King Salman receives message from Kyrgyz president, ministers meet in Riyadh
King Salman receives message from Kyrgyz president, ministers meet in Riyadh/node/2106571/saudi-arabia
King Salman receives message from Kyrgyz president, ministers meet in Riyadh
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his meeting in Riyadh with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan (R). (SPA)
King Salman receives message from Kyrgyz president, ministers meet in Riyadh
Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich
Updated 19 June 2022
Arab News
RIYADH: King Salman received on Sunday a written message from President Sadyr Japarov of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, regarding relations between the two countries and peoples, and ways to strengthen them in various fields and at all levels, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The message was received by Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his meeting in Riyadh with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich.
During the meeting, they also reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and opportunities to develop them.
The two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues and latest developments of common interest.
The meeting was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and Kyrgyz Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ulukbek Maripov.
Saudi Arabia targets 50 wildlife breeding programs within 5 years
Strategy follows surging interest in protecting prized native species
Updated 12 February 2026
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top wildlife protection body has launched a plan to operate 50 breeding programs by 2030 and improve environmental balance, its CEO has said.
Mohammed Ali Qurban, head of the National Center for Wildlife, said the number of programs has already surged from seven to 21 in recent years, amid renewed interest in the protection of valued native species.
The breeding programs are based on precise scientific principles, starting with the selection of suitable species at research centers, followed by veterinary care and specialized nutrition programs, he added.
At the final stage, protected species are rehabilitated for release and monitored using the latest tracking and data analysis technologies.
The relocation of more than 10,000 animals in Saudi Arabia is “an important step in restoring ecosystems and enhancing environmental balance in the Kingdom,” Qurban said.
Veterinary scientists at work at the National Center for Wildlife's laboratory. (Supplied)
“Releasing wildlife into the wild contributes to forming new populations capable of self-reproduction; these releases support the genetic diversity of wild populations and enhance their ability to resist disease and adapt to environmental changes,” he added.
Releases have so far included more than 80 priority species, most notably reem antelopes, Arabian oryx, idmi gazelles, mountain ibex, houbara bustards, ostriches and sandgrouses. The animals were released within their historical and ecological ranges.
Qurban said that the plans take into account the carrying capacity of natural habitats and the importance of safe ecological corridors that connect protected areas to facilitate species movement and population sustainability.
Release sites are spread across more than 60 diverse environmental locations, including natural reserves, royal reserves and national parks, as well as strategic sites within the Kingdom’s giga-projects, ensuring the dispersal of animals across their targeted geographical ranges.
The efforts are part of a national integrated framework to support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, Vision 2030 and the National Environment Strategy, aiming to achieve thriving and sustainable wildlife and ecosystems, Qurban said.
