‘We oppose violence against any sovereign country,’ Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tells Arab News

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Updated 27 March 2022
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‘We oppose violence against any sovereign country,’ Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tells Arab News

  • Mexico’s top diplomat condemns invasion of Ukraine, but opposes use of sanctions in conflicts
  • He looks forward to stronger economic ties between Mexico and Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Mexico opposes any kind of violence against a sovereign country, be it the invasion of Ukraine or missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, the country’s top diplomat has said.

Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary, made the point forcefully during an exclusive interview with Arab News in Riyadh after arriving on Wednesday on the first stop of a four-country tour that will also take him to Qatar, the UAE and India.

The visit comes as Saudi Arabia and Mexico prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both countries are major energy producers, but there is a lot more to the relationship than just hydrocarbons. Both are diversifying their economies, investing in the knowledge economy and developing agendas for climate action.

At the outset of the interview, Ebrard made Mexico’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict clear. “We condemn the invasion, because this is an invasion by one country of another,” he said.

“Mexico suffered, as you probably know, four invasions during its history. So, we understand clearly what we are talking about when one country invades another. We condemn this (way) of solving political differences.”

However, in the context of the Russian invasion, Ebrard cast doubt on the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a panacea.

“We have a very strong position against sanctions, because usually it doesn’t work, as in the case of Cuba,” he said, referring to the US trade embargo, believed to the longest sanctions regime in modern history.




Noor Nugali, Arab News Assistant Editor in Chief, with Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)

“They have maintained a blockade for 60 years now. It doesn’t work. Only the people suffer. As far as Mexican foreign policy is concerned, we are against sanctions. Not only in this (Cuban) case, but always.”

Commenting on the discussions this week between Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, on the situation in Ukraine, as well as diplomatic efforts to end the crisis, Ebrard said that any mediation attempt is worth trying.

After calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia on March 3, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had said Saudi Arabia was ready to exert all efforts to mediate between the warring parties.

“If Saudi Arabia can reach some kind of agreement, we are going to be very happy to hear about that,” Ebrard said. “The political solution is the only one, because the other (solution), violence, is only going to create huge suffering for society.”

At a time of global energy shortages and soaring geopolitical tensions, Saudi oil facilities, as well as population centers, are being targeted by Yemen’s Houthi militia. How does Mexico view the situation?

“We are against any use of violence as I mentioned. It is the same case with these kinds of attacks on Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“So, we need to support Saudi Arabia and its case for respect for its integrity and the (security of) its people. We condemn such kinds of violence against this country.”

As for Houthi terror attacks on civilian areas, he reiterated the Mexican government’s condemnation. “We did it in the past and are doing it right now. We are against those kinds of attacks and that kind of violence, any kind of political violence.”

Elaborating on the issue, Ebrard said: “In our constitution, (we support peaceful) resolution of conflicts. We support the UN and we are against violence. We learned from our history that violence is a bad idea.

“We suffered four invasions from France, the US and Spain before. So, we learned that it’s the worst thing to do.”

Moving on to Saudi-Mexico bilateral relations, Ebrard said he foresees a bright future. “Bilateral relations will be at a higher level. We are not superpowers, but we are part of G20, who are the biggest economies of the world,” he said.

“So, we can really work together in order to improve the world and to improve our relations for the benefit of our peoples. We have 70 years without differences, which is quite unique. It is quite a good relationship right now.”

Ebrard said as the Saudi-Mexico economic relationship, anchored in trade and investments, becomes deeper and stronger, there will be practical benefits.

“Increase of tourism and development in Mexico and Saudi Arabia (benefits) both together. Increase in investment, means more opportunity for the people,” he said.

Ebrard said the Kingdom and Mexico have similar policy priorities, especially in the field of knowledge. “We have similarities. (We both want to) increase tourism and accelerate development.

“So, we have similar priorities, we are working on the same issues. So, why not join efforts, to benefit other people, for instance, to have new vaccines or medicine, solutions or pharmaceutical ideas (become reality) in the short term? Why not? We are going to try to do it.”

