Islamic scholars plead for Afghanistan peace, stability
King Salman has praised the efforts of Muslim scholars taking part in an Afghanistan peace conference in Saudi Arabia
The king received a delegation of the scholars on Wednesday at his palace in Jeddah
Updated 11 July 2018
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
MAKKAH: King Salman received a delegation of Muslim scholars participating in the International Ulema Conference on Peace and Security in Afghanistan, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Wednesday.
King Salman commended the scholars’ efforts and those of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in holding the conference.
“No one is more eligible then you to serve Islam and Muslims, unite their words, reunify them, and eradicate wars and crises, and the scourges of extremism and terrorism from the Islamic world,” he said.
“We feel today very optimistic that your efforts will contribute to opening a new page in Afghanistan, to achieve the aspirations of the Afghan people of security and stability. This requires dialogue, reconciliation and tolerance as dictated by our Islamic religion,” King Salman said.
OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said: “More than 100 Muslim scholars from around the world have gathered for the sake of this ancient Islamic country, which has suffered and is still suffering from the scourge of war, murder, terrorism and division, to evoke the concept of reconciliation in Islam and to come up with a united stance to address the fallout of the Afghan crisis.”
Al-Othaimeen said that the conference provided a platform for scholars to discuss the crisis from a legitimate perspective to achieve security, peace and reconciliation between the various parts of Afghan society through dialogue, transcending wounds and renouncing all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism incompatible with Islamic religion.
“The conference will end by unanimously adopting the Makkah Declaration on the consolidation of peace and stability in Afghanistan, a solution emanating from the teachings of Islam and its people,” he said.
He underlined King Salman’s drive to unify ranks, establish peace and achieve security and peace in the Islamic world and in Afghanistan in particular.
“This is reflected through his support for the truce reached during the Eid Al-Fitr and his appeal to the parties to respond to the call for truce and extend it to stop shedding the blood of innocents and paving the way for a peaceful dialogue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the two-day conference concluded in Makkah with Muslim scholars outlawing the killing of innocent people.
The final declaration stressed that what was happening in Afghanistan was contrary to the principles and formal teachings of Islam.
“The solution to the cause of the Muslim Afghani must particularly go through mutual understanding and direct peaceful negotiations,” read the closing declaration.
Al-Othaimeen said: “We hereby call on Muslim states, organizations and elites to join efforts and pull their weight toward the establishment of peace and security in Afghanistan, using all their potential and influence toward this goal to ensure a peaceful and decent life where Muslims cooperate toward developing their nation in harmony.”
“We affirm that the suicide attacks targeting innocent people, and internecine killings among Muslims, are all acts that are prohibited by Allah and His Messenger under texts that are conclusively clear and well-established, whereby Allah says ‘And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell; he shall abide in it, and Allah will send His wrath on him and curse him and prepare for him a painful chastisement.”
“We endorse and support the efforts of the Afghani scholars toward a successful Afghani reconciliation. We pay tribute to the efforts by the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dr. Mohamed Ashraf Ghani, and praise him for his invitation to the Taliban Movement to engage in a direct, peaceful and unconditional dialogue, and for his recognition of the Movement as a political party whose goal shall be the predominance of security in Afghanistan,” he said.
Muslims scholars called on the Taliban Movement to respond to the invitation by the Afghanistan government to abstain from violence, end the mutual killings and sit together around the negotiating table.
Abdullah Al-Tayer, chief adviser to the OIC, told Arab News that the conference was based on a recommendation by the Council of Foreign Ministers in the Islamic countries, and the declaration would be forwarded to them to discuss during their meeting in the UAE. “The council will then submit the declaration and its recommendations to the Islamic summit to decide what will be next,” he said.
Sayed Jalal Karim, Afghan ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News that the declaration was balanced, calling on all parties to bear responsibility.
Saudi students explore intersection of science and art
Exhibition organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts runs until May 2
Updated 30 April 2024
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts has launched an exhibition in Jeddah showcasing 25 artworks exploring the link between science and art.
