RIYADH: Jean-Yves Le Drian, French minister of Europe and foreign affairs, on Thursday stressed the urgent need to conserve and protect the environment.
Delivering the keynote address on the last day of the Misk Global Forum 2017 in the Saudi capital, he said that using new technology and renewable energy is an inspiration to the world.
Renewable energy — sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat— is preferred since it does not pollute or exacerbate environmental pollution.
He said that understanding the environmental problem is not “really an option but a necessity,” adding that “we must be open to dialogue to discuss it.”
Le Drian added that Saudi youths travel to study abroad and learn as well as get training from French companies.
“The Saudi youth are an engine of growth in creating new companies if and when they come back to the Kingdom,” the French foreign minister said.
He said that his country is a land of culture, has several top schools, and is undergoing a massive digital transformation.
“We want to be an active participant in the digital revolution,” he said, adding that French companies hire youths under 30 years of age.
The minister said his government is creating a suitable atmosphere for creativity for Saudi youths if and when they decide to work and live in France.
Saudi Arabia wants to be a major partner in French firms and the Misk Foundation makes this possible, he said.
He said that the initiatives of the Misk Foundation in various fields should be a source of ideas in developing further and stronger relationships between France and Saudi Arabia.
Through the initiative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this source of ideas is needed to develop the skills and knowledge of the youth, said the minister.
This will also engender improved bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and France, he added.
France offers high-quality education to Saudi youths
France offers high-quality education to Saudi youths
King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit
- Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.
One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.
The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.
The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader.
Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.