Asked about his views on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform strategy, Ebrard described it as “a very interesting and very advanced” idea.

“The reforms are very interesting. And you are advancing very fast,” he said. “This is the impression that we have from Mexico. The reforms, the new vision, are an inspiration for all countries. I recognize that this is a very important initiative.”

Ebrard said that he was impressed by a visit to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh. “They have 60 facilities. It is amazing. And I think more than 2,000 researchers,” he said. “So, they showed us several very interesting projects. We are going to follow up this conversation for joint efforts.”

He expressed satisfaction with a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund. “They gave a presentation to representatives of the Mexican private sector, who form the business part of my delegation, on the new developments coming up in Saudi Arabia in the coming years,” he said.

“Then I had a conversation with the foreign affairs minister (Prince Faisal bin Farhan), who is a very smart and good friend of mine.”

During Prince Faisal’s visit to Mexico in November last year, the two had noted the “excellent synergies between Mexico and Saudi Arabia within the G20 and the UN for promoting initiatives that more broadly benefit developing countries.”




Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)

Ebrard said: “We have similar ideas about reforestation, in Mexico and Saudi Arabia. We are promoting ideas about how to recover, in Mexico, tropical forest, and how to expand the green belt.

“This is a concrete expression of the similarities of our ideas on climate action. Then there are similarities in our positions on multilateral organizations, the search for peaceful settlement of disputes around the world, and other issues for which we are promoting solutions.

“We are together not only on the issue of climate action, but also on the transition between the energy of the present and the energy of the future. It is like flying a plane where you are going to change the engine and, at the same time, keep flying. So, few countries understand this. As Saudis and Mexicans, we understand the challenge.”

Ebrard identified tourism and infrastructure as two major fields in which the governments can work together. “We have brought representatives of the private sector as part of the Mexican delegation. We are going to receive private-sector representatives from Saudi Arabia next month,” he said.

He also listed certain sectors that he considers most attractive for investments, especially by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.

“Agriculture, fisheries, automobile industry, the new economy including e-commerce. There are several fields where our priorities converge. So why not try to increase investments and trade between us?”

Ebrard acknowledged that distance posed a challenge to growth of trade and investment, as also the absence of a direct air route between Saudi Arabia and Mexico. “You should be able to take a flight from here and arrive in Mexico City,” he said.

“This is going to be an objective for the next six months or something. It’s going to be very important.”

As a final note, Ebrard said: “We are going to follow up this conversation (we had with our Saudi counterparts) in order to see results and answers in the short term. A conversation that influences ideas and culture is the first step to change the world.”


KSrelief continues water supply, healthcare project in Yemen

Updated 15 October 2024
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KSrelief continues water supply, healthcare project in Yemen

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its water supply and environmental sanitation project in Yemen, providing drinking and non-potable water to residents in stricken areas

At the Al-Khawkhah District of Hodeidah Governorate, the relief agency pumped 266,000 liters of non-potable water and 140,000 liters of drinking water during the week from September 11 to 17, state news agency SPA reported.

Twenty-four transfers were also carried out to remove waste from internally displaced persons camps, five operations were carried out to dry sewage water, 80 swamps were drained and eight emergency bathrooms were maintained.

In the Razih district of Saada governorate, about 23,400 liters of potable water were also distributed to residents during the mentioned period.

On the healthcare side, internal medicine experts saw 69 patients; infectious-diseases doctors treated 35 patients; emergency services attended to 23 cases while reproductive health doctors attended to seven patients. More than 60 nursing care patients were also attended to while 134 individuals have been provided with medicines.

Meanwhile, KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society group to implement a program for children involved in conflict particularly in Marib Governorate and Seiyun in Hadhramaut Governorate.

The program will directly benefit 460 children, parents and members of community. The effort aims to reintegrate of youngsters with the provision of a safe shelter, in addition to psychological, social, health and educational support.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s Assistant General Supervisor, earlier met with Abdallah Alwardat, the UN World Food Programme’s Global Partner Countries Division Director, to discuss collaborative efforts to bolster food security for countries and populations in need worldwide.


