RIYADH: Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America and currently negotiating key bilateral agreements with the Kingdom, has reaffirmed its support for the legitimate government of Yemen led by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.
“The Brazilian government has very closely followed the development of events in Yemen since the start of the conflict,” Brazil’s Ambassador Flavio Marega told Arab News.
“Brazil genuinely wishes that the historically and culturally rich Arab country of Yemen and its people will be able to find the path for the return of peace and prosperity in the near future, in which all people of Yemeni society have a role to play.”
Flavio, in an exclusive interview with Arab News, spoke about a range of bilateral and regional issues with special reference to the proposed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) to be endorsed soon by the two countries.
Spelling out the details of the growing relations, he said that “Brazil and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1968, and since then we have had a long-standing stable and excellent relationship.”
He noted the Kingdom and Brazil are working on several proposed accords, including one between the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and Central Bank of Brazil (BCB). He said that SAMA is interested in the Brazilian experience of banking correspondents, like post offices and supermarkets acting as banks.
“This is an area in which Brazil is a world leader,” Flavio noted. “In June 2016, a BCB mission came to Riyadh for a detailed presentation of the Brazilian model, and discussion of the format and content of a bilateral agreement on technical cooperation, based on the exchange of experiences in regulation and supervision of bank correspondents.
“At present, both parties are negotiating the terms and conditions of such bilateral cooperation,” he added.
“Once concluded, the project will be ready to be signed, ideally in the second half of 2017,” said the diplomat, adding that Brazil is currently negotiating several other agreements with Saudi Arabia.
He pointed out that some of the proposed agreements under negotiation include an accord on peaceful use of nuclear energy, an agreement on long-term business visas, an accord on promotion and facilitation of investment, and a cooperation agreement between the Secretariat of Federal Revenue and Saudi Customs.
On cooperation in the field of education, he said that education is one of the areas in which there is a great potential for bilateral cooperation.
“As part of the cooperation in defense education, in 2016, a Saudi officer from the Royal Saudi Land Forces participated in international course on strategic studies in Rio de Janeiro,” said the envoy. This year, three Saudi cadets will study at the Brazilian Army National Academy as part of the increasing bilateral cooperation, he added.
Flavio said the Kingdom and Brazil have identical approaches on many regional and international issues of mutual concern. He said Brazil supports the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security, based on international law and on borders based on 1967 lines, which are internationally recognized and mutually agreed upon.
“We are against the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, as we believe it suffocates the local economy and makes it difficult to provide humanitarian assistance,” he added. The diplomat said that “the current paralysis of the peace negotiations is unsustainable and we therefore support the resumption of serious negotiations in good faith between the Israelis and Palestinians.”
Brazil is always ready to collaborate with the peace negotiations, he added. The diplomat said that Brazil and Syria have longstanding historical ties. In 2013, the Brazilian National Council for Refugees (CONARE) approved a resolution to grant visas for humanitarian reasons to people affected by the Syrian conflict showing their intention to seek refuge in Brazil, he said.
“To date, more than 9,000 visas on a humanitarian basis have been issued, and 2,500 refugees have completed the eligibility procedure to enter Brazil with their refugee status duly recognized by CONARE,” said the envoy.
He also said that Brazil has received more than 10,500 refugees from different countries since 2013.
Brazil reaffirms support to Hadi-led govt in Yemen
Brazil reaffirms support to Hadi-led govt in Yemen
Tourism Ministry signs job-creation deal
- Agreement was inked by Hind Al-Zahed, in charge of human-capacity development at the MoT, and Sabbar’s founder and CEO Mohammed Taha Ibrahim
- Agreement is aimed at ensuring the sector employs citizens in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has signed an agreement in Riyadh with Sabbar, a hiring company, to ensure job creation for the sector.
The agreement was inked by Hind Al-Zahed, in charge of human-capacity development at the ministry, and Sabbar’s founder and CEO Mohammed Taha Ibrahim.
Sabbar is a digital platform connecting employers with those seeking jobs.
The agreement is aimed at ensuring the sector employs citizens in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, and to boost the development of the nation’s tourism companies.
The ministry wants to ensure that quality jobs are created in the private sector; and establish a database of those seeking employment.
Specialist hospital is top healthcare institution
- Report highlighted a 31 percent increase in the brand value of the institution, surpassing SR5.6 billion
- Increase is attributed to its commitment to integrate the latest medical technologies and treatments
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has led its sector for the second successive year, ranking as the top healthcare institution in the Kingdom and the Middle East.
It stands out as the only hospital globally to be among the top 10 valuable brands in its country, according to two reports by Brand Finance about the top 50 most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia, and the top 150 most valuable brands in the Middle East for 2024.
