Southern Movement’ in 2007, which has been fighting since for the rights of Southern Yemen. In July 2017, the Southern Movement, which was supporting President Hadi government and the Saudi coalition against the Houthis till then, formed a ‘Southern Transitional Council’ (STC), a secessionist movement focused on re-gaining independence for South Yemen. It was formed owing to a discord with President Hadi when Hadi fired governor of Aden in April 2017. Since then, the STC has attempted coup against the Hadi government twice, once in January 2018 and again in August 2019, when its forces overthrew the Hadi government and forced them to vacate Aden. After a sustained regional effort, the STC and the Hadi government signed the Riyadh Agreement in November 2019 which promised de-escalation and reconciliation. However, the STC soon scrapped the peace deal on 26th April 2020 and declared self-rule in key port city of Aden and other southern provinces. It later rescinded its declaration of self-rule on 29th July 2020, through Saudi mediation efforts. Current Crisis The current conflict owes its origin to the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011. Thousands of protesters, angered by continuing poverty, unemployment and corruption, gathered in the capital city Sanaa in January 2011, calling for President Saleh to step down as president. Saleh initially was dismissive about the protests but later offered concessions including assurance to step down after the current term ends in 2013. However, on 18th March, when protesters in Sanaa were fired upon by Saleh loyalists, killing at least 50 people, many officials, diplomats, ministers, and members of parliament resigned in protest. These included Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, commander of the army’s 1st Armoured Division and one of the most powerful military officers in Saleh government. Crisis intensified and on 03rd June, President Saleh was injured in a bomb blast in the presidential palace. He was rushed to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the GCC countries along with the UN attempted a peaceful resolution to the crisis and formulated a plan called ‘GCC Initiative’ in May 2011 to support an agreement on the peaceful transfer of power. On 21st October, 2011, the UNSC voted unanimously to pass the resolution UNSC Resolution 2014 which called for immediate implementation of GCC initiative and transfer of power in Yemen. On 23rd November 2011 finally, President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a power–transfer agreement and relinquished post of the President to hand over power to Vice President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A National Dialogue Conference (NDC) too was launched in March 2013 to reach consensus on major issues facing the country's political future but conflict continued and the Houthis kept extending their reach across the country. In September 2014, armed Houthi tribesmen overran Sanaa, seizing key government buildings. On 21st January 2015, Houthi fighters overran the presidential palace. President Hadi and PM Khaled Bahah (along with the cabinet) were placed under house arrest and thereafter resigned on 22nd January 2015. Hadi escaped to Aden on 21st February describing the Houthi takeover of Sana’a as a “coup”. The Houthis took control of Taiz Airport and entered Aden unopposed on 25th March 2015, completing control of the three major cities in the country, Sana’a, Taiz and Aden. President Hadi fled to Riyadh on 25th March and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on 26th March 2015. The war have continued ever since. Conclusion The conflict in Yemen is therefore, equally about the external as well as the internal fault lines. While the Saudi-Iran peace deal many lead to formal end to the war between the Coalition and the Houthis, the more acute internal conflict may take longer. The mistrust between the South and the North would take time and trust to heal. However, it would be best left for the people to internally and mutually come with their own peace formula. A federal government with decentralized power structures in the North and South with a balanced and fare revenue-sharing structure could be one option. The other could be an option taking Yemen back to the pre-1990 era of two nations sharing borders, but in peace and mutual respect. There may be other options too. The ‘Arab Spring’ protests of the previous decade have however taught the world a clear lesson. Political changes are best reconciled within the representatives groups of people themselves and external interference only brings about chaos. Finally, Yemen has suffered for far too long. It is an important country of the Arabian Peninsula and holds the key to a very critical choke point across the Red Sea at Bab-al-Mandab for the global trade. The UN has called Yemen one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. In 2023, a staggering 21.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance as 80 percent of the country struggles to put food on the table and access basic services. It is time now for Yemen to heal and for peace to have a chance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

War in Yemen may be over, peace still needs to be won

<p>In a recent update, the Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday (April 28) said that an aircraft carrying nearly 400 more evacuees from the conflict-hit Sudan has landed in New Delhi. This came hours after the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs from Kerala, V Muraleedharan said that the 10th batch of evacuees from Sudan have reached Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah by the Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Nearly 400 evacuees via C-17 aircraft</strong></p>

<p>“Another C-17 flight carrying 392 passengers reaches New Delhi,” said Jaishankar, on Twitter, announcing the arrival of the third batch of Indians from Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah, where India has set up a transit camp for the evacuees from Sudan.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> update.<br />
<br />
Another C-17 flight carrying 392 passengers reaches New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/SCYUj3GCgz">pic.twitter.com/SCYUj3GCgz</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1651904997712359426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first batch of 360 evacuees was&nbsp;brought to the national capital in a commercial plane on Wednesday. While the second batch of 264 Indians arrived in the Indian city of&nbsp;Mumbai in a C-17 Globemaster aircraft the next day. So far, 998 evacuees have been brought to India, reported news agency&nbsp;PTI citing official data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>326 evacuees reached Jeddah by INS Tarkash</strong></p>

<p>The announcement by the EAM came hours after Muraleedharan said, “Tenth batch of 326 Indian evacuees from Sudan reached Jeddah by INS TARKASH,” adding, “Happy to receive them. They will be sent back to India soon.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tenth batch of 326 Indian evacuees from Sudan reached Jeddah by INS TARKASH.<br />
<br />
Happy to receive them. They will be sent back to India soon.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> <a href="https://t.co/4mzx6PrVVz">pic.twitter.com/4mzx6PrVVz</a></p>
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MOS_MEA/status/1651843679563251712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was also followed by&nbsp;the announcement of&nbsp;an Indian Navy Ship carrying 278 evacuees arriving in Jeddah late Tuesday, marking the first successful segment carried under Operation Kaveri.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Operation Kaveri</strong></p>

<p>Operation Kaveri aims to bring back Indian citizens who are stuck in conflict-ridden Sudan. This comes after the fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), broke out over a week earlier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Operation Kaveri’, named after one of the major rivers from South India, to evacuate Indians stuck in Sudan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In line with this operation, India has been taking its citizens in buses from the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum and other conflict zones in the country to Port Sudan. Subsequently, the evacuees were taken to Jeddah via Indian Air Force’s transport aircraft and Indian Navy’s ships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi has set up separate control rooms in Jeddah, Port Sudan, while the Indian embassy in Khartoum has been in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). So far, over 400 people have been killed and more than 3,700 were injured amid the ongoing conflict between the two warring factions in Sudan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In a recent update, the Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday (April 28) said that an aircraft carrying nearly 400 more evacuees from the conflict-hit Sudan has landed in New Delhi.

