Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah held talks with Iraqi President Mohammed Fuad Masum on Tuesday.
Masum arrived in Riyadh amid hopes that both countries will engage in high-level talks to restore peace in Iraq, as well as in the region. He was received by Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin. This is the first presidential visit from Iraq since 2010, and it is widely seen as a possibility for rapprochement between the neighboring countries.
“During his significant visit, Masum is expected to meet high-ranking Saudi officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, especially political and security conditions in Iraq and the region, which concern the two countries,” a diplomatic source earlier said Tuesday.
Iraqi foreign minister, Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, said that “the talks between Saudi and Iraqi leadership will help defuse the situation. It is a continuation of the previous meetings held in Jeddah, Paris and New York.”
All previous Saudi-Iraqi meetings indicated the seriousness on the part of the two countries to boost ties, said the National Iraqi News Agency quoting Al-Jaafari.
Abdullah-Masum talks focus on Iraqi crisis
Abdullah-Masum talks focus on Iraqi crisis
Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy
- The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16
ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.
The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.
It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.
The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.
The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.
It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.
The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.
