JEDDAH: As Saudi leaders prepared on Sunday to welcome the Russian president on a state visit to the Kingdom, Vladimir Putin spoke of his personal ties with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the areas of cooperation between the two countries and Saudi Arabia’s key role in the region and the world.
In a TV interview with Arab broadcasters, President Putin condemned last month’s attacks on Saudi oil facilities, and said the attempt to disrupt the global oil market had failed.
“Such actions do not bring any positive results to anybody, including perpetrators,” he told Al Arabiya.
“If someone may have wanted to deal a blow to the oil market, they failed. We need to respond to any attempt to destabilize the market. Russia will certainly continue working with Saudi Arabia and other partners and friends in the Arab world to counter any attempts to wreak havoc in the market.”
Putin said Russia could play a positive role in resolving regional disagreements, because of Moscow’s positive relations with the Arab world, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“We consider Saudi Arabia a friendly nation,” he said. “I have very good relations with both the king and the crown prince. We have been making good headway practically in all fields.”
On Syria, where Russia and Iran have been key allies of Bashar Assad in the eight-year civil war, the Russian president said they could not reach a positive outcome without Saudi cooperation.
“I would like to emphasize the positive role Saudi Arabia has played in resolving the Syrian crisis,” he said. “We are working with Turkey and Iran to resolve the Syrian conflict, but without Saudi Arabia it would not be possible to come to a good solution.”
On the issue of the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear development, Putin was asked if Moscow supported a return to negotiations with Tehran to limit its ballistic missile program.
“Most likely it can and should be discussed,” he said.
“The missile program is one thing and the nuclear program is another thing … there is no need to merge one with the other.”
The Russian president said OPEC+ was an initiative introduced by the crown prince to increase their cooperation in the oil sector, and that he was the one who suggested expanding military collaboration between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia was not just a regional energy player but also a global one, and “we care about our cooperation,” Putin said.
The Russian leader described his visit to the Kingdom as the return trip to King Salman’s visit to Moscow in 2017, and said a number of joint economic projects were in development.
“Our Direct Investment Fund and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia have jointly established a $10 billion platform, and $2 billion has already been invested,” he said.
“Work is underway on other projects, and some promising and interesting projects have already been implemented.
“We are fostering a partnership in the trust-based, sensitive area of military and defense cooperation. I am confident that my visit will help to build up the momentum both in developing bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in international organizations.”
After visiting Saudi Arabia on Monday, the president will travel to the UAE on Tuesday. Following his interview, political analyst and international relations scholar Hamdan Al-Shehri said Russia was well aware of Saudi Arabia’s international profile, particularly in the energy fields.
“Russia’s interest in this area is very important and requires coordination between the two major countries in order to stabilize the world oil markets,” Al-Shehri said.
“The security and stability of the global energy market lead to global security, it affects everything.”
He also noted that there was steady growth in investment between the two countries, “Putin talked about 15 percent growth last year, around 38 percent this year, and I believe projects may increase to reach technology, nuclear energy and so on.”
Al-Shehri said relations with major powers such as Russia were important for the Kingdom, but these countries’ role in confronting Iran was just as important. Although the Russian president had emphasized the positive role Saudi Arabia had played in resolving the Syrian crisis, Al-Shehri said there was more to be done.
“It is a very important statement, and President Putin has addressed it well. It shows the world the difference between Saudi Arabia and Iran,” he said.
Russian President Putin hails KSA’s ‘global role’
Russian President Putin hails KSA’s ‘global role’
- On eve of state visit, Russian president discusses Aramco attacks, Iran and Syria
Red Cross and Red Crescent Day marked across Saudi Arabia with various events
- The event is celebrated worldwide every May 8 to highlight the life-saving role played by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies
RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority marked International Red Cross and Crescent Day on Wednesday with various events, exhibitions and conferences in all its branches around the Kingdom.
The activities included marches on the main roads of the regions and governorates as well as educational lectures and training courses to raise community awareness.