In a recent update, the Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday (April 28) said that an aircraft carrying nearly 400 more evacuees from the conflict-hit Sudan has landed in New Delhi. This came hours after the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs from Kerala, V Muraleedharan said that the 10th batch of evacuees from Sudan have reached Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah by the Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash. Nearly 400 evacuees via C-17 aircraft “Another C-17 flight carrying 392 passengers reaches New Delhi,” said Jaishankar, on Twitter, announcing the arrival of the third batch of Indians from Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jeddah, where India has set up a transit camp for the evacuees from Sudan. #OperationKaveri update. Another C-17 flight carrying 392 passengers reaches New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/SCYUj3GCgz — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 28, 2023 × The first batch of 360 evacuees was brought to the national capital in a commercial plane on Wednesday. While the second batch of 264 Indians arrived in the Indian city of Mumbai in a C-17 Globemaster aircraft the next day. So far, 998 evacuees have been brought to India, reported news agency PTI citing official data. 326 evacuees reached Jeddah by INS Tarkash The announcement by the EAM came hours after Muraleedharan said, “Tenth batch of 326 Indian evacuees from Sudan reached Jeddah by INS TARKASH,” adding, “Happy to receive them. They will be sent back to India soon.” Tenth batch of 326 Indian evacuees from Sudan reached Jeddah by INS TARKASH. Happy to receive them. They will be sent back to India soon.#OperationKaveri pic.twitter.com/4mzx6PrVVz — V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) April 28, 2023 × This was also followed by the announcement of an Indian Navy Ship carrying 278 evacuees arriving in Jeddah late Tuesday, marking the first successful segment carried under Operation Kaveri. Operation Kaveri Operation Kaveri aims to bring back Indian citizens who are stuck in conflict-ridden Sudan. This comes after the fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), broke out over a week earlier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Operation Kaveri’, named after one of the major rivers from South India, to evacuate Indians stuck in Sudan. In line with this operation, India has been taking its citizens in buses from the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum and other conflict zones in the country to Port Sudan. Subsequently, the evacuees were taken to Jeddah via Indian Air Force’s transport aircraft and Indian Navy’s ships. New Delhi has set up separate control rooms in Jeddah, Port Sudan, while the Indian embassy in Khartoum has been in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). So far, over 400 people have been killed and more than 3,700 were injured amid the ongoing conflict between the two warring factions in Sudan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Operation Kaveri: Indian Army aircraft with 392 evacuees reaches New Delhi from conflict-hit Sudan

Several nations are knocking on the door of the BRICS. The BRICS group of nations are preparing to hold the proposed annual summit in South Africa. Meanwhile, nineteen countries have expressed an interest so far in joining the bloc. Thirteen countries have formally asked to join and another six have asked informally. The BRICS bloc consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The member nations will meet in Cape Town on June 2-3 to discuss its expansion.

Will BRICS invite more members as 19 nations, including Saudi Arabia & Iran, show interest?

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has stirred controversy. Provoked by Al Hilal fans, Ronaldo touched his genitals to mock them. A prominent Saudi lawyer has called for his deportation over his indecent behaviour. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : Ronaldo's obscene gesture sparks controversy

Saudi Arabia leads the first batch of evacuations from Sudan. The evacuated nationals were taken to the port city of Jeddah as violence between Sudan's Army and Paramilitary force turned Sudan into a battleground for power.

Indians evacuated from Sudan

<p>The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia reported that around 150 people, including diplomats and officials from several countries, had been rescued from Sudan and landed in Jeddah. The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia stated that the naval forces of the country assisted in the first announced evacuation of civilians.</p>

<p>The "safe arrival" of 91 Saudi citizens and about 66 citizens from 12 other nations, including India, was announced. Additionally evacuated were people from Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada, and Burkina Faso, as reported by the Hindustan Times.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION&nbsp;cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🎥 | Receiving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saudi</a> citizens and nationals from a number of countries in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jeddah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jeddah</a> following their evacuation from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sudan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sudan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EKHNews_EN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EKHNews_EN</a> <a href="https://t.co/V62uE8asNE">pic.twitter.com/V62uE8asNE</a></p>
— AlEkhbariya News (@EKHNews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/EKHNews_EN/status/1649770850982166529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The foreigners included "diplomats and (government) officials", the ministry said. Saudi Arabia "worked to provide all the necessary needs of foreign nationals" ahead of their departure to their respective countries, it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indians, as well as people from other nations, arrived safely from Sudan, including diplomats &amp; international officials: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia <a href="https://t.co/XoqykgnF2v">pic.twitter.com/XoqykgnF2v</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1649819486789459968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last week, violence broke out in Sudan between troops loyal to army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and those of his deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a potent paramilitary group, are under Daglo's command.</p>

<p>Previously, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that he received calls from leaders of several countries to “facilitate and guarantee safety for evacuating citizens and diplomatic missions” adding that the evacuations are expected to begin “in the coming hours”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-9-killed-over-60-injured-after-triple-suicide-bombing-in-mali-585183">At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali</a></p>

<p>The United States, Britain, France and China are planning to airlift their nationals using military jets, he said.</p>

<p>In a coup in 2021, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took control. According to AFP, intense firing from both sides continued in numerous areas of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, leaving hundreds dead and thousands wounded thus far.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in Sudan worsens</strong></h2>

<p>People are running out of food, fuel, and other essential supplies amid the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, according to UN humanitarians, and the healthcare system is in danger of collapsing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We desperately need a humanitarian pause so that wounded and sick civilians can reach hospitals,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Plumes of smoke in Sudan as truce is shattered; first evacuation vessel arrives in Jeddah</strong></p>

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<p>“People in the capital Khartoum have been unable to safely leave their homes to buy food and other essentials for days now.”</p>

<p>According to the Xinhua news agency, OCHA issued a report on a seriously impeded &nbsp;assistance response system and demanded an end to attacks on aid workers and looting of humanitarian organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia reported that around 150 people, including diplomats and officials from several countries, had been rescued from Sudan and landed in Jeddah.