Global leaders draft ambitious climate finance deal ahead of COP29

As the countdown to COP29 continues, the Azerbaijani presidency is pushing for a balanced outcome.
Updated 14 October 2024
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Global leaders draft ambitious climate finance deal ahead of COP29

  • A draft negotiating text will be published “imminently,” following a series of high-level meetings in Baku last week
  • It outlines a plan that could mobilize trillions of dollars in support for developing nations

RIYADH: Global leaders are drafting an ambitious climate finance deal to be finalized at the 29th Conference of the Parties, or COP29, as Azerbaijan’s presidency leads efforts to resolve critical gaps ahead of the November summit.

A draft negotiating text will be published “imminently,” following a series of high-level meetings in Baku last week, according to the COP29 presidency team.

It outlines a plan that could mobilize trillions of dollars in support for developing nations.

Central to the talks was the New Collective Quantified Goal, or NCQG, on climate finance, which aims to replace the existing $100 billion pledge that has long been deemed insufficient.

Azerbaijan’s Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, stating in a release that the funding needed to address climate change was “in the space of trillions” of dollars.

However, negotiations are steering towards a more realistic expectation of public sector contributions, which are likely to reach “hundreds of billions” annually.

The NCQG is critical in ensuring developing nations, particularly small island developing states and the least developed countries, receive the support they need to build resilience and reduce emissions.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, addressing participants at the pre-COP conference, urged global leaders to move beyond blame and focus on collective action.

“As we are entering into the final stage of preparations for COP29, I call on you to engage constructively and in good faith for the sake of humanity,” Aliyev said.

“While states have common but differentiated responsibilities, they should put aside disagreements, stop blaming each other, and find common ground.

“We cannot afford to waste time on defining who is guilty for global warming, or who caused more environmental harm.”

These remarks reflect the urgency felt ahead of COP29, especially in light of the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

COP events have served as critical platforms for advancing this agenda since 2015, but the most recent Global Stocktake at COP28 revealed that the world is not on track to meet its targets.

Azerbaijan’s COP29 President-Designate, Mukhtar Babayev, highlighted the importance of addressing unresolved issues before November.

“We have done well to narrow down options, and the possible shapes of landing zones are coming into view. But we can clearly see the divides that the parties still need to bridge,” Babayev said.

He said that ministers must return to their capitals to secure the political mandates needed to push the negotiations forward.

“There is no excuse for anyone to arrive at COP29 without clear political support to make progress, as we urgently work to turn this draft into a deal,” he said.

The talks in Baku also explored the qualitative aspects of the NCQG, such as transparency, accessibility and accountability.

These elements are seen as vital to building trust among nations and ensuring the effective use of funds.

The pre-COP conference marked a crucial step in preparing a draft negotiating text for the new finance goal, which is expected to be published in the coming days.

This draft will set the stage for final negotiations at COP29, where a comprehensive climate finance package is anticipated.

In addition to finance, the discussions addressed broader initiatives such as climate transparency and energy resilience.

A new report, co-authored with the International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA, and other partners, was launched during the conference.

It tracks progress on energy goals set at COP28, particularly in relation to energy storage, with the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge aiming to boost installed capacity to 1,500 GW by 2030 — six times the level recorded in 2022.

As the countdown to COP29 continues, the Azerbaijani presidency is pushing for a balanced outcome that not only delivers on finance but also reinforces the commitments made under the Paris Agreement.


Arar farmers’ market to showcase Saudi produce, culture

Updated 14 October 2024
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Arar farmers’ market to showcase Saudi produce, culture

  • This initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to promote the sustainability of local production and develop all aspects of the culinary arts

RIYADH: The Culinary Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Northern Borders Region Municipality, will hold a farmers’ market from Oct. 17 to 19 in Al-Musaidiyah Park in Arar.