The report highlighted a 31 percent increase in the brand value of the institution, surpassing SR5.6 billion ($1.49 billion). This increase is attributed to its commitment to integrate the latest medical technologies and treatments, provide specialized medical care according to the latest international standards, and continuously develop research and patient care.
Muhannad Abdullah Kadi, chief corporate communications and marketing officer at KFSH&RC, said: “This achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to achieving the highest quality standards and providing exceptional healthcare, as well as the value it provides to beneficiaries.”
He stressed that being among the top 10 most valuable brands in the Kingdom was evidence of the success of the transformations taking place in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.
Digital Cooperation Organization to attend Islamic Summit in Gambia
- 15th annual event will be held this weekend in Banjul
RIYADH: The Digital Cooperation Organization, which works to shape the global digital economy, will take part in the upcoming 15th annual Islamic Summit Conference in the Gambian capital Banjul.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya will head a delegation at the event, which runs from Saturday to Sunday alongside a series of summits organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to enhance cooperation and understanding between Islamic countries.
“The DCO’s participation in the conference embodies our firm commitment to strengthen multilateral action to reduce the digital gap and accelerate digital transformation and prosperity in cooperation with all concerned parties in the public and private sectors and civil institutions, as well as international and regional organizations concerned with development,” Al-Yahya said.
“It is consistent with the goal of the organization, digital cooperation aimed at promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the global digital economy within a cooperative framework.”
Al-Yahya said she would hold talks with several heads of state as well as the leaders of other delegations during the event.
The agenda of the conference, which is being held under the slogan “Promoting Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” covers areas of political, economic, social, cultural and technological interest as well as issues related to the media, law, social affairs, administration and finance.
The DCO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the OIC to provide a framework for cooperation to develop a sustainable digital economy and collaborate in the field of digitization of human resources to help enhance internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to UAE president on key official’s death
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday offered condolences to the ruler of the United Arab Emirates on the death of a key official and a member of the royal family, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a cable to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, King Salman expressed "our deepest and sincere condolences" on the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s ruler representative in Al Ain, who died on May 1, 2024.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed "my warmest and most sincere condolences" in a separate cable to the UAE leader, the SPA said.
French creatives bring enchanting art experience to Jeddah
- For ‘ETH3R,’ Paul Marlier translates dancer Jeanne Morel’s graceful movements into digital art
JEDDAH: Artist Paul Marlier and dancer Jeanne Morel have brought an interactive digital art display dubbed “ETH3R” to Jeddah’s cultural hub, Hayy Jameel.
The French creatives feature immersive artworks generated using the biometric data of Morel captured during her movement in extreme environments — including in zero-gravity.
The unique blend of technology and creativity has captivated audiences with its perspectives on reality, and contrasts with the often mundane nature of daily life.
In an interview with Arab News, Marlier spoke about the creative process behind their digital artwork. He also highlighted the production of artworks inspired by the human and scientific data he had gathered.
“It is a real pleasure to be here, particularly in Hayy Jameel, where we blend art and science to create a sensory experience like no other,” he said. “It represents the DNA imprint of the world — the dance of our souls.”
He added: “ETH3R encompasses paintings and dynamic installations derived from the biometric data of my wife, Jeanne Morel, who dances in diverse and extreme environments, from beneath the ocean depths to high-altitude astronaut training.”
Marlier has amalgamated this scientific data regarding human physiology with other information, including air quality, satellite imagery, and even facts from the Red Sea. “These artworks serve as emotional imprints, reminiscent of moments of grace. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
Explaining the process, he added: “With Jeanne as the catalyst, adorned with sensors akin to a paintbrush, her dance emotions are translated through code into the digital art seen in the paintings. We explore themes of fragility, spirituality, and the inherent unity between humans and nature — the universal dance.”
“We approach data not as mere codification, but as sensations, enabling us to specify and share the experience. By capturing a wealth of information from this singular dancer, we endeavor to materialize the essence of grace,” Marlier said.
Morel added: “Dance is the way to express your deepest emotions, sometimes simpler than words.”
“Dance is the allegory of life. It allows me to stay alive, connected to the movements of the world. Our bodies are constantly dancing, moving, on this earth which itself dances around the sun and remains in balance thanks to gravity,” she added.
Of their first visit to the Kingdom, Marlier said: “The people are absolutely welcoming here. And spirituality and poetry are so present.”
Morel added: “We admire the spirituality and also the open-mindedness of this country regarding art and especially digital art.”
Waleed Harthi, an art enthusiast, said: “Witnessing art that exceeds boundaries was a mesmerizing journey, captivating our senses and sparking wonder at the fusion of art and technology. The live demonstration and dance were incredibly relaxing and offered a serene escape to some other imaginary world.”
The exhibition runs until May 11.
