RIYADH: Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Venezuela are set to take a leap forward with the holding of a Joint Committee Meeting in Riyadh at the end of this year, according to Joseba Achutegui, the Venezuelan ambassador to the Kingdom.
The envoy was speaking to Arab News on Wednesday, on the 206th anniversary of his country’s independence.
Achutegui said that the first Joint Committee Meeting was held in Caracas, followed by a technical committee meeting, which are expected to result in the draft of joint cooperation agreements in areas such as education, health and trade.
Achutegui said that his country’s President Nicolas Maduro had visited the Kingdom four times since 2015. He said that Saudi-Venezuela relations date back to 1952.
The ambassador added that the president had previously discussed with King Salman means to promote relations, areas of bilateral cooperation, and the latest developments including cooperation for the stability of the oil market.
Achutegui said that Saudi Arabia is not only a partner OPEC state, but also a close friend to his country, as evident given the frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two countries.
Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, followed by the Kingdom.
Saudi-Venezuelan ties to reach new heights: Envoy
Saudi-Venezuelan ties to reach new heights: Envoy
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.