The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia reported that around 150 people, including diplomats and officials from several countries, had been rescued from Sudan and landed in Jeddah. The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia stated that the naval forces of the country assisted in the first announced evacuation of civilians. The "safe arrival" of 91 Saudi citizens and about 66 citizens from 12 other nations, including India, was announced. Additionally evacuated were people from Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada, and Burkina Faso, as reported by the Hindustan Times. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 🎥 | Receiving #Saudi citizens and nationals from a number of countries in #Jeddah following their evacuation from #Sudan #EKHNews_EN pic.twitter.com/V62uE8asNE — AlEkhbariya News (@EKHNews_EN) April 22, 2023 × The foreigners included "diplomats and (government) officials", the ministry said. Saudi Arabia "worked to provide all the necessary needs of foreign nationals" ahead of their departure to their respective countries, it added. Indians, as well as people from other nations, arrived safely from Sudan, including diplomats & international officials: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/XoqykgnF2v — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2023 × Last week, violence broke out in Sudan between troops loyal to army head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and those of his deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a potent paramilitary group, are under Daglo's command. Previously, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that he received calls from leaders of several countries to “facilitate and guarantee safety for evacuating citizens and diplomatic missions” adding that the evacuations are expected to begin “in the coming hours”. ALSO READ | At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali The United States, Britain, France and China are planning to airlift their nationals using military jets, he said. In a coup in 2021, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took control. According to AFP, intense firing from both sides continued in numerous areas of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, leaving hundreds dead and thousands wounded thus far. Situation in Sudan worsens People are running out of food, fuel, and other essential supplies amid the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, according to UN humanitarians, and the healthcare system is in danger of collapsing. “We desperately need a humanitarian pause so that wounded and sick civilians can reach hospitals,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. ALSO WATCH | Plumes of smoke in Sudan as truce is shattered; first evacuation vessel arrives in Jeddah “People in the capital Khartoum have been unable to safely leave their homes to buy food and other essentials for days now.” According to the Xinhua news agency, OCHA issued a report on a seriously impeded assistance response system and demanded an end to attacks on aid workers and looting of humanitarian organisations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indians stuck in Sudan arrive in Jeddah after safe evacuation

Normalisation is the big word in West Asia. Arch rivals are warming up, diplomacy is taking the centre stage, and China is trying to make its mark as a political mediator. All while Saudi Arabia pitches itself as the new preacher of peace. What all happened in this eventful week? Ghadi Francis decodes the story on this week's The West Asia Post.

West Asia goes through a diplomatic rejig | The West Asia Post

<p>Nine Pakistani citizens, who were returning from&nbsp;Medina to Riyadh after performing Umrah, were killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia's Al-Qassim province, as per reports. Amoung those who died were women and children while five other Umrah pilgrims sustained injuries. The residents of Nankana Sahib in the neighbouring village Islamnagar were travelling in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jfks-nephew-robert-kennedy-jr-announces-2024-presidential-bid-at-campaign-launch-event-584213">JFK's nephew Robert Kennedy Jr announces 2024 presidential bid at campaign launch event</a></p>

<p>The incident occurred after the pilgrims had completed Umrah and were at the Al-Qasim area upon their return journey to Riyadh. Medina to Riyadh distance is 837.8 km and it takes approximately 7 hours and 48 minutes via bus.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-intense-burst-of-light-in-skies-over-kyiv-triggers-panic-in-conflict-ridden-ukraine-584226">Mysterious flash of light over Kyiv triggers panic in conflict-ridden Ukraine</a></p>

<p>The victims are purportedly the residents of Nankana Sahib's neighbouring villages Islamnagar and Chak 18. This incident comes as earlier, at least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 sustained injuries in a bus crash in the southwest of Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India becomes home to nearly a fifth of humanity&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>In the unfortunate incident, the bus first hit a bridge, rolled over, and was set on fire killing 20 people onboard. As per reports, the accident took place due to a brake failure. It took place on the road joining Asir province and the city of Abha, according to Gulf News. In this case as well, the victims were pilgrims who were on their way to Mecca to perform Umrah.&nbsp;</p>

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Nine Pakistani citizens, who were returning from Medina to Riyadh after performing Umrah, were killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia's Al-Qassim province, as per reports.

Nine Pakistani citizens, who were returning from Medina to Riyadh after performing Umrah, were killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia's Al-Qassim province, as per reports. Amoung those who died were women and children while five other Umrah pilgrims sustained injuries. The residents of Nankana Sahib in the neighbouring village Islamnagar were travelling in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. Also Read | JFK's nephew Robert Kennedy Jr announces 2024 presidential bid at campaign launch event The incident occurred after the pilgrims had completed Umrah and were at the Al-Qasim area upon their return journey to Riyadh. Medina to Riyadh distance is 837.8 km and it takes approximately 7 hours and 48 minutes via bus. Also Read | Mysterious flash of light over Kyiv triggers panic in conflict-ridden Ukraine The victims are purportedly the residents of Nankana Sahib's neighbouring villages Islamnagar and Chak 18. This incident comes as earlier, at least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 sustained injuries in a bus crash in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Watch | India becomes home to nearly a fifth of humanity × In the unfortunate incident, the bus first hit a bridge, rolled over, and was set on fire killing 20 people onboard. As per reports, the accident took place due to a brake failure. It took place on the road joining Asir province and the city of Abha, according to Gulf News. In this case as well, the victims were pilgrims who were on their way to Mecca to perform Umrah. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nine Pakistani Hajj pilgrims killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister is in Damascus, a development that hints at the possibility of ending Syria's Arab isolation in the near future. Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud landed in capital city Damascus on Tuesday and met with the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This is the first such visit by a high-ranking Saudi official since the start of the Syrian civil war.

