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  • AS IT HAPPENED: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets world leaders at G20


AS IT HAPPENED: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets world leaders at G20

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Participants of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, pose for a family photo. (AFP)
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) is welcomed by Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires during the G20 Leaders’ Summit, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires during the G20 Leaders' Summit, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires during the G20 Leaders' Summit, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri as she arrives for the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. (Reuters)
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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires during the G20 Leaders' Summit, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, shakes hands with Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri at the start of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (AP)
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires during the G20 Leaders' Summit, on November 30, 2018. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gestures during the opening of the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. (Reuters)
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US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are seen during the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. (Reuters)
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President Donald Trump arrives and joins other heads of state for a family photo at the G20 summit, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia's crown prince meets with the UK's Prime Minister Theresa May in the sidelines of the summit on Friday evening. (SPA)
Updated 01 December 2018
Arab News
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AS IT HAPPENED: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets world leaders at G20

  • World leaders pose for family photo as meeting in Buenos Aires gets underway
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holds talks with a number world leaders on the sidelines
Updated 01 December 2018
Arab News

BUENOS AIRES: Leaders from the world’s leading economies gathered for the G20  summit in the Argentinian capital on Friday to discuss development, infrastructure and investment. 

Saudi Arabia’s delegation was headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was greeted by world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron.

The summit is overshadowed by issues including the US-China trade dispute to the conflict over Ukraine. Also expected to loom are tensions between the United States and Europe.

LATEST

 

02:00 GMT

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the G20. They discussed cooperation in the fields of energy and investment. 

22:00 GMT

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended a Gala event at Colon Theatre with other leaders of the G20.


21:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia's crown prince meets with the UK's Prime Minister Theresa May in the sidelines of the summit on Friday evening.

19:55 GMT

Thousands of demonstrators are flooding a downtown avenue in Buenos Aires to protest against the G20 summit, AP reported.
Activists from France, Germany, Italy and several Latin American nations are taking part alongside Argentines in a demonstration organized by left-leaning groups and labor unions.
About 22,000 police officers and other security forces are guarding the world leaders.

19:25

Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid Al-Falih has met with the Russian energy minister, Alexander Novak to discuss oil output.

SEE MORE: For the best images of the world's most powerful shaking hands and talking shop, click here.

18:36: 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continued his series of meeting with world leaders. He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the country's two delegations held talks.

18:35

18:11 GMT

Donald Trump lauded "good signs" ahead of talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on resolving their trade war.
"There's some good signs, we'll see what happens," Trump said. He is due to have dinner with Xi on Saturday.

READ MORE: Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina's full opening address at G20 Summit

17:46

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting with the Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Earlier he met with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

17:20

Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid Al-Falih will meet with his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak during the summit to discuss an oil output in 2019, the Russian news agency RIA reported. Novak also said that Russia's 2019 oil output is expected to be at the same level as this year but could be adjusted, depending on a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC members. Producer group OPEC and its allies are meeting in Vienna next week to discuss oil production.




Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian president Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit. (Screenshot)

17:04 GMT

Donald Trump says "the sole reason" he canceled a meeting with Vladimir Putin at the G20 was because of Russia seizing Ukrainian ships

15:55 

G20 leaders including the presidents of the United States, Russia and China opened summit talks on Friday.
Argentinian President Mauricio Macri convened the two-day summit in Buenos Aires with a call for member nations to support international cooperation and multilateralism. He added that it will be an agenda "centered on people."

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin both grinned broadly and shook hands robustly as leaders converged for the start of the 2-day summit.

15:28 

Participants of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, pose for a family photo.

14:55 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks with a number world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
The crown prince spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and others at the summit venue on Friday in Buenos Aires.

 

READ MORE: For an alternative guide to the meeting in Buenos Aires, click on Frank Kane’s G20 diary. Today he discusses the obligatory taxi driver story, the state of Argentina’s economy and some of the fine venues where world leaders will conduct their business.

14:25 

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived at the G20 summit in the Argentinan capital, Buenos Aires.

14:27 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday denounced the “vicious” use of sanctions and trade protectionism, in a veiled swipe at Donald Trump at the G20 summit.
“One cannot help but see a dishonest competition increasingly taking the place of honest dialogue based on equality among states,” Putin told leaders of emerging economies as the summit opened in Buenos Aires.
“A vicious practice of returning to illegal, unilateral sanctions and protectionist measures is spreading, going around the UN Charter, the rules of the WTO and internationally recognized legal norms,” Putin said.
Putin said that the result was “an extremely negative effect on the spirit of international cooperation,” discouraging business.

11:36 

British Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G20 summit in Argentina, her spokesman confirmed on Friday.
The meeting will take place at 20:00 GMT.