The market aims to support farmers and workers in the culinary sector by showcasing the region’s agricultural produce and distinguished gastronomic offerings, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Local produce, including dates, vegetables, and fruits, famous in the Northern Borders region, will be on display at the market.

An area will be dedicated to families working in the cottage industry where they can present notable dishes and beverages of the area, incorporating local produce.

There will also be accompanying activities, such as live music performances and children’s events, including face painting.

Through this event, the commission seeks to support the farmers’ market as a venue that contributes to the marketing of national products, both locally and globally, providing farmers with the opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers.

This initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to promote the sustainability of local production and develop all aspects of the culinary arts.

 


Riyadh mayor, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure, urban planning

Updated 14 October 2024
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Riyadh mayor, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure, urban planning

  • Visit has aimed to strengthen ties between Riyadh and South Korean cities

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf concluded his visit to South Korea to establish international partnerships, gain insights into urban development, and enhance quality of life through technology.

The visit included meetings to strengthen ties between Riyadh and South Korean cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to enhance cooperation in smart city management, sustainable urban planning, and infrastructure development.

This agreement follows a Saudi Cabinet decision authorizing Prince Faisal to negotiate a draft MoU with the Seoul Metropolitan Government regarding urban management and operations.

The visit began with a meeting between Prince Faisal and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, followed by discussions with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Sangwoo Park on infrastructure development, urban planning, and expertise exchange.

Prince Faisal also met with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to sign the MoU and with Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon to discuss sustainable urban development and municipal services.

At the global Mayors Forum during Smart Life Week in Seoul, the mayor highlighted Riyadh’s future initiatives. He attended the opening ceremony and visited an exhibition showcasing digital transformation and intelligent cities.

Prince Faisal toured the Seoul Transport Operation and Information Service to learn about intelligent transportation systems. He also met with leading Korean companies, including Naver and Samsung, and visited the Samsung museum.

During his visit, the mayor met with Saudi students in South Korea, encouraging them to excel academically to support Saudi Vision 2030.


Riyadh forum concludes with more than 290 schools honored

Updated 14 October 2024
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Riyadh forum concludes with more than 290 schools honored

  • Misk Schools first to receive accreditation at National Forum for School Excellence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, concluded the National Forum for School Excellence, also known as Excellence 2024, in Riyadh on Monday.

The forum, which celebrated over 290 schools for their achievements, highlighted Misk Schools as the first to receive accreditation under new national evaluation standards.

The event, which was held under the patronage of the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan and commission chairman Khalid Al-Sabti, showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Participants included educational leaders, university deans, and company representatives, as well as principals and directors of schools from across Saudi Arabia.

At the forefront of the event was Misk Schools, which became the first institution in the country to receive accreditation from the commission.

Steffen Sommer, director general of the academic institute, told Arab News: “This accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and students.

“We are proud to set a new standard for educational excellence and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and innovation.”

Nada Al-Hegali, girls’ school principal at Misk, spoke to Arab News about the challenges faced during the process, saying: “The challenge was relocating to a new campus amid the accreditation process.”

Al-Hegali went on to describe how the team provided invaluable support, and the students showed their resilience during the move.  

The Excellence 2024 forum recognized schools based on results from external evaluations. Public, private, and international schools were all recognized for their contributions to raising educational standards.

The event also saw the signing of accreditation agreements between the commission, through its excellence center, and 18 schools, further cementing the importance of collaboration in driving the Kingdom’s educational reform.

Al-Benyan spoke of his optimism about the future of Saudi education, noting that the forum would serve as a catalyst for schools to embrace competition and excellence.

He added: “These recognitions are not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but a push for continued improvement in our education system.”

Al-Sabti echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of external evaluation in fostering a culture of quality.

He added: “The Excellence 2024 forum provides a national platform to strengthen the principles of educational excellence, ensuring that Saudi schools continue to align with international standards.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward fulfilling Vision 2030, the recognition of over 290 schools not only highlights the progress made so far, but also sets the stage for future improvements.

Schools like Misk, with its focus on innovation, are paving the way for others to follow.