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Syria for first time in decade

After almost a month of brokering an unprecedented truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran, it seems as China is now growing more serious about boosting its political clout in the region.

China's political ambitions in West Asia: Can China broker Israel-Palestine peace? | WION Fineprint

<p>Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region.</p>

<p>It was the first visit of a top diplomat from Arab powerhouse Saudi Arabia to Damascus since ties were ruptured following Assad's deadly crackdown on protesters in 2011 - violence that escalated into a decade-long civil war.</p>

<p>The meeting discussed steps needed for a political solution to Syria's conflict that would preserve its Arab identity and return it to "its Arab surroundings", Saudi state media said.</p>

<p>Assad said the kingdom's "open and realistic policies" benefited the region, Syria's state news agency reported.</p>

<p>The statements made no mention of an Arab League summit that Riyadh is due to host next month. On Friday, Gulf Arab foreign ministers and their counterparts from Egypt, Iraq and Jordan discussed Syria's possible return to the body at a meeting in Saudi Arabia, but no agreement was reached.</p>

<p>Following the security forces' crackdown on demonstrators in 2011, Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended and several Gulf states - including Saudi Arabia - began backing rebel groups fighting to oust Assad from power.</p>

<p>Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, later regained control over much of Syria. Saudi Arabia has said in recent months that isolating him was not working.</p>

<p>The two sides agreed to resume diplomatic ties, and sources had earlier told Reuters that bin Farhan would travel to Damascus to invite Assad to the Arab League summit.</p>

<p>While some countries like the United Arab Emirates have also mended ties with Damascus, others such as Qatar remain opposed to normalisation and to readmitting Syria to the Arab League in the absence of a political solution to the conflict.</p>

<p>Syria's foreign minister, who recently visited Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia, has said his country's return to the Arab League would be "almost impossible before correcting bilateral relations".</p>

<p>The thaw in relations between Riyadh and Damascus is part of a wider trend that has seen Saudi Arabia and main rival Iran agree to restore ties in a regional realignment aimed at easing tensions as economic priorities take precedence for Gulf states.</p>

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus on Tuesday in the most significant step yet towards ending Syria's decade-long regional isolation, and at a time of wider rapprochement in the region. It was the first visit of a top diplomat from Arab powerhouse Saudi Arabia to Damascus since ties were ruptured following Assad's deadly crackdown on protesters in 2011 - violence that escalated into a decade-long civil war. The meeting discussed steps needed for a political solution to Syria's conflict that would preserve its Arab identity and return it to "its Arab surroundings", Saudi state media said. Assad said the kingdom's "open and realistic policies" benefited the region, Syria's state news agency reported. The statements made no mention of an Arab League summit that Riyadh is due to host next month. On Friday, Gulf Arab foreign ministers and their counterparts from Egypt, Iraq and Jordan discussed Syria's possible return to the body at a meeting in Saudi Arabia, but no agreement was reached. Following the security forces' crackdown on demonstrators in 2011, Syria's membership in the Arab League was suspended and several Gulf states - including Saudi Arabia - began backing rebel groups fighting to oust Assad from power. Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, later regained control over much of Syria. Saudi Arabia has said in recent months that isolating him was not working. The two sides agreed to resume diplomatic ties, and sources had earlier told Reuters that bin Farhan would travel to Damascus to invite Assad to the Arab League summit. While some countries like the United Arab Emirates have also mended ties with Damascus, others such as Qatar remain opposed to normalisation and to readmitting Syria to the Arab League in the absence of a political solution to the conflict. Syria's foreign minister, who recently visited Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia, has said his country's return to the Arab League would be "almost impossible before correcting bilateral relations". The thaw in relations between Riyadh and Damascus is part of a wider trend that has seen Saudi Arabia and main rival Iran agree to restore ties in a regional realignment aimed at easing tensions as economic priorities take precedence for Gulf states. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi foreign minister visits Assad, further easing Syria's isolation

Could a Saudi premier league outbid the IPL? Could it steal IPL's limelight and its stars. Reports say Saudi Arabia is already in talks with the BCCI. What for? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas | IPL: Could the Indian Premier League become the Saudi Premier League?

<p>The Saudi-led military coalition, on Monday (April 17) released 104 more detainees&nbsp;who were captured during Yemen’s war. The unilateral decision follows a major organised prisoner swap which had taken place after negotiations between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government officials and finished on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Committee of the Red Cross said that it flew two flights carrying a total of 96 released detainees from Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport to Yemen’s capital city of Sanaa. Additionally, a third flight is headed to the government-controlled Aden in the south carrying eight captives, said the ICRC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prisoner exchange which ended on Sunday came after a United Nations-brokered deal in line with which more than 700 detained Houthis and over 180 other prisoners, including Saudi and Sudanese troops fighting with the Saudi-led coalition were released. The three-day operation was overseen by the ICRC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total number of captives released stood at 973, since Friday. ICRC media adviser Jessica Moussan told AFP that the “unilateral” release of an additional 104 prisoners took place outside the deal. “We welcome this initiative and are pleased to see that humanitarian considerations are being taken for the sake of reuniting families,” said Moussan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a statement from Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki who is also a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition acknowledged the release of 104 Houthi detainees and said they “completed” the prisoner exchange.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the “efforts to stabilize the cease-fire and create an atmosphere of dialogue between the Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that ends the Yemeni crisis," reported the Associated Press,&nbsp;citing the official Saudi Press Agency.<br />
<br />
The kingdom has also said that the prisoner releases come as the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have made progress in talks to settle the conflict.&nbsp;The Iran-backed Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014 which prompted a Saudi-led military intervention months later. This triggered a conflict and a major humanitarian crisis where hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Houthis say both sides will continue their talks after Eid al-Fitr, a holiday later this week that marks the end of Ramadan. This comes as the talks for a more durable ceasefire, last week, ended without a truce but with an agreement to meet again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The Saudi-led military coalition, on Monday (April 17) released 104 more detainees who were captured during Yemen’s war. The unilateral decision follows a major organised prisoner swap which had taken place after negotiations between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government officials and finished on Sunday.

