RIYADH: The Shoura Council has condemned Israeli authorities for the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying it sets a serious precedent and violates the rights of Muslims.
In a statement issued during its 47th ordinary session on Tuesday, the Shoura Council expressed grave concern over the extreme escalation and absurd measures which, it said, aim to strangle the already precarious conditions of the Palestinian people and continue Israeli aggression.
The Council stressed the need for Arab and Islamic governments and parliaments to work with the international community and peace-loving countries to put an end to Israel’s provocative practices.
During the same session, the Shoura Council approved a number of amendments on income tax related to foreign companies operating in the Kingdom in the areas of oil and finance.
The Council’s decision, which came following deliberations on a report presented by the Financial Committee on the income tax system, said the amendments are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision for 2030, which aims to find alternative sources of income for the Kingdom, aside from oil revenue.
On another issue, the Shoura Council approved amendments to the system for protection against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the rights and duties of those who are HIV-positive.
Council members also stressed the need to intensify media and cultural efforts to combat terrorism and to reflect the Kingdom’s efforts in this regard.
In their 46th ordinary session on Monday, the Shoura Council discussed a variety of topics.
The Council asked the Ministry of Health to provide facilities for the aged who may require long-term medical care, and to coordinate with all concerned parties to provide the required funds to apply a strategy of security and safety within its health facilities.
The Shoura called on the Ministry to intensify efforts to apply a national program for early tests of newborn babies in hospitals, and to improve performance indexes related to infant mortality rates and the mortality rate of mothers during childbirth.
The Council also stressed the need to coordinate with relevant bodies to secure the funds required for the operation of King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk.
On another issue, the Shoura Council requested that the Ministry of Energy and Industry work out a comprehensive plan for the promotion of local content in commodity and service procurement deals and for the localization of its companies’ workforce.
The Shoura also called on the Ministry to encourage and attract investment, and remove barriers to that investment, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area of mining, industry and gas, and to establish a unified window for the issuance and renewal of mining licenses.
The Shoura Council then called on King Fahd National Library (KFNL) to coordinate with other libraries, cultural centers and educational institutions in the Kingdom. It also urged KFNL to introduce services to assist people with special needs and to make all its facilities accessible to them.
Later, the Shoura members deliberated on the annual report of the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection following a report presented by the Committee of Water and Agriculture on the Authority’s performance.
Members of the Council lashed out at the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), saying it “neglected the environment” and instead focused on “predicting the weather for the next five days.”
Some members called for its abolition, or suggested merging it with the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA). They said the PME failed to offer scientific explanations for marine animal deaths, did not monitor the deterioration of sea coral, and did not play a role in dealing with increasing emissions and waste from factories.
“This entity gained popularity among young people who subscribe to its social media accounts in order to be notified about weather-emergency holidays,” said member Muaddi Al-Madhab.
Member Khalifa Al-Duwsari said the PME is almost dysfunctional. “It implements the instructions of municipalities without studying the issues. There are companies that are destroying marine life within Saudi Arabia’s regional waters.”
Other members said the entity has taken no stand whatsoever against practices that damage the environment.
Members demanded strict control over companies working in marine environments. Companies working on King Fahd Causeway, for example, cause large losses of fish resources and the PME “lacks the personality to protest,” one member said, calling for the hire of private companies to monitor and preserve the environment.
Members said it is a shortcoming not to have an online system through which the public can report environmental violations.
Saudi Shoura condemns Israeli violations in occupied Palestine
Saudi Shoura condemns Israeli violations in occupied Palestine
Saudi crown prince receives leaders on sidelines of special WEF meeting
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the emir of Kuwait and the prime minister of Iraq separately in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meetings with Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the crown prince discussed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and Kuwait and Iraq. Opportunities to develop relations in various fields were also discussed.
Leaders and officials are in Riyadh to attend the World Economic Forum’s special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development that is currently taking place in the capital. The meeting will end on Monday.
Saudi FM: Commitment to two-state solution only way to prevent Gaza war reoccurring
- ‘It’s good that we hear most of our partners and the international community support that notion,’ Prince Faisal says
RIYADH: Only a real commitment to a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can prevent the war in Gaza from reoccurring, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Sunday.
“We in the region are not going to focus only on solving the crisis of the moment, we’re going to look at how we can solve the bigger problem in the context of Gaza. That is, a real commitment to a two-state solution, that is, a credible, irreversible path to a Palestinian state,” he told the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh.
“That’s the only reasonable and credible solution that guarantees us from not having to come back to this same situation two, three, four years down the line.”
He added that it was up to the international community, especially those countries that have the most influence, and the UN Security Council to help implement the solution.
“It’s good that we hear most of our partners and the international community support that notion. Now we have to translate that into reality.
