Saudi FM calls for dialogue in Russia-Ukraine crisis during call with Lavrov

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan holds a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. (AFP)
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Updated 05 March 2022
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Saudi FM calls for dialogue in Russia-Ukraine crisis during call with Lavrov

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday made a phone call to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Ukraine, and Prince Faisal stressed that the best way to deal with this crisis is to strengthen dialogue between the two parties to reach a political solution that achieves regional and international security and stability.
The two sides touched on intensifying coordination and bilateral work on many regional and international issues, foremost of which is strengthening security and stability in the Middle East, and efforts to lay the foundations for peace made by the two countries in the region and the world.
During the call, they also discussed bilateral relation and ways to support and enhance them in various fields, in addition to exchanging views on the latest regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission said that it is monitoring the conditions and safety of nuclear plants in Ukraine and all data of real-time monitoring readings from the stations are at normal levels and there is no radioactive contamination in the Kingdom’s airspace.
The commission said that it had received information from the International Atomic Energy Agency about a fire and bombardment at the site of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant, which consists of six reactors for producing electrical energy.
It said some of the reactors had been disconnected and that the plant workers are still present inside to ensure that it continues to operate safely and there is no change in radiation levels.
NRRC also said that the condition in the old Chernobyl nuclear plant is still stable, no damage has been reported or rises in radiation levels outside the plant area.
It added that it will continue to observe radiation levels in the Kingdom through 140 radioactive monitoring stations that are being expanded this year to reach 240 stations.


Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

Updated 27 January 2026
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Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

  • To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
  • ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’

BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.

It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.

Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.

“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.

Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.

He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.

“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.

The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.

This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.