The Saudi-led military coalition, on Monday (April 17) released 104 more detainees who were captured during Yemen’s war. The unilateral decision follows a major organised prisoner swap which had taken place after negotiations between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government officials and finished on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross said that it flew two flights carrying a total of 96 released detainees from Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport to Yemen’s capital city of Sanaa. Additionally, a third flight is headed to the government-controlled Aden in the south carrying eight captives, said the ICRC. The prisoner exchange which ended on Sunday came after a United Nations-brokered deal in line with which more than 700 detained Houthis and over 180 other prisoners, including Saudi and Sudanese troops fighting with the Saudi-led coalition were released. The three-day operation was overseen by the ICRC. The total number of captives released stood at 973, since Friday. ICRC media adviser Jessica Moussan told AFP that the “unilateral” release of an additional 104 prisoners took place outside the deal. “We welcome this initiative and are pleased to see that humanitarian considerations are being taken for the sake of reuniting families,” said Moussan. Meanwhile, a statement from Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki who is also a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition acknowledged the release of 104 Houthi detainees and said they “completed” the prisoner exchange. He added that the “efforts to stabilize the cease-fire and create an atmosphere of dialogue between the Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that ends the Yemeni crisis," reported the Associated Press, citing the official Saudi Press Agency. The kingdom has also said that the prisoner releases come as the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have made progress in talks to settle the conflict. The Iran-backed Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014 which prompted a Saudi-led military intervention months later. This triggered a conflict and a major humanitarian crisis where hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. Meanwhile, Houthis say both sides will continue their talks after Eid al-Fitr, a holiday later this week that marks the end of Ramadan. This comes as the talks for a more durable ceasefire, last week, ended without a truce but with an agreement to meet again. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah.

What is next in Syrian Civil War?; The rapid development of AI | This World

<p>The windshield of a Saudia airlines cargo flight cracked mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Saturday (April 15), according to ANI. At 12:02 PM, the plane touched down safely at Kolkata Airport. The airport made all essential arrangements prior to the landing. After the plane touched down, full emergency was withdrawn, according to airport officials.</p>

<p>Recently, an Etihad Airways flight with its destination to Abu Dhabi made a brief landing back at the Bengaluru&nbsp;international airport due to a technical issue.&nbsp;As soon as the pre-flight inspection was complete, the aircraft departed for its destination</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Saudia airlines cargo flight made an emergency landing at Kolkata airport after the pilot reported that a windshield cracked mid-air. The aircraft landed safely at Kolkata airport at 12:02 pm: Airport officials to ANI <a href="https://t.co/eUgEY2JHlP">pic.twitter.com/eUgEY2JHlP</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1647134847964532736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The airport authorities will reportedly conduct a more thorough evaluation. There haven't been any reports of property losses or damages.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-killed-and-27-injured-as-bus-falls-into-gorge-in-maharashtras-raigad-president-murmu-shares-condolences-582705">12 killed and 27 injured as bus falls into gorge in Maharashtra's Raigad; President Murmu shares condolences</a></p>

<p>In a comparable event last week, the pilot of an IndiGo airlines flight 6E897 from Bengaluru to Varanasi had to make an emergency landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Shamshabad in Telangana, according to ANI.</p>

<p>The flight's emergency landing at the Shamshabad airport at 6:15 am was later verified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who also stated that all 137 people on board were safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/atiq-ahmed-brother-ashraf-ahmed-shot-dead-in-prayagraj-a-day-after-sons-encounter-582837">Indian gangster Atiq Ahmed, brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead in Prayagraj, attackers arrested</a></p>

<p>According to reports, the DGCA also requested an investigation into the occurrence to gather more information.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses World Bank's environment conference</strong></p>

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<p>Another similar incident occurred on April 1 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where a full emergency was declared to allow a FedEx plane to make an emergency landing after it was struck by a bird shortly after takeoff.</p>

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The windshield of a Saudia airlines cargo flight cracked mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Saturday (April 15), according to ANI. At 12:02 PM, the plane touched down safely at Kolkata Airport.

The windshield of a Saudia airlines cargo flight cracked mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport on Saturday (April 15), according to ANI. At 12:02 PM, the plane touched down safely at Kolkata Airport. The airport made all essential arrangements prior to the landing. After the plane touched down, full emergency was withdrawn, according to airport officials. Recently, an Etihad Airways flight with its destination to Abu Dhabi made a brief landing back at the Bengaluru international airport due to a technical issue. As soon as the pre-flight inspection was complete, the aircraft departed for its destination A Saudia airlines cargo flight made an emergency landing at Kolkata airport after the pilot reported that a windshield cracked mid-air. The aircraft landed safely at Kolkata airport at 12:02 pm: Airport officials to ANI pic.twitter.com/eUgEY2JHlP — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2023 × The airport authorities will reportedly conduct a more thorough evaluation. There haven't been any reports of property losses or damages. ALSO READ | 12 killed and 27 injured as bus falls into gorge in Maharashtra's Raigad; President Murmu shares condolences In a comparable event last week, the pilot of an IndiGo airlines flight 6E897 from Bengaluru to Varanasi had to make an emergency landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Shamshabad in Telangana, according to ANI. The flight's emergency landing at the Shamshabad airport at 6:15 am was later verified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who also stated that all 137 people on board were safe. ALSO READ | Indian gangster Atiq Ahmed, brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead in Prayagraj, attackers arrested According to reports, the DGCA also requested an investigation into the occurrence to gather more information. ALSO WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses World Bank's environment conference Another similar incident occurred on April 1 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where a full emergency was declared to allow a FedEx plane to make an emergency landing after it was struck by a bird shortly after takeoff. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudia airlines cargo plane makes emergency landing in Kolkata after windshield cracks

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah. Riyadh and Damascus have agreed to work towards normalisation of ties. Will Saudi Arabia now broker truce between Syria and the Arab world? Vikram Chandra tells you.

