RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Tuesday repeated their call for the international community to address the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people and provide sustainable aid.
During a weekly cabinet meeting, chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM, the Council of Ministers reviewed the Kingdom’s speech delivered during an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, hosted by Pakistan on Dec. 19, to discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
The cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s own humanitarian work and support for the needy around the world, including its air and land bridge operation to transport urgently needed relief, including humanitarian and food aid, to Afghanistan.
At the beginning of the session, the cabinet reviewed the programs and projects that are part of the state’s general budget for the next fiscal year, which aim to enhance human development, maintain the process of economic growth and diversification, and promote financial sustainability.
Ministers discussed the results of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent tour of neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states and his talks with their leaders. They reviewed the positive outcomes of agreements reached during the royal tour, and during the 42nd session of the GCC Supreme Council in Riyadh on Dec. 14, with the aim of supporting cooperation, interdependence, integration and coordination in all fields.
Minister of Information Majid Al-Qasabi said that the cabinet also reviewed the outcomes of follow-up and political consultation committee meetings between the Kingdom and Egypt, during which both countries agreed to unify their visions on many regional and international issues and crises. They also agreed to continue their efforts to support regional security and stability, stressed the importance of joint Arab action, and rejected any attempts by regional forces to interfere in the affairs of Arab countries.
The council discussed other regional and international developments, and reiterated the Kingdom’s permanent position of support for the Yemeni government, its keenness to achieve security, stability and development for the Yemeni people, and its desire to further the efforts to reach a political solution to the seven-year war in the country.
The ministers praised the Arab coalition for its work in Yemen “confronting and thwarting the attempts of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to target civilians and civilian objects, and to neutralize its hostile capabilities in accordance with international law and its customary rules.”
Meanwhile, the council described the selection of Diriyah as the Capital of Arab Culture for 2030 by the Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization as “a culmination of its historical position and cultural richness, which have made it one of the most prominent sites” in terms of cultural impact.
The cabinet also acknowledged the Kingdom’s election this month to a seat on the council of the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping, and to prevent pollution from ships.
They said it reflects “the unlimited support that the maritime transport sector enjoys from the state, and in appreciation of the Kingdom’s international position, its great role in the maritime transport industry, and its contribution to initiatives related to security, safety and the marine environment.”
Ministers authorized the energy minister to a sign draft memorandum of understanding with Uganda in the field of renewable energy, and the minister of environment, water and agriculture to re-sign an amendment to an MoU for agricultural cooperation with Iraq.
They approved the Kingdom’s accession to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Treaty, and authorized the foreign minister to complete the resultant legal procedures that are required.
The cabinet also approved an MoU between the Saudi and Kuwaiti governments for cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research.
Saudi Arabia reiterates call for international aid effort to help Afghanistan
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Saudi Arabia reiterates call for international aid effort to help Afghanistan
- During a weekly cabinet meeting, chaired by King Salman, ministers also discussed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent tour of GCC nations
- They also reviewed the latest developments in Yemen and reaffirmed their support for the Yemeni government and people
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.
Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources
- Move aligns with aims of Saudi Vision 2030
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi signed a cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at achieving their respective goals.
The agreement will also work to develop human capital in the culture and arts sectors.
It is hoped the partnership will lead to the development of local cultural identity; the growth in local economic interaction; an increase in job opportunities and social development; and the creation of a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the cultural sector.
It is expected this will lead to increased economic activity and new job opportunities, targets which form part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministries will study ways to encourage and motivate the participation of the private sector in developing the culture and arts sectors as part of the agreement.
Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says
- ‘Initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent,’ says Fashion Commission’s CEO
RIYADH: The head of the Saudi Fashion Commission said on Monday that the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week later this month will highlight the talent in the Kingdom to a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the commission, said: “With Red Sea Fashion Week we set out to forge a distinctive and dynamic platform that not only highlights the vast creativity and skill within Saudi Arabia but also elevates our nation as a key player on the global fashion stage.
“This initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent and integrating them into the international arena, resonating deeply with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enriching our cultural fabric and broadening our economic horizons.”
The first edition of Red Sea Fashion Week, the latest initiative from the Saudi Fashion Commission to promote the Kingdom’s fashion industry, begins on May 16 at the new St. Regis Red Sea Resort. It runs until May 18.
A fashion show will be held on the first day, followed by two days of side events and further shows featuring a collection of luxury fashion, jewelry, ready-to-wear items, and resort wear collections from Saudi and international designers.
Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion week in 2023 in Riyadh, and hosted a pop-up event in Milan last year on the sidelines of the city’s fashion week.
Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle
- Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his condolences to the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday after the recent passing of his uncle Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan.
During a phone call, the crown prince prayed that God forgive the deceased who was the representative of the Abu Dhabi Ruler in Al-Ain Region.
Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen.
Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training
- Experts from around world will attend 2-day event in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Saudi justice minister on Monday opened the International Conference on Judicial Training in Riyadh.
Walid Al-Samaani made the opening speech at the two-day event, which has attracted more than 600 experts and 45 speakers from around the world.
He highlighted the strides made by the Kingdom in the judiciary sector since the launch of its Vision 2030 initiative.
He also outlined the ministry’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the judiciary and “pivotal role of training, qualification and legal knowledge management in achieving justice.”
The Judicial Training Center was dedicated to improving the skills of the Kingdom’s judicial and legal personnel through collaborations with its partners and had been instrumental in qualifying judges and training lawyers, judicial assistants and notaries, the minister said.
Al-Samaani also commented on the transformation of the justice system, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has focused on fortifying legal principles, embedding values of transparency and ensuring legal certainty.
A key area for development was the digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence, which the ministry was advancing to enhance judicial quality, he said.
