The Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers this week held several meetings in Riyadh with their counterparts from Egypt, Jordan and Morocco that were focused on the war in Gaza and its regional repercussions.

There was a global sigh of relief when Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed in Beijing on March 10 to restore diplomatic ties after seven years of rupture. They also signaled a desire for dialogue and reconciliation.

On Sept. 23, Saudis will mark their National Day to commemorate the reunification of their country 90 years ago.

The visit by Sultan Haitham of Oman to Saudi Arabia on Sunday is his first foreign trip since he ascended the throne last year, and is expected to tap into a great reservoir of political and economic synergies between the two countries.