LONDON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held phone calls with his Saudi and Emirati counterparts to discuss Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine’s border, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Blinken spoke separately with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, where they also discussed a number of bilateral and regional issues and developments, including Yemen, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Prince Faisal and Blinken spoke about ways of developing areas of cooperation and joint coordination, strengthening security and stability in the Middle East, and regional and international efforts to lay the foundations for peace made by the two countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Blinken also congratulated Sheikh Abdullah for the UAE’s assumption of its seat on the UN Security Council earlier this month.
US, Saudi and UAE foreign ministers discuss Russia-Ukraine crisis
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US, Saudi and UAE foreign ministers discuss Russia-Ukraine crisis
- They also discussed developments in Yemen, Ethiopia and Sudan
Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, continues to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from international airports in their own countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, set up to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom, involves close cooperation between the ministry and various partner agencies.
Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team to receive the travelers and includes special buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.
Services include biometrics, Hajj visas and electronic luggage coding.
18 health centers in Madinah to serve Hajj pilgrims
MADINAH: Madinah’s health department has prepared 18 hospitals and medical centers for this year’s Hajj.
The facilities have over 20,000 staff members, advanced medical equipment, laboratories, blood banks, vaccines, and emergency care services, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
‘No Hajj without a permit,’ campaign launches in Makkah
- Initiative part of ‘Hajj is Worship and Civilized Behavior’ project
JEDDAH: Makkah region has launched a “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign to prevent overcrowding and other problems during the pilgrimage later this year, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
At the launch in the presence of several royals and officials, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah and vice chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, warned that action would be taken against those who violate the law.
The permit initiative is a part of the “Hajj is Worship and Civilized Behavior” campaign launched by Prince Khalid bin Faisal, advisor to King Salman and Makkah governor.
Prince Saud said that adhering to the law would ensure a safe Hajj for pilgrims.
There is coordination taking place with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other government agencies to enforce the law.
Saudi foreign ministry signs pact to bolster humanitarian law
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law in the Kingdom signed a pact on Monday to enhance cooperation.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Waleed El-Khereiji inked the agreement with the committee’s Chairman Jalal Al-Owaisi.
The pact “aims to support joint efforts, encourage expertise exchange in humanitarian international law and spread its culture,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief carries out cardiac surgery, catheterization in Yemen
- Medical workers performed 166 catheterization procedures and 25 open-heart operations
RIYADH: Volunteer medical staffers of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief have been carrying out cardiac surgery and catheterization for children and adults at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden, Yemen.
The project began on May 4 and ends May 15, with 25 volunteers working with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.
The medical workers performed 166 catheterization procedures and 25 open-heart operations.
The assistance is a part of KSrelief’s worldwide relief and humanitarian projects.
