Gulf Times

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move is seen as a setback for Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to the dollar-based global payments system, and observers are weighing what it signals about the Gulf kingdom's financial alignment with Washington versus its deepening economic ties with China.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The visit comes at a time of intense diplomacy in the region, with Washington engaged on issues including the Gaza ceasefire, Gulf security and broader Middle East policy. Details of the agenda have not been officially announced, but the meeting signals continued close coordination between Riyadh and the Trump administration on regional and bilateral matters.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in the United States for a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. The talks come at a time of heightened attention to Gulf-US relations, with the two officials expected to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation. Details of the agenda have not been disclosed.