Fifteen female students from King Abdulaziz University presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the Sci-Art exhibition. (AN photo)
The second annual exhibition organized by the arts society, in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University, was opened in the presence of Mohammed Al-Subaih, director-general of the organization, Mona Al-Harbi, vice dean of the college of science, local artists, and parents.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Sci-Art exhibition was organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University.
• It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
The exhibition, which will run until May 2 at the organization’s Abdul Halim Radwi Auditorium, presents an artistic interpretation of scientific inquiry. It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
Fifteen female students from King Abdulaziz University presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the Sci-Art exhibition. (AN photo)
Fifteen female students presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the event.
The students chose as subject matter the body’s various systems, the solar system, human mind, natural world, animals, mathematics, computer programming, global warming and more.
The Sci-Art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
Mona Al-Harbi, Vice dean of the college of science, King Abdulaziz University
Al-Subaih praised the students for their work. “This exhibition comes as part of our role in spreading culture and arts … we thought of creating a platform for students to exhibit their talents and showcase their innovative ideas and this exhibition is an exciting moment for us to share with our community.”
Al-Harbi added: “The sci-art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
“This exhibition is a way to provide a platform for students and others to express that side of themselves and bring art and science together. Our aim is to encourage students to show their artistic talents and create paintings that related to subjects that they have learned in science.”
French consul general hosts cultural exchange steeped in flavor
Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking”
Updated 30 April 2024
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: A top chef has brought French flavors to the Kingdom as part of the annual Francophonie Festival.
The Jeddah residence of the French consul general, Mohammed Nehad, hosted a group of Saudi press representatives on Monday as part of the festival’s closing day.
Renowned French chef Stephane Collet and his assistant, Florian Atteleyn, served an exclusive lunch that showcased the artisanship and elegance of French gastronomy.
Renowned French chef Stephane Collet served an exclusive lunch that showcased the artisanship and elegance of French gastronomy. (AN photo)
Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking.”
French gastronomy was recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in November 2010.
My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
Stephane Collet, French chef
Collet told Arab News: “My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
“Influenced by renowned chefs during my training at the Touquet Hotel School, I embarked on a path to become a Meilleur Ouvrier de France.”
Fresh fillet of white fish with creamy sauce, highlighted classic French flavors served alongside a medley of asparagus and a mini sweet pepper stuffed with ratatouille. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)
Years of professional experience both in France and abroad honed Collet’s culinary skills, and he was guided by passionate mentors and colleagues. Since 2011, he has taught new chefs.
In 2018, Collet was honored with the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. “I cook with love and I respect ingredients … I like to preserve techniques rooted in our French gastronomic heritage. My expertise is sought after for events where I share my culinary journey and skills,” he added.
French crepe drizzled with citrus caramel sauce. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)
In preparation for the day’s seafood banquet, Collet visited Jeddah’s central fish market, where fresh delicacies were a “delight for the eyes with a rich diversity in fish and shrimp varieties.”
The first course featured delicate shrimp and mousseline with a creamy tomato broth.
The main course, a fresh fillet of white fish with creamy sauce served alongside a medley of asparagus and a mini sweet pepper stuffed with ratatouille, was a classic French dish featuring seasonal vegetables and rich aromas.
To end the meal, guests were served crepes drizzled with citrus-inspired caramel sauce, adorned with fresh orange slices and marmalade.
Collet and his team served more than 80 guests during the Francophonie Festival’s closing ceremony.
As the festival concluded, the celebrations continued into the night with a vibrant showcase of music, dance and traditional attire from Francophone countries.
The agreement aims to build capabilities, boost skills, and transfer agricultural technologies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030
Updated 30 April 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Ahmed Al-Eyada, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, witnessed the signing on Tuesday of a cooperation agreement between the National Agricultural Development Company, and Delphy, a global company specializing in agricultural services.
The agreement aims to build capabilities, boost skills, and transfer agricultural technologies, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The deal is part of the ministry’s initiative to adopt modern systems, technologies, and innovations in the sector through local, regional, and international partnerships to achieve national objectives.
