JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) has revealed a plan to offer projects to the private sector aimed at exploiting mineral resources and sourcing raw materials locally instead of importing them, Aleqtisadiah newspaper reported.
SGS Chairman Zuhair Nawwab said the plan would be implemented after a feasibility study is completed to confirm that raw minerals are available in sufficient quantities.
Speaking on the sidelines of the first scientific symposium on industrial minerals and mining in Saudi Arabia at the SGS offices in Jeddah, Monday, he said that the plan is in line with the state’s Vision 2030 and its bid to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil.
Abdulrahman Bahawi of the SGS Department of Studies and Research said the symposium discussed how companies import raw materials that can be found in the Kingdom itself but remain unexploited. The market is being studied, including the quantities of minerals which exist in the country so as to identify the requirements of local industries, he said.
He said that producing raw materials domestically could cover local market demand if the raw products are found to be of good quality and in sufficient quantities.
Saudi Geological Survey plans to offer raw mineral exploitation projects to private sector
Saudi Geological Survey plans to offer raw mineral exploitation projects to private sector
Saudi Arabia to host 13th annual meeting of Global Research Council next year
- The event will be held in partnership with Turkiye
RIYADH: The Global Research Council has approved Saudi Arabia, represented by the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, to host its 13th annual meeting in 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The 12th annual meeting of the Global Research Council was hosted this week by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Fund for Science, Technology and Innovation in Interlaken, Switzerland.
Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and deputy chairman of the Global Research Council, highlighted the importance of the topics to be discussed at the upcoming 13th annual meeting in Riyadh.
The event will be held in partnership with Turkiye, represented by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye.
The meeting will focus on “research management in the age of artificial intelligence” and “collaborative innovation to address global challenges toward achieving sustainable development, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity.” These themes have been chosen to align with global trends and the Kingdom’s future aspirations in research, development and innovation.
El-Desouki highlighted that the use of AI applications in research and development had been one of the most significant global advancements in recent years. He said that employing this technology would help to identify opportunities and address challenges in the research, development and innovation sectors. He urged the council’s member states to share their experiences and insights on AI advances and their contributions to research and development.
He also stressed the importance of research in supporting sustainable development, noting its crucial role in understanding the complex environmental, social and economic challenges facing the world.
Mohammed Al-Otaibi, general supervisor of the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, welcomed the Global Research Council’s decision to have the Kingdom host the 13th annual meeting in 2025.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing regional collaboration among research councils in the Middle East and North Africa to strengthen their impact and contributions to global knowledge and innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister meets with Iraqi counterpart
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan met on Friday with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Beijing, China.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in various fields.
International and regional issues, such as the latest developments in Gaza, were also discussed.
Saudi, Palestinian health ministers discuss cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel met in Geneva with his Palestinian counterpart Majed Abu Ramadan to discuss cooperation.
Al-Jalajel reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, especially in the healthcare sector.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila, the Saudi permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, also attended the meeting.
Saudi foreign minister meets with Chinese counterpart
- The ministers reviewed the current regional and international developments
BEIJING: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a state visit to Beijing, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.
The ministers reviewed the current regional and international developments and explored opportunities to enhance multilateral cooperation on issues of common interests.
| Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with the Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Wang Yi, during His Highness's visit to Beijing. pic.twitter.com/K5ZsimwbTC
— Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) May 31, 2024
They also discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen partnerships across various fields.
The Saudi foreign minister was in Beijing to attend the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where he praised Beijing’s support for efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and push for the two-state solution.
In his address at the summit, Prince Faisal reiterated calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and an uninterrupted flow of aid into the enclave.
KSrelief provides food, health aid to Jordan and Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide health and food support to vulnerable people in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp and Yemen.
Health workers at clinics operated by KSrelief in Zaatari refugee camp treated over 2,349 patients during May, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
There were 335 procedures performed on patients suffering from various issues including tonsillitis, as well as ear and sinus infections.
Meanwhile in Yemen, KSrelief distributed food to 680 families in Aden and Lahj, which benefitted 4,760 individuals.
