JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia affirmed that it will continue working with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to achieve its 2023 strategic plan, which is based on four main priorities. These include early childhood development and child protection in cooperation with competent authorities in the Kingdom and the region.
This came in the Kingdom’s speech at the meetings of the second session of the executive board of UNICEF, which was delivered by First Secretary of the Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN in New York Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qadi.
He paid tribute to Saudi Arabia for the sub-regional cooperation program in the GCC region and the efforts of UNICEF in Riyadh, and its contribution to strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and UNICEF to implement many programs and plans for care of children and ensuring their rights.
The Kingdom is keen to provide all things that protect and care for all children and to ensure their enjoyment of their human, social, educational and economic rights.
Al-Qadi explained that the Kingdom will continue to provide everything that helps the organization to carry out its work and to use all the possibilities of its office in Riyadh to ensure that it does its work to the fullest and serve the common interests of Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.
Saudi Arabia continues work with UNICEF to achieve its 2023 strategic plan
Saudi Arabia continues work with UNICEF to achieve its 2023 strategic plan
US envoy, military officials attend Pakistan-US counterterrorism exercise
- Exercise Inspired Gambit-2026 marks 13th round of Pakistan-US counterterrorism training
- US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker observed the drills with senior American military officials
ISLAMABAD: The top US diplomat in Pakistan, accompanied by senior American military officials, on Thursday observed joint counterterrorism drills conducted by Pakistani and US troops aimed at improving how the two forces operate together, Pakistan’s military said.
The drills are part of Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 that is being held from Jan. 8 to Jan. 16 at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi, situated in the Punjab province, marking the 13th iteration of the bilateral training series since it began in 1995.
“Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on 15 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. “Her Excellency Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior US military dignitaries, and Commander Rawalpindi Corps graced the occasion.”
“The visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise,” it added. “A high level of professionalism and competence was demonstrated by participants of both armies, which was appreciated by the visiting dignitaries.”
Pakistan and the United States have maintained close defense and security ties for decades, working together during the Cold War era, especially after the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The relationship continued following the US-led intervention in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, though cooperation became strained at times due to policy differences.
ISPR said the exercise was meant to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counterterrorism experience, refinement of drills and procedures and the development of interoperability.