Will Syria return to Arab league? Saudi hosts summit to discuss ties with Syria | This World

The bruising civil war in Yemen appears to have come to an end now with the second day of a prisoner swap between the Saudi coalition forces and Yemen's Houthi rebels. Scores of free prisoners were flown across the borders.

Saudi-Yemen prisoner swap day two: Peace in Yemen as prisoners of war return home

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said it was Army Chief General Asim Munir who had been working behind the scenes&nbsp;to secure bilateral financing&nbsp;from friendly countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia&nbsp;to meet the pre-condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a bailout package.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharif, while addressing a ceremony, said he was now hopeful that the IMF will not delay in releasing the $1.1 billion payment as part of the bailout package agreed upon in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has contributed to the government's efforts to secure funds from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Hopefully the IMF will now have no excuse to delay the agreement (to release a tranche of USD 1.1 billion)," said Sharif.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-pakistans-economic-crisis-getting-worse-550882"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is Pakistan's economic crisis getting worse?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>UAE and Saudi Arabia step up to help</strong></h2>

<p>The cash-strapped country has been looking to secure the IMF package for a long time. However, the international lender has been reluctant to open its wallet, unless Islamabad satisfies its pre-requisites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, UAE on Friday confirmed that it would provide a $1 billion loan to Islamabad. A week earlier,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia assured that it would provide $2 billion in the loan amount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Realising our problems, China provided a rollover of $2 billion loan, besides returning back previous debt amount paid back by Pakistan. The UAE had committed a loan of $3 billion,"&nbsp;added Sharif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement by Sharif come in stark contrast to the announcement made by the Pakistani Army wherein it was said that General Munir had no role in the politics of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pakistan-gets-a-step-closer-to-getting-imf-bailout-after-uae-saudi-arabia-pledge-billions-in-assistance-582451"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Pakistan a step closer to getting IMF bailout after UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge billions in assistance</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan needs IMF's help</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan is in dire need of funds. Last week, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank projected the&nbsp;country’s gross domestic product to grow by a measly 0.4 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively. Additionally, the inflation for FY23 was projected at 29.5 per cent and 27.5 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, fresh readings issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) last month showed that yearly short-term inflation rose by 46.65 per cent during the week that ended on March 22 — the highest recorded in the country's history.</p>

<p>According to reports, Pakistan has less than a month’s worth of foreign exchange reserves.&nbsp; Moreover, the global credit rating agency Moody's downgraded Pakistan's local and foreign currency credit ratings from Caa1 to Caa3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said it was Army Chief General Asim Munir who had been working behind the scenes to secure bilateral financing from friendly countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet the pre-condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a bailout package.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said it was Army Chief General Asim Munir who had been working behind the scenes to secure bilateral financing from friendly countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet the pre-condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a bailout package. Sharif, while addressing a ceremony, said he was now hopeful that the IMF will not delay in releasing the $1.1 billion payment as part of the bailout package agreed upon in 2019. "Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has contributed to the government's efforts to secure funds from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Hopefully the IMF will now have no excuse to delay the agreement (to release a tranche of USD 1.1 billion)," said Sharif. WATCH | Is Pakistan's economic crisis getting worse? × UAE and Saudi Arabia step up to help The cash-strapped country has been looking to secure the IMF package for a long time. However, the international lender has been reluctant to open its wallet, unless Islamabad satisfies its pre-requisites. After seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, UAE on Friday confirmed that it would provide a $1 billion loan to Islamabad. A week earlier, Saudi Arabia assured that it would provide $2 billion in the loan amount. "Realising our problems, China provided a rollover of $2 billion loan, besides returning back previous debt amount paid back by Pakistan. The UAE had committed a loan of $3 billion," added Sharif. The statement by Sharif come in stark contrast to the announcement made by the Pakistani Army wherein it was said that General Munir had no role in the politics of the country. ALSO READ | Pakistan a step closer to getting IMF bailout after UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge billions in assistance Pakistan needs IMF's help Pakistan is in dire need of funds. Last week, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank projected the country’s gross domestic product to grow by a measly 0.4 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively. Additionally, the inflation for FY23 was projected at 29.5 per cent and 27.5 per cent. Notably, fresh readings issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) last month showed that yearly short-term inflation rose by 46.65 per cent during the week that ended on March 22 — the highest recorded in the country's history. According to reports, Pakistan has less than a month’s worth of foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, the global credit rating agency Moody's downgraded Pakistan's local and foreign currency credit ratings from Caa1 to Caa3. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan Army chief helped secure funds from UAE, Saudi to fulfill IMF pre-condition, says PM Sharif

<p>Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold.</p>

<p>Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011</strong></p>

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<p>Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well.</p>

<p>The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias".</p>

<p>The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights.

Saudi Arabia and Syria on Wednesday (April 13) welcomed thaw in relations between the two countries. The recent improvement in ties includes steps to resume consular services and flights. Both countries agreed to fight drug trafficking and facilitate Syria's return to the Arab fold. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad landed in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday in the first visit by a senior Syrian diplomat to the kingdom in more than a decade, a major sign that Syria's regional isolation is nearing an end. Watch | Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011 × Saudi Arabia had cut ties with Syria after Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. It also backed rebel groups that were fighting to remove Assad from power. Syria was suspended from the Arab League as well. The resumption of Saudi-Syrian ties marks the most significant development in moves by Arab states to normalise links with Assad. It comes weeks after Mekdad met with the top diplomats of Egypt and Jordan, also for the first time in over a decade. Assad, with the help of his main allies Iran and Russia, regained control over much of Syria, and Saudi Arabia has said isolating him was not working. In a joint statement at the end of Wednesday's visit, both sides agreed on the need for the Syrian state to assert its control over all its territories "and end the presence of armed militias". The two ministers also discussed the steps needed for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis that contributes to "Syria's return to its Arab environment" and said they would enhance cooperation on combating drug trafficking. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria and Saudi Arabia welcome thaw in relations, agree to fight drug trafficking