Others participated in exhibitions to introduce the public to the role of the Red Crescent in society, particularly humanitarian and relief work.
The World Red Crescent and International Red Cross Day is celebrated to emphasize the importance of the principles of the international movement to preserve human dignity and alleviate the suffering of people through humanitarian actions, especially in light of conflicts, disasters and crises.
In the Eastern Province, the SRCA in collaboration with Alasala College held a series of informative and educational events at Alasala campus in Dammam, focusing on the vital humanitarian work carried out by both organizations.
Those attending had the opportunity to observe a display of ambulance vehicles used by the authority, showcasing their capabilities to respond to emergencies in various environmental conditions and terrains. The interactive showcase aimed to raise awareness about the essential services provided by the authority.
There was also an exhibition featuring the latest emergency medical equipment and informing those attending of the emergency hotline number 997.
Lectures were delivered on topics such as the risks associated with overcrowding, the importance of allowing unimpeded access for ambulance vehicles, and guidelines for handling different emergency situations.
Visitors were also introduced to the humanitarian services provided by the authority, volunteering opportunities, training programs, and the Family Links initiative.
In the northwestern province of Tabuk, SRCA general director Nawaf bin Mayah Al-Anazi led the celebration, with health and educational activities carried out in awareness corners at Tabuk Park Mall.
The activities showcased first aid skills trainings as their role in reducing the complications of injury.
Saudi Ministry of Tourism closes 40 facilities in Asir region for various violations
- Tourism operators had been warned of heavy penalties if they do business before obtaining the necessary licenses.
ABHA: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism recorded more than 350 violations during its inspection tours of hospitality facilities in the Asir region, closing 40 of them.
It addressed about 270 complaints regarding the services provided in facilities such as hotels and serviced apartments, as part of the Our Guests Are A Priority campaign during the first quarter of 2024.
The ministry’s supervisory teams conducted about 650 supervisory and inspection tours of hospitality facilities.
The tours were part of ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector in all regions of the Kingdom, in addition to ensuring the quality of services provided by various types of hospitality facilities to visitors and tourists.
The ministry said it would impose the strictest penalties on those who engaged in activities before obtaining the necessary licenses. It also said it would not be lenient in imposing regulatory penalties on violators, the closure of the facility in question, or both penalties in some cases.
KSRelief mission performs free eye examinations, surgeries in Sri Lankan town
- 8-day mission being carried out in cooperation with the International Sight Foundation
COLOMBO: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid has successfully carried out at least 200 eye surgeries in its ongoing anti-blindness campaign in the Sri Lankan town of Kattankudy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Dubbed Saudi Noor Volunteer Program to Combat Blindness, the campaign has also examined at least 2,000 individuals so far.
The campaign, which is being carried out in cooperation with the International Sight Foundation, started May 4 and will conclude on May 11, SPA said.
The Kattankudy mission is just one of the humanitarian and relief projects being carried out by Saudi Arabia's aid agency in various friendly countries worldwide.
2 Saudi students among top coding winners in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge
- Afrah bin Jubeir “Fin’s Adventure” app is not just an entertaining game but also an educational tool to promote awareness of maritime environment
- Jawaher Al-Anzi's "My Child” app aims to help children with speech impediments and was inspired by her own story
RIYADH: Two Saudi students have used their skills in coding and app creation to put social issues under the spotlight.
Afrah bin Jubeir and Jawaher Al-Anzi recently showcased their abilities in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge, where they were named among the top coding winners.
“This challenge offers us a platform to acquire skills that are applicable in the real world, and I am very excited to share the solutions and innovations I developed,” said Jubeir. “It is an opportunity not only to boost my knowledge and skills but also to make a positive impact in the tech community.”
Passionate about the sea and marine life, the 26-year-old created an app called “Fin’s Adventure.” It was developed not only as an entertaining game but also an educational tool to promote awareness of maritime environment matters and the importance of preserving the oceans.