It is hoped the agreement will help in the training of agricultural advisers, while building capacities and adopting best practices and technologies. This will contribute to enhancing farmers’ efficiency and advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
Saudi FM discusses developments in Gaza with Mexican counterpart during phone call
Updated 30 April 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Mexican counterpart Alicia Barcena on Tuesday.
During the call, bilateral relations and aspects of joint cooperation were discussed. The two officials also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings.
‘WEF conference in Riyadh testified to growing global interest in Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda,’ EUSR to Gulf Luigi Di Maio tells Arab News/node/2502241/saudi-arabia
‘WEF conference in Riyadh testified to growing global interest in Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda,’ EUSR to Gulf Luigi Di Maio tells Arab News
EU special representative for the Gulf region announces new European Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh
Luigi Di Maio lauds strong bilateral cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia on energy, security and Gaza
Updated 55 min 15 sec ago
NOOR NUGALI
RIYADH: Riyadh’s hosting of the World Economic Forum this week is a signal of the global business community’s growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, Luigi Di Maio, the EU special representative for the Gulf region, has said.
WEF’s special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development took place in the Saudi capital on April 28-29 and was attended by 1,000 government, business and civil society leaders.
Di Maio, who is approaching his first anniversary in his role as EU special representative for the Gulf region, believes the choice of Riyadh as the summit venue reflects changing global perceptions of the Kingdom.
“First of all, the fact that the World Economic Forum, for the first time, is in Riyadh, testifies to the interest of the business community at the world level about the Vision 2030 program,” Di Maio told Arab News on Tuesday.
“The ambitions, especially economic ambitions, of Saudi Arabia are totally changing perceptions of the Kingdom around the world. There is a business community that is more and more interested in these ambitions, in this vision, and in a new generation of dreamers in this country.”
In a wide-ranging interview, which touched on EU-Gulf cooperation on Gaza, new visa rules for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council area, and the establishment of a European Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh, Di Maio lauded recent strides in bilateral relations.
“The WEF was an important opportunity to have real and practical solutions for both sides,” he said. “For instance, His Highness, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman, had a bilateral meeting with EU Commissioner for Energy (Kadri Simson).
“And after this meeting, they published a joint statement saying that they discussed and they concluded the discussion about the idea, in a few months, to sign an MoU about energy partnership, energy collaboration.
WEF’s special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development took place in the Saudi capital on April 28-29. (X: EUSR_Gulf)
“And this testifies, again, how much the World Economic Forum here in Riyadh was even a concrete and pragmatic solution, in order to have bilaterals resulting in MoUs, agreements and new partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.”
During his tenure as special representative, Di Maio said, the bilateral alignment between the EU and Saudi Arabia has grown even stronger, with a particular focus on common security interests, particularly in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.
“There is a strong alignment between European Union member states and European institutions and Saudi Arabia, but I would say even the GCC countries about the two-state solution for the Middle East peace process,” said Di Maio.
“But I would say that in particular, after Oct. 7, the awareness from our side of how much the GCC countries are strategic partners, not just for the contingencies, not just for what is happening now, but for the next decades is even more.
“This awareness is increasing a lot, not just at the member states level, but is growing around the world.”
This is due in part to a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s diplomatic and economic influence as a regional and global player, Di Maio said.
“Saudi Arabia is becoming more and more the point of reference because now it is implementing its vision for the region that is not just an economic ambition, but is a new policy and new initiatives in order to de-escalate, to make the region in peace and wind down on tensions like the tension that we are experiencing now.
“The partnership and the strategic partnership between the EU and GCC countries, in particular with countries like Saudi Arabia, is vital.
“For instance, last Monday in Luxembourg, we had the high-level forum of the ministers of foreign affairs between the ministers of the EU and Saudi ministers. Even Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was in Luxembourg.
“And we discussed several topics in an informal discussion, a very frank discussion, where we understood more and more how much there is a common ground in order to build peace and stability for both regions, keeping in mind that Saudi Arabia’s security is our security, and, if I may, our security is Saudi Arabia’s security.”