Read More: UK PM May to hold bilateral meeting with Saudi crown prince

9:50 

The leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada on Friday signed a huge regional trade deal to replace the old NAFTA, denounced by President Donald Trump as a killer of US jobs.
“This is a model agreement that changes the trade landscape forever,” Trump said at the signing ceremony in Buenos Aires, on the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ summit.
But he insisted that the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, was an “incredible milestone” that would aid US workers, especially in the auto industry, while putting in place “intellectual property protection that will be the envy of nations all around the world.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was less effusive about the renegotiated pact, but said the USMCA would resolve the threat of “serious economic uncertainty” that “would have gotten more damaging.”
Mexican President Pena Nieto, on his last day in office, called the revamped version of NAFTA important in shoring up “the view of an integrated North America with the firm belief that together we are stronger and more competitive.”

Read More: Trump joins leaders of Canada, Mexico to sign new trade pact

3:05 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Argentina and discussed cooperation between the two countries in security, energy and investments, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Friday.


The two leaders, who are attending the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, also discussed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to supply India with all its needs of oil and petroleum products and Saudi oil giant Aramco’s investments in the fields of oil refining and oil storage in India, SPA said. 

Read More: Saudi crown prince and Indian PM meet in Buenos Aires

Topics: G20 Summit 2018

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AI heralds new era for art, music, Riyadh summit told

Updated 48 min 30 sec ago
Ghadi Joudah
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AI heralds new era for art, music, Riyadh summit told

  • Forum explored innovations linked with Web3, a new stage of the internet driven by the cryptocurrency-related technology blockchain
  • Web3 is expected to provide greater security, and give users more control over their data, opening new horizons for musicians and artists
Updated 48 min 30 sec ago
Ghadi Joudah

RIYADH: Music has always been at the cutting edge when it comes to utilizing technological innovation, Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, told a forum in Riyadh.

Experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries during the Outer Edge summit held at The Garage in the Saudi capital on Tuesday.

The forum explored innovations linked with Web3, a new stage of the internet driven by the cryptocurrency-related technology blockchain.

Web3 is expected to provide greater security, and give users more control over their data, opening new horizons for musicians and artists, among others.

“Musicians have always experimented with every tool they could get their hands on,” Pacifico said during a panel titled “The Future of Creativity, including Music and Art.”

He cited the invention of the piano as an example, and said that artists would explore any medium or utilize any tool to convey their message.

“AI is everywhere, and is somewhat of a catch-all term for several technologies that converge around machines,” he said.

Pacifico encouraged artists to explore AI, adding that it is already integrated into many areas of their working life.

“We’ve already experienced AI in the creative space through algorithmic playlists on streaming platforms, backend processing, digital music production, and editing with software programs.”

The discussion also explored the intersection of technology and art, with speakers highlighting the potential for immersive experiences that merge the physical and digital worlds.  

Saudi artist Khaled Makshoush, who works with digital pixel designs, is optimistic about AI applications in the creative realm, saying that that he sometimes uses the technology as a source of inspiration and a tool to enhance his artistic processes.

He said that some people view AI negatively because it can generate art based on the work of other artists.

“I would generate an image with AI to be inspired by what elements or colors to incorporate into a painting.”

Makshoush said that because he is quite indecisive, “an AI assistant who can advise me based on my previous artworks would be very beneficial.”

Melissa Wiederrecht writes JavaScript code to generate her artwork, and uploads her creations on web3.

The algorithmic and generative artist said that one exciting aspect of Web3 is its potential to showcase artwork in new and innovative ways. Artists can use blockchain technology to create unique digital pieces, secure ownership rights, and sell their work to collectors.

“For example, I’ll have AI pick five random colors; then maybe I’ll say pick a random sample of points, then throw some color around, and choose a style of mine,” she said. 

Wiederrecht said that she can write an algorithm that generates infinitely different pieces of art from the same code.

“They all look similar, like they belong to the same collection, but they’re all completely unique,” she added.

Pacifico concluded by saying: “I want to see that bedrock that we’re putting in place enable generations after us to have much greater access to the freedom of expression and circular economy required to enable access for more expression for all.”

Topics: AI Outer Edge summit The Garage Saudi music commission Paul Pacifico

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Saudi Environment Ministry launches first urban farm inside stores

Updated 24 April 2024
Arab News
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Saudi Environment Ministry launches first urban farm inside stores

  • Initiative allows customers to obtain fresh food products grown in the Kingdom.
  • The ministry aims to launch about 600 to 1,000 farms in the retail system across all markets in the Kingdom over the next five years
Updated 24 April 2024
Arab News

Riyadh: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched an urban vertical farm project for food markets and stores, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, the first of its kind in the region, allows customers to obtain fresh food products grown in the Kingdom.

The ministry’s undersecretary, Ahmed Al-Eyada, attended the launch of the project, which was implemented by a leading bioagriculture company.

Danube markets in Riyadh is hosting the first vertical farm in the project. Commercial display units in the market contain a variety of plants and agricultural products, such as lettuce, coriander, parsley and broccoli — many of which were previously sourced from abroad.