<p>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that it would provide a $1 billion loan to Islamabad, said Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday (April 14),&nbsp;getting the cash-strapped country one step closer to receiving the long-awaited bailout tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This comes a week after Pakistan had said that Saudi Arabia had assured that it would provide a $2 billion loan after the Washington-based lender had asked Islamabad to get financing assurances before a loan can be disbursed.</p>

<p>Referring to the country’s central bank, Dar took to Twitter and wrote, “The State Bank of Pakistan is now engaged for needful documentation for taking the said deposit from UAE authorities.” The commitment by UAE is one of the last requirements of the IMF before it would release a tranche of $1.1 billion which is crucial for&nbsp;Pakistan’s acute balance of payments crisis.</p>

<p>Pakistan is facing soaring inflation at 35.37 per cent, the highest in over five decades, while prices of essential food items such as wheat flour, sugar, and edible oil rose significantly. This also comes nearly a week after a United States-based think tank released a report which said that Pakistan owes around $77 billion to several public and private entities in China, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent announcement makes UAE the third country after Saudi Arabia and China to have come to Pakistan’s assistance amid the country’s need for external financing to bridge the balance of payments gap for this fiscal year which ends in June. According to reports, Pakistan has less than a month’s worth of foreign exchange reserves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of December 2022, Islamabad also holds external debt and liabilities of $126.3 billion, at least 77 per cent of this debt, which amounts to around $97.5 billion, is directly owed by Pakistan’s government to various creditors, said a report by Washington-based think tank, United States Institute of Peace (USIP), earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about Pakistan’s bailout, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, on Thursday, said, “My hope is that with the goodwill of everyone, and the implementation of what has been already agreed by the Pakistan authorities, we can complete our current programme successfully.” She added that they are also in talks with friendly countries of Pakistan to provide financial assurances so it can complete the programme. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that it would provide a $1 billion loan to Islamabad, said Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday (April 14), getting the cash-strapped country one step closer to receiving the long-awaited bailout tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that it would provide a $1 billion loan to Islamabad, said Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday (April 14), getting the cash-strapped country one step closer to receiving the long-awaited bailout tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This comes a week after Pakistan had said that Saudi Arabia had assured that it would provide a $2 billion loan after the Washington-based lender had asked Islamabad to get financing assurances before a loan can be disbursed. Referring to the country’s central bank, Dar took to Twitter and wrote, “The State Bank of Pakistan is now engaged for needful documentation for taking the said deposit from UAE authorities.” The commitment by UAE is one of the last requirements of the IMF before it would release a tranche of $1.1 billion which is crucial for Pakistan’s acute balance of payments crisis. Pakistan is facing soaring inflation at 35.37 per cent, the highest in over five decades, while prices of essential food items such as wheat flour, sugar, and edible oil rose significantly. This also comes nearly a week after a United States-based think tank released a report which said that Pakistan owes around $77 billion to several public and private entities in China, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. The recent announcement makes UAE the third country after Saudi Arabia and China to have come to Pakistan’s assistance amid the country’s need for external financing to bridge the balance of payments gap for this fiscal year which ends in June. According to reports, Pakistan has less than a month’s worth of foreign exchange reserves. As of December 2022, Islamabad also holds external debt and liabilities of $126.3 billion, at least 77 per cent of this debt, which amounts to around $97.5 billion, is directly owed by Pakistan’s government to various creditors, said a report by Washington-based think tank, United States Institute of Peace (USIP), earlier this month. Speaking about Pakistan’s bailout, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, on Thursday, said, “My hope is that with the goodwill of everyone, and the implementation of what has been already agreed by the Pakistan authorities, we can complete our current programme successfully.” She added that they are also in talks with friendly countries of Pakistan to provide financial assurances so it can complete the programme. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan a step closer to getting IMF bailout after UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge billions in assistance

Syria was expelled from the Egypt-based Arab league in 2011 over its violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations. Today, representatives of nine Arab countries will meet in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss letting Syria attend an Arab league summit next month. Now, Qatar's prime minister has said Syria's return to Arab league is nothing but speculation. Syria has been diplomatically isolated since the start of its civil war, in which hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Damascus has seen amplified Arab engagement since the quake, including from governments that have so far resisted normalisation. The Syrian national coalition, an opposition group that occupies the Syrian embassy in Doha, praised the Qatari stance. In a statement, the coalition said it appreciated the Qatari position, which rejects normalisation with the Syrian regime.

Nine countries to discuss Syria's return to Arab fold; Qatar PM flags 'speculation' | Details

<p>The rise of T20 cricket leagues across the world has become a talking point for some time, and now with Saudi Arabia showing interest in owning and setting up the richest T20 league in the country, this topic has gained more limelight. As per the latest reports, Saudi Arabia, which lately have expanded its interests in different sports such as Formula 1 and Football, have now gotten on board to bring cricket into the country.</p>

<p>As reported by <em>The Age</em>, the Saudi government is trying to lure IPL and BCCI owners into setting up the richest T20 league in the world. As things stand, the Indian Premier League is head and shoulders ahead of every other existing T20 league across the world in terms of revenue generation, engagement on social media and the best players playing in it. Moreover, the BCCI has barred its players from appearing in other T20 leagues than the IPL,&nbsp;but if the Indian board decides to accept the proposal on the table, we could see a change in stance.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ian-bishop-fears-even-a-tweak-in-bowling-action-wont-solve-jasprit-bumrahs-injury-woes-582473">Ian Bishop fears even a tweak in bowling action won't solve Jasprit Bumrah's injury woes</a></p>

<p>Earlier, the ICC chairman Greg Barclay had also confirmed Saudi’s keen interest in cricket.</p>

<p>"If you look at other sports they've been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them," he said. "Given their advance into the sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia. They're pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue," Barclay added.</p>

<p>Not only this, but the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud also told Arab News last month that their aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and make the country a cricket destination.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expats living in the Kingdom and make Saudi Arabia a global cricketing destination."</p>

<p>As per the report, a few of the Saudi government representatives have also been spotted around the Indian cricket body and looking to convince the top bosses to join hands for a supreme future project. Besides this, they also want to stage the annual Asia Cup in addition to hosting the opening match or even a round of IPL in the country.</p>


The rise of T20 cricket leagues across the world has become a talking point for some time, and now with Saudi Arabia showing interest in owning and setting up the richest T20 league in the country, this topic has gained more limelight.