In particular, Di Maio said, cooperation on the Gaza crisis has brought the EU and the GCC closer than before, with joint work on ceasefire negotiations, humanitarian aid access, and the ambition to establish an independent Palestinian state.
“The situation in Gaza is not just about how to politically solve this dramatic issue, but even how to work together about humanitarian aid access,” said Di Maio.
Luigi Di Maio with Saudi minister Adel Al-Jubeir. (X: EUSR_Gulf)
“We have to do more and more about how to allow the entrance of trucks in Gaza and how to deliver humanitarian aid to the people there. And we are working a lot with Saudi Arabia and others in the GCC, like the UAE, for the corridor between Cyprus and Gaza, and Qatar for the negotiations.”
“We are a team. At the beginning of this conflict, I was concerned about the situation, even, of our relations, the EU-GCC. But I’m experiencing that facing, together, this dramatic issue, we are even closer than before.”
He added: “My perception is that we have to be optimists. We have to work hard on the ceasefire using all the leverage at the world level in order to bring closer the two sides in order to have this ceasefire.
“I think that, again, the countries of the region, like Saudi Arabia, but even countries like Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, they are protagonists of this process.
“And only with the leadership from the region we will be able to have a sustainable ceasefire, because the Saudis are the only ones that are guarantors of a ceasefire about Gaza on their side, because they are very well, they know very well the dynamics of the region and how to avoid a new Oct. 7 and the new conflict in Gaza.”
Di Maio used his interview with Arab News to announce the forthcoming inauguration of a new European Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh — the first in the GCC area — that will bring together Saudi and European firms to enhance trade and cooperation.
“I am very happy to announce here during this interview that next week, on May 8, we will inaugurate here in Riyadh the first ever European Chamber of Commerce, the first ever in the Gulf of the EU,” he said.
“We’ve worked very hard with (Saudi Arabia’s) Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Trade. The EU delegation in Riyadh did a great job. And now we are going to inaugurate this chamber.
“That is in order to bring closer our companies, Saudi companies and European companies, in order to take on both sides the new opportunities of the Vision program, but even of our new European Green Deal, Next Generation EU, and others.
“And there will be a very articulated board with several companies from Europe, the most important, among the most important ones.”
Di Maio believes the choice of Riyadh as the WEF summit venue reflects changing global perceptions of the Kingdom. (X: EUSR_Gulf)
Di Maio also highlighted the recent announcement of a new five-year multi-entry visa for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani citizens entering the EU.
“I’m very happy to announce that last Monday (April 23), the European Commission approved the five years visa cascade,” he said. “That means that when a Saudi, for instance, citizen will ask for a new visa, will apply for a visa, the validity of this visa for multiple entries will be of five years, and not just one year.
“And it will be for Saudi people, for Bahraini people, and for Omani people. Qataris and Kuwaitis, they already had. Now all the GCC countries are aligned for five years. This is good news for the future.
“But we have a period of time where your citizens, your students, your entrepreneurs, your researchers, your tourists, can come to Europe without much bureaucracy.”
Di Maio also took the opportunity to highlight a new collaboration between the EU and the GCC supporting young diplomats. “In mid-May this year, we will have the first ever young diplomats program,” he said.
“That is a program where young diplomats from the GCC will come to Bruges in Belgium and they will have joint training and joint simulations with our young diplomats from the EU.
“In Bruges, there is the Diplomatic Academy of the EU. It is a new project in order to train European diplomats. And we will have a first ever project between the EU and GCC where your young diplomats will be trained and will be in simulations with our young diplomats.
Di Maio with Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali.
“It will be very important to explain better how it works, the complicated machine of the EU, but in particular, this is an opportunity to bring closer our diplomats, our youths.
“And I hope that these kinds of projects, like for the diplomats, will be opportunities for students as well, for young workers as well. We will work on this kind of people-to-people interactions because they are crucial in order to bring our societies closer.
“And, if I may, as we bring our people closer, there will be less Islamophobia, less hate. And this is very important for our societies.”
He underlined King Salman’s drive to unify ranks, establish peace and achieve security and peace in the Islamic world and in Afghanistan in particular. 
