Saudi minister holds talks with Sudanese officials

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Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan, held a meeting with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan, held a meeting with President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan, held a meeting with Deputy Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan, held a meeting with Sudanese foreign minister Mariam Sadiq Al-Mahdi on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (SPA)
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Updated 17 February 2021
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Saudi minister holds talks with Sudanese officials

  • Kattan held bilateral meetings to discuss relations and means of strengthening them

RIYADH: President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, met with Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan, and his accompanying delegation.
Kattan, who began an official visit to Khartoum on Wednesday, conveyed the greetings and congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on forming the new transitional government.
During the meeting, they discussed “relations between the two countries and means of strengthening them in various fields in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and the security and stability of the region,” said a statement on Saudi Press Agency.
Kattan also met Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, and the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and aspects of cooperation, as well as regional and international developments of common interest.
He also held talks with Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Military Council Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo and newly appointed Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq Al-Mahdi during his visit.


Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
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Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible in Northern Borders
  • Meteorology center issuing swift weather alerts for pilgrims

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in the Kingdom with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, the National Center for Meteorology has confirmed its readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

On Tuesday evening in Arar there was a rare alignment of the planet Venus with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan.

Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, the SPA said.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

Meanwhile, as the faithful began fasting, the NMC announced the readiness of its observatories at the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and ensure aviation safety.

The NCM’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam said there would be round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the two holy mosques.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna smart applications. Ten-day forecasts and alerts will also be available via the Anwaa app and on guidance boards along highways.

The center has 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season, the SPA reported.