RIYADH: World leaders, including heads of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Sunday began arriving in New York to attend the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The sessions are scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning amid political crises all over the world with a focus on the Middle East, North Korea and the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday,” said a UNGA report, which gives details of the participation of the heads of states in the UN assembly. It said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has already arrived in New York, where he will also hold talks with US President Donald Trump besides attending the UNGA.
“The details of the participation of the Gulf states in the UNGA will be announced soon,” said an official of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat, on Sunday. He said that individual GCC countries would announce the names of the leaders who will be leading delegations of the respective Gulf states. Also, foreign ministers of the OIC member states are scheduled to hold a coordination meeting in New York before the UNGA starts on Tuesday.
Referring to the high-profile attendance of world leaders at the UNGA, another report said: “Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the UNGA and will also meet with President Trump to discuss key regional and international issues on the sidelines of the General Assembly.” Jordan’s King Abdullah, accompanied by Queen Rania, has already arrived in New York, where he will be leading the Jordanian delegation.
The report said that “the North Korean provocations and the future of Iran’s nuclear agreement are also expected to be discussed on the international platform, in addition to the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.” However, a few leaders will be missing from the General Assembly meeting, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping – both of whom have urged for a de-escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea.
The report said that the spotlight will be on US President Trump and France’s new leader, Emmanuel Macron, who will both be making their first appearance at the General Assembly. They will be joined by more than 100 heads of state, including Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Referring to the consultation meeting to be convened by the OIC, a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report said that the foreign ministers will hold a meeting to discuss issues of interest to the OIC that are on the agenda of the current session of the UNGA. The special ministerial committee on Palestine will also hold a meeting to discuss developments.
The report said that Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has also arrived in New York, where he will address the UNGA and hold talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. A ministerial meeting of the Contact Group on the Rohingya Muslims will also be held in New York within the framework of the OIC. The OIC secretary-general will also hold several bilateral meetings with heads of states to discuss regional and international issues.
Heads of OIC states among world leaders flocking to New York for UNGA
Heads of OIC states among world leaders flocking to New York for UNGA
Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers
- First of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children
- Second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support
RIYADH: The Charity Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh has launched two initiatives to improve the lives of orphaned girls and single mothers.
Mohammed bin Saad Al-Muharib, general manager of the society, also known as Ensan, said the first of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program will run for a full academic year and include a range of activities with psychological, spiritual, linguistic, social, health and economic dimensions.
Al-Muharib said the program would feature regular meetings, visits and excursions with the ultimate goal of providing the youngsters with the tools they needed to navigate a successful future.
The second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support to help them achieve personal and professional success.
The scheme will comprise 90 hours of practical training designed to raise awareness of their educational responsibilities, addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of their children and teaching them critical life skills.
Both programs will be overseen by the Specialized Council for Orphan Associations in the Kingdom and supported by the Abdul Latif Al-Essa Charitable Foundation. The King Salman Social Center will provide logistical support in the form of venues for holding the training courses.
Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.
Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers
- The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.
The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.
The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.
The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.
Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.
This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.
The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.
King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week
RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.
The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.
The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.
The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.
The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.
The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.
Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.
Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.
In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.