“We need to move from talk, to action, to concrete steps. And it can’t be left up to the warring parties. We, the international community, and especially those countries that have the most influence, the most impact, the Security Council have to step in,” he said.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry echoed Prince Faisal’s call and said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would not be resolved until a two-state solution came into effect.
“I’ve always advocated the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, because that’s the underlying problem. Until you resolve that … you will probably have a short-term pause, but it will recur with even greater vengeance. So we don’t want that, we want a solution to this once and for all,” he said.
Prince Faisal said the Kingdom would do everything it could to push in the direction of a two-state solution and that he was hopeful the international community would do the right thing and make the concept a reality.
“If we all agree that the Palestinian state and giving the Palestinians their right, is the solution that gives everybody what they need: security, stability, their rights, then we should all decide we’re going to invest all of our resources in making that happen.
“If we make that decision, the pathway will unfold before us, even if there are those that will try to stop it. There are levers clear, there are levers hidden, that can push us in that direction. So I want to be hopeful … and I know that we as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will do everything we can to push in that direction.
“And hopefully, the international community, given everything that has happened and given the risks involved in not doing the right thing, will come along, and we’re working with our partners, the Europeans among them and many others, to try and translate that intent into reality,” Prince Faisal said.
Saudi Environment Ministry honors first female veterinary graduates
- The women honored were from King Faisal University
- Event showcased the ministry’s commitment to supporting and empowering women and would help to create new job opportunities for them
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Al-Ahsa on Saturday honored the Kingdom’s first female veterinary graduates.
The event, held on World Veterinary Day, was staged in cooperation with the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases and attended by officials and stakeholders from the veterinary field, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The women honored were from King Faisal University.
The report said the event showcased the ministry’s commitment to supporting and empowering women and would help to create new job opportunities for them.
Vets play a vital role in public health as the first line of defense against diseases that affect both humans and animals. Their contributions include diagnosing and preventing the spread of disease and providing care.
The ministry said the national center supported vets in fulfilling that role by providing resources and mechanisms.
The center is also committed to creating an environment that fosters the growth of veterinary work and promotes sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
Saudi FM leads Gaza committee urging sanctions on Israel
- Ministers also addressed the repression faced by peaceful demonstrators in Western nations who advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza
RIYADH: Ministers gathering in Riyadh to discuss the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip stressed the urgent need for imposing sanctions on Israel, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.
Chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, the meeting comprising dignitaries from a group formed jointly by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League convened to address developments in Gaza.
The ministers called for international legal mechanisms to hold Israeli officials accountable, alongside decisive action against settler terrorism.
The officials from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, Qatar and the OIC advocated for halting arms exports in response to Israel's violations of international law and war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
It was strongly asserted during the meeting that the Gaza Strip constitutes an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territory, rejecting any attempts to displace the Palestinian population from their homeland or to carry out military operations within the city of Rafah.
Ministers also addressed the repression faced by peaceful demonstrators in Western nations who advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza and condemn Israeli violations against Palestinians.
The meeting also focused on enhancing joint Arab and Islamic efforts to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, with a priority on safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring the consistent delivery of humanitarian aid.
There was a commitment to persist in international endeavors aimed at recognizing an independent Palestinian state. This included the endorsement of a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as its capital within the borders of June 4, 1967, in alignment with relevant international resolutions.
Saudi deputy minister attends 50th Arab Labor Conference
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Thanin, led the Saudi delegation at the 50th session of the Arab Labor Conference, being held from April 27 to May 4 in Baghdad.
Labor ministers, heads and members of delegations from employers’ organizations, and labor unions from 21 Arab countries, along with representatives from the Arab League and other Arab and international organizations, are attending the conference.
The opening session of the conference included the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani; Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit; and Director General of the International Labor Organization, Gilbert Houngbo.
During the plenary session of the conference, Abu Thanin delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of early qualification and training to meet the labor market’s needs, highlighting technical, personal, and social skills as well as modern work patterns.
Abu Thanin also highlighted the Kingdom’s significant commitment to investing in and developing human resources through the Vision 2030 programs and labor market strategy, along with its various initiatives.
He also pointed out the ministry’s initiative in holding the Global Labor Market Conference in partnership with the International Labor Organization and the World Bank, with the participation of a group of international experts and specialists with the aim of setting plans for future changes in the labor market.
The conference participants are expected to discuss several issues and reports, including the arrangement and coordination of Arab participation in the activities of the upcoming International Labor Conference organized by the International Labor Organization, scheduled to be held in Geneva.
The Arab Labor Organization is one of the organizations of the Arab League, established in 1965. It is considered the first specialized Arab organization concerned with labor and workers’ affairs at the level of the Arab world.
