Who’s Who: Sarah A. Assiri, first secretary at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sarah A. Assiri. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 November 2021
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Who’s Who: Sarah A. Assiri, first secretary at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sarah A. Assiri has been first secretary at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2018. She is currently working with the minister of state for African affairs, Ahmad Kattan, and is learning from his knowledge and experience.
Assiri is also in charge of international cooperation in African affairs, representing the country in the Friends of Sudan Group, and is in charge of the Horn of Africa region.
She has visited African countries with Kattan and is looking forward to seeing more of the continent’s diverse beauty.
In 2017, Assiri worked with the Saudi ambassador in Yemen, Mohammad Al-Jabir, who helped to expand her perception of diplomacy and grow in the humanitarian and development fields.
She worked with organizations such as the Saudi Fund for Development, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and the Saudi Reconstruction and Development Program for Yemen.
She also worked with the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, representing Saudi Arabia on several occasions.
Assiri has highlighted to UN headquarters the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen, which are helping to alleviate suffering in the country.
During Japan’s presidency of the G20 in 2019, Assiri was part of the Saudi delegation headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in Nagoya, where she worked until the leaders’ summit last November,
She led the workshop that followed the extraordinary meetings of the G20 foreign ministers on border management. Earlier in her career, Assiri worked as a teacher for a short period. Twitter: @Sa400

She graduated from King Saud University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the College of English Language and Literature in 2012.
Assiri is passionate about writing and is interested in arts and culture. In 2017, she started an Arabic language blog, writing about everyday life, travel, films, music, and literature.
Her diplomatic life started in 2009, and she remembers the words of the late Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal: “Diplomacy is not only a job, but also a lifestyle.”


Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers

Updated 6 sec ago
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Ensan launches dual initiatives to empower orphaned girls, single mothers

  • First of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children
  • Second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support

RIYADH: The Charity Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh has launched two initiatives to improve the lives of orphaned girls and single mothers.

Mohammed bin Saad Al-Muharib, general manager of the society, also known as Ensan, said the first of the schemes, titled Enayah (care), would benefit 30 primary school age children, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program will run for a full academic year and include a range of activities with psychological, spiritual, linguistic, social, health and economic dimensions.

Al-Muharib said the program would feature regular meetings, visits and excursions with the ultimate goal of providing the youngsters with the tools they needed to navigate a successful future.

The second initiative, titled Qanadil (lanterns), is designed to provide single mothers with a range of emotional and practical support to help them achieve personal and professional success.

The scheme will comprise 90 hours of practical training designed to raise awareness of their educational responsibilities, addressing the spiritual and psychological needs of their children and teaching them critical life skills.

Both programs will be overseen by the Specialized Council for Orphan Associations in the Kingdom and supported by the Abdul Latif Al-Essa Charitable Foundation. The King Salman Social Center will provide logistical support in the form of venues for  holding the training courses.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.


Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

Updated 07 May 2024
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Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

  • The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.

The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.

The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.

The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.

Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.

This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.

The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.

The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.


King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

Updated 07 May 2024
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King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.

The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.

The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.

The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.

The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.


Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.

Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.

In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.