The ministry aims to launch about 600 to 1,000 farms in the retail system across all markets in the Kingdom over the next five years. These farms are intended to meet 20 to 40 percent of domestic demand for agricultural products and vegetables.

Vertical urban farms in stores aim to preserve natural resources, maintain ecosystem balance and promote sustainable productivity. By shortening supply chains, they also reduce loss and waste, and introduce a new farming model suited to local farmers and businesses in the Kingdom.

The initiative offers multiple benefits for consumers by providing high-quality vegetables and fruits that retain their freshness and nutritional value for up to five times longer than traditional methods, the SPA reported.

Urban farms also promote job localization and greater income potential. Furthermore, they help overcome logistical challenges associated with transporting agricultural products to consumers.

Vertical farming not only conserves agricultural land but also reduces labor and water usage by 80 to 90 percent compared to traditional farming, providing a year-round high-yield agricultural environment.

Topics: Green & Blue Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman admitted to hospital for routine checkup

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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman admitted to hospital for routine checkup

Updated 24 April 2024
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JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah for routine check up, state news agency (SPA) reported.

The tests were expected to last “a few hours”, the Royal Court said, as cited by SPA.

King Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting.

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King Khalid Foundation, TATA sign pact to promote sustainable digital practices

Updated 24 April 2024
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King Khalid Foundation, TATA sign pact to promote sustainable digital practices

  • University students urged to present proposals for ‘Sustainathon’ contest
Updated 24 April 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The King Khalid Foundation has signed a cooperation agreement with TATA Consultancy Services to promote sustainable digital practices among university students in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is called “Sustainathon” and aims to help students design projects that would assist in this field, according to a statement released by the foundation on Monday.

For three months, the King Khalid Foundation and the TCS will be running online seminars to help “Sustainathon” competitors with their proposals.

At the end of the period, the students will be required to present their ideas to a panel of judges.

Prizes will be awarded based on adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as practical applications.

During the signing ceremony, the King Khalid Foundation was represented by its CEO Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Saud. The TCS was represented by its President and Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa Sumanta Roy.

The King Khalid Foundation and the TCS aim to develop cooperation between stakeholders in the private and not-for-profit sectors through information exchange and the sharing of expertise.

The King Khalid Foundation was established in 2001 as an independent national non-profit body. Its vision is to develop a prosperous society rooted in equality and sustainability.

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World needs rewilding experiments, Riyadh forum told

Updated 24 April 2024
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World needs rewilding experiments, Riyadh forum told

  • Kingdom ‘dedicated to restoring endangered species to natural habitats,’ expert says
Updated 24 April 2024
Haifa Alshammari

RIYADH: The Kingdom is taking promising steps to balance its ecosystem by expanding rewilding efforts.

Rewilding is a method used to restore and sustain biodiversity by reintroducing wild animals, restoring wilderness areas and promoting natural processes.

During a discussion panel titled “Rewilding, Restoration and Reintroducing” at the inaugural Hima protected areas forum, held in Riyadh from April 21-24, Paul Marshall, head of NEOM Nature Reserve, along with other panelists such as Prof. Philip Seddon from the department of zoology at the University of Otago and Tim Coulson, head of biology at the University of Oxford, shared insights on the topic.

Ahmad Al-Boug, general manager of terrestrial habitat conservation at the National Center for Wildlife, said: “Our focus goes beyond reintroducing wildlife to protected areas. We’re dedicated to restoring native, endangered species to their natural habitats across the Kingdom, within their geographical range.”

Marshall explained some of the steps NEOM is taking to ensure the success of its program, adding: “Rewilding brings many things to our arid ecosystems … the first is ecological benefits. We restore natural dynamics and we rebuild populations.”

However, Marshall argued that rewilding can pose some ecological risks, including the potential for mismatches between reintroduced and existing species.

“I like to think of rewilding as an experiment … an experiment the world needs,” he said.

Another panelist, Robert Muir, technical adviser for the operationalization of protected areas at the National Center for Wildlife, shared steps for success in rewilding: “One is animal protection — making sure that the areas into which wildlife is being brought are sufficiently well protected. Drivers of threat and threats themselves that led to the degradation of habitat and wildlife should be sufficiently addressed.”

Speaking about the Kingdom’s efforts, Marshall said: “What’s remarkable about Saudi Arabia is its forward-thinking approach. It’s leading the way in economic development and social transformation. Equally inspiring is its commitment to conservation, making it a beacon for future generations.”

NEOM bred four Arabian oryx by late 2022. The species had not walked on Saudi sands during the previous century after being driven to near extinction in the wild.

The Kingdom is improving environmental protection programs throughout its reserves, ensuring sustainable practices.

The National Center for Wildlife organized the Hima forum to discuss conservation efforts for natural habitats and wildlife in Saudi Arabia.

It was inaugurated on Sunday by the minister of environment, water, and agriculture and chairman of the board of the center, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli.

Since launching in 2019, the center has addressed challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems, aiming to protect the environment for future generations.

Topics: Green & Blue Saudi Arabia

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