“The game revolves around a fish character named ‘Fin’ who tries to survive in an ocean filled with plastic pieces,” Jubeir told Arab News. “The player will have to help Fin avoid these threats and promote awareness of the importance of keeping the oceans clean.”
The inspiration behind “Fin’s Adventure” came after Jubeir attended a conference where she noticed games had significant capabilities to convey educational messages and raise awareness.
She designed the game to be exciting and educational, introducing players to the negative impacts of plastic pollution and encouraging them to take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Owing to its fun and interactive delivery method, the game attracts both kids and adults, making it an effective tool that contributes to changing behaviors in the long run,” she said.
Jubeir began her vocational training in September 2023 when she joined the Apple Developer Academy. A nine-month program enhanced her software skills and understanding of advanced technologies, before she decided to apply to the Swift Student Challenge.
She said other students considering an application should ensure they understood the necessary requirements first. They should start with a unique idea addressing a specific problem, before going on to develop a seamless design and attractive user experience.
“Ask for feedback from your friends and acquaintances to improve your project and remember that any challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and progress. Even if you don’t win, the opportunity itself adds to your experiences and teaches you,” she said.
Al-Anzi, a 27-year-old from Riyadh, competed against 350 other students from 35 countries and was named one of 50 Distinguished Winners in the challenge.
Her app, “My Child,” aims to help children with speech impediments and was inspired by her own story.
As a child, following the death of her grandfather, she developed a stutter. She eventually overcame it and, years later, began training at the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.
“It took around a month to build the application, from coming up with the idea to executing it,” she told Arab News.
“The application will contribute to solving stuttering among all members of the community of different ages. Hopefully, in the near future, it will be available for download on the App Store.”
She said her experience of participating in the Apple competition paved the way for her app creation.
“It’s an opportunity to create an application and learn how to build projects and new techniques, in addition to creating an application that contributes to helping society as a whole.”
Asked what advice she would give others hoping to follow in her footsteps, she said it would be the same advice that was given in the Apple academy: “Everyone can code.”
EU ambassador holds Europe Day celebration in Riyadh
- Attending as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji
RIYADH: Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, marked his first Europe Day celebration in the Kingdom, inviting fellow European nation ambassadors, Saudi foreign affairs officials, and friends of the embassy to celebrate the occasion in his residence in the diplomatic quarter.
“There is a very dynamic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the European Union,” Farnaud told Arab News.
He added: “It’s political, economic, and it’s also cultural, and since the Kingdom is in the process of this very impressive, this very spectacular transformation, it is important for us as Europeans to be present because we have strong relationships.”
Attending as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.
Discussing Saudi-EU ties, Farnaud said: “I think it is important that we do more, and I think that the challenges of the world now, which are pandemics, economic transitions ... but also the globalization which is going on, it needs countries to have partners, reliable partners people that you know, that you can trust, and which whom you can bring solutions.
“For me as European ambassador, it is key to build on that with Saudi Arabia because I think the potential of this country is enormous and I am glad that people enjoyed tonight because it’s a good sign for the relations.”
To open the Europe Day celebration, the ambassador gave his opening remarks highlighting the bilateral ties between not only Saudi Arabia and the EU but also the wider GCC region.
Farnaud noted the multiple visits of EU officials to the region, including Josep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission to the Kingdom.
“Regular exchanges foster a useful dialogue. Last January, the European Union and the GCC held their first regional security dialogue followed by a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation at a ministerial level last month in Luxembourg.
“These exchanges reflecting common views and interests for the most part are indispensable. We must work together to contribute to lasting solutions,” he said.
Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 in all EU member states to mark the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman which laid the foundations for the modern-day EU.
Saudi Arabia and the EU have maintained strong relations over the decades, and developed cooperation in key strategic areas and sectors.
Farnaud also highlighted Saudi Arabia and the EU’s strong trade relations, saying that the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner.
Within the same day of the national day celebrations, the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia held its inauguration with guests including Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf.
