RIYADH: The Saudi-Iraqi Political, Security and Military Committee held its third meeting remotely on Sunday from the capital Riyadh, as part of the work of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council.
The meeting was chaired by the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, to discuss the topics on the committee’s agenda, which are a continuation of the previous meetings.
They also discussed ways to strengthen and develop relations between the two countries in the political, security and military fields, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha met with his Iraqi counterpart Arkan Al-Shaibani to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of digital economy and digital government, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting reviewed the Kingdom’s leading expertise in the fields of digital transformation and developing communications and infrastructure, which, in addition to adopting the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, contributed to enhancing the Kingdom’s access to advanced positions in this field, and supporting Saudi technology companies to expand in Iraqi markets.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Saudi-Iraqi Technical Forum was held to review trends and initiatives in the Kingdom, and some Saudi technology companies shed light on the promising investment opportunities and the technical services they provide.
Saudi-Iraqi political, security and military committee holds its 3rd meeting
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Saudi-Iraqi political, security and military committee holds its 3rd meeting
- The meeting was chaired by the Saudi and Iraqi foreign ministers
- Both countries communication ministers also met to discuss digital cooperation
Meteorology center warn of heavy rain across Kingdom, public told to avoid flood-prone areas
- Stay away from valleys and waterways at least until Thursday, Civil Defense cautions
- National Center for Meteorology center warns of possible thunderstorms and dust storms
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom that could lead to flash floods, and officials cautioned the public against venturing in low-lying places prone to flooding.
In its weather forecast for Sunday, the meteorology center said “moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and active winds that will stir up dust and sand” in several provinces of the Kingdom.
These include Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. Light to moderate storms are expected in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk, the NCM said.
In a separate advisory, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to avoid places prone to flash floods and valleys at least until December 18.
On Saturday, various parts of Saudi Arabia had been blessed with light to moderate rain ushering in full winter weather.
In separate reports, the Saudi Press Agency published images of beautiful landscapes that have emerged after being revitalized by rain.
Deserts rejuvenated
Among these are Al-Nafud (The Great Nafud Desert) in the Kingdom’s north, where moderate to heavy rainfall have “transformed the landscape, turning the golden sand dunes into stunning formations,” and also created streams and lakes.
“The cool weather has since made the Nafud a prime destination for desert and camping enthusiasts from inside and outside (Rafha) governorate,” SPA said.
Rain have also rejuvenated the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the Kingdom’s second-largest nature reserve, spanning parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf and Eastern Province.
In the Northern Borders province, the Wadi Arar has come alive, refilling the province’s 11 operational dams.
“The deserts of Arar City ... have become an enchanting destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts following recent rainfall. The resulting rainfalls have created a stunning scenery, with flowing streams winding through sand dunes and ravines,” SPA said.
Cool, verdant mountains
In Asir and adjacent provinces in the southwest, fog shrouding mountain peaks and the city of Abha have resulted in beautiful winter sceneries, attracting nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Futher south in Najran province, days of rain have increased vegetation cover and revitalized the valley’s natural streams.
One of the foremost attractions is the Wadi Mughaydid on the slopes of the Sarawat range’s Maghra Mountains in northwest Najran, renowned for its pristine natural beauty.
Stretching 25 kilometers from Bir Askar Park to Shaab Baran, the valley’s unique geography combines verdant plains with towering mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts, according to SPA.
