DHAHRAN: Arab League leaders on Sunday condemned the “criminal” use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for an international investigation, the Saudi foreign minister said.
Adel Al-Jubeir was speaking at a news conference after the end of an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, which had not mentioned Syria in a statement read out at the close.
Saudi Arabia and its allies have expressed support for the missile launch by the United States, Britain and France on Saturday against three alleged chemical weapons facilities in Syria, while Arab states like Iraq and Lebanon have condemned them.
The Syrian government denies using or possessing chemical weapons and said the strikes were an act of aggression.
Meanwhile, at a preliminary meeting in Riyadh on Thursday, Arab ministers focused heavily on blocking the embassy move, unanimously condemning US President DonaldTrump’s decision and moving to block Israel’s bid to secure at seat at the UN Security Council this June.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir however insisted Riyadh would maintain “strong, strategic” ties with Washington.
“There is no contradiction with having very strong strategic ties with the US while telling your friends where their policy should change,” Jubeir said.
“That’s what friends are for.”
“The fact that we have very strong ties with the US over history, and the Trump administration in particular, is a positive factor, not a negative factor in trying to help guide them toward a positive engagement in the Middle East,” Al-Jubeir told reporters after the summit.
Saudi Arabia says Arab summit wants international probe into use of chemical weapons in Syria
Saudi Arabia says Arab summit wants international probe into use of chemical weapons in Syria
Qatar envoy visits Saudi pavilion at Cairo book fair
CAIRO: Qatari Ambassador to Egypt Sheikh Jassim Al-Thani visited the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs pavilion at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair.
During his visit, Al-Thani reviewed the pavilion’s diverse religious and educational content, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The fair runs until Feb. 3 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, featuring 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries.
The Saudi ministry showcased publications from the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, highlighted the stages of printing and distributing the Qur’an, and offered copies as gifts from King Salman.
Al-Thani praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving and disseminating the Qur’an, as well as the pavilion’s organization and quality.
The pavilion features the Islamic e-Library and digital initiatives, including the Rushd app, the Correct Citation app and the multilingual Virtual Hajj app.
Visitors can also experience virtual reality tours of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah through advanced interactive technology.
The ministry’s participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting Islam, supporting Muslims, and enhancing cultural and intellectual activities globally.