The rise of T20 cricket leagues across the world has become a talking point for some time, and now with Saudi Arabia showing interest in owning and setting up the richest T20 league in the country, this topic has gained more limelight. As per the latest reports, Saudi Arabia, which lately have expanded its interests in different sports such as Formula 1 and Football, have now gotten on board to bring cricket into the country. As reported by The Age, the Saudi government is trying to lure IPL and BCCI owners into setting up the richest T20 league in the world. As things stand, the Indian Premier League is head and shoulders ahead of every other existing T20 league across the world in terms of revenue generation, engagement on social media and the best players playing in it. Moreover, the BCCI has barred its players from appearing in other T20 leagues than the IPL, but if the Indian board decides to accept the proposal on the table, we could see a change in stance. ALSO READ: Ian Bishop fears even a tweak in bowling action won't solve Jasprit Bumrah's injury woes Earlier, the ICC chairman Greg Barclay had also confirmed Saudi’s keen interest in cricket. "If you look at other sports they've been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them," he said. "Given their advance into the sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia. They're pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue," Barclay added. Not only this, but the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud also told Arab News last month that their aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and make the country a cricket destination. "Our aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expats living in the Kingdom and make Saudi Arabia a global cricketing destination." As per the report, a few of the Saudi government representatives have also been spotted around the Indian cricket body and looking to convince the top bosses to join hands for a supreme future project. Besides this, they also want to stage the annual Asia Cup in addition to hosting the opening match or even a round of IPL in the country.

Saudi Arabia aims to set up richest T20 league in country, in talks with BCCI, IPL bosses over same - Reports

<p>A major exchange of prisoners from Yemen's brutal civil war got underway on Friday with the first plane departing rebel-held Sanaa for government-controlled Aden, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.</p>

<p>"The first flight from Sanaa has left," ICRC media adviser Jessica Moussan told AFP, signalling the start of a three-day operation that will see nearly 900 prisoners released.</p>

<p>More than 300 prisoners will fly between the two cities on Friday. Later, detainees will also be released in Marib and Mokha, and in Riyadh and Abha in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The exchange is further evidence of a decrease in tensions after truce talks were held in Sanaa this week between the Huthi rebels and a delegation from Saudi Arabia, the government's main military ally.</p>

<p>The Iran-backed Huthis seized control of Sanaa in 2014, ousting the internationally recognised government and triggering a Saudi-led military intervention the following March.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-saudi-arabia-pull-out-of-the-yemen-war-is-china-behind-the-big-decision-577116"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia pull out of the Yemen War? Is China behind the big decision?</strong></a></p>

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<p>Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed by direct and indirect causes in a war that has sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to United Nations estimates.</p>

<p>Last month, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish official ties after a seven-year split, an announcement that has quickly redrawn the diplomatic map.</p>

<p>As part of the drawing down of tensions, nine Arab countries will meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia later on Friday to discuss the 12-year suspension from the Arab League of Iran ally Syria over its bloody civil war.</p>

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A major exchange of prisoners from Yemen's brutal civil war got underway on Friday with the first plane departing rebel-held Sanaa for government-controlled Aden, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

A major exchange of prisoners from Yemen's brutal civil war got underway on Friday with the first plane departing rebel-held Sanaa for government-controlled Aden, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. "The first flight from Sanaa has left," ICRC media adviser Jessica Moussan told AFP, signalling the start of a three-day operation that will see nearly 900 prisoners released. More than 300 prisoners will fly between the two cities on Friday. Later, detainees will also be released in Marib and Mokha, and in Riyadh and Abha in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The exchange is further evidence of a decrease in tensions after truce talks were held in Sanaa this week between the Huthi rebels and a delegation from Saudi Arabia, the government's main military ally. The Iran-backed Huthis seized control of Sanaa in 2014, ousting the internationally recognised government and triggering a Saudi-led military intervention the following March. WATCH | Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia pull out of the Yemen War? Is China behind the big decision? × Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed by direct and indirect causes in a war that has sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to United Nations estimates. Last month, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish official ties after a seven-year split, an announcement that has quickly redrawn the diplomatic map. As part of the drawing down of tensions, nine Arab countries will meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia later on Friday to discuss the 12-year suspension from the Arab League of Iran ally Syria over its bloody civil war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Times of truce? Major prisoner swap underway in Yemen: ICRC

Saudi Arabia 's eyes with regional Rivals the world's biggest oil exporter wants to focus on diversifying its energy dependent economy. This focus is on economy but also to re-establish Regional leadership so for example the reintegration of Syria into the Arab fold and when we'll have to see if that happens countries like Qatar and Kuwait to remain firmly opposed to that is really as much aimed at trying to loosen the ties between Iran and Syria as it is about trying to resolve the Syrian conflict right also Darcy uh let us help us understand if you think that Syria will return to the egypt-based Arab League.

Saudi aims to focus on diversifying energy-dependent economy: Analysts

An Iranian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Tehran said, to pave the way for reopening diplomatic missions as the Gulf rivals prepare to normalize relations, seven years after an acrimonious split.

Iran, Saudi Arabia working to re-establish ties after years of bitter division

<p>Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais&nbsp;Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011.</p>

<p>In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February.</p>

<p>Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.</p>

<p>And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.”</p>

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Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported.

Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government. "In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read. Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011. In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February. Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services. On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012. Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria and Tunisia to restore diplomatic ties after over a decade: Report

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