Saudi source reveals full details of MBS-Biden Khashoggi discussion

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Updated 16 July 2022
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Saudi source reveals full details of MBS-Biden Khashoggi discussion

  • Crown Prince quizzed President about Shireen Abu Akleh, Abu Ghoraib: source tells Al Arabiya

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told US President Joe Biden that what happened with Saudi citizen and journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, was ‘regrettable,’ during a meeting in Jeddah on Friday.

A senior Saudi official in attendance noted that the meeting between the prince and president was scheduled for an hour and a half but lasted for three, touching on a number of common issues.

The crown prince reminded Biden that while the two countries share some values, there would always be conflicting matters that must be respected nonetheless.

“If we assume that the US will deal only with countries that share 100 percent of its values and principles, then it will have no countries that deal with it except NATO countries,” he said, adding the two countries must coexist despite their differences.

This came during a discussion about the Jamal Khashoggi case, which was brought up briefly by the US president.

Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi’s death was “regrettable,” said the crown prince, confirming that the Kingdom had undertaken all the legal procedures.

Further procedures to prevent future mistakes were also put in place.

The source said that Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that such incidents occured all over the world, and that journalists were killed elsewhere that same year.

The crown prince was cited as saying it was counterproductive to try to impose values by force, as was demonstrated in Iraq and Afghanistan – something the US has not succeeded he added.

The survivors of an entire family killed by a drone strike in Afghanistan in August 2021 is still waiting for justice, the prince added.

And he cited the US’ involvement in Abu Ghuraib as an example. He also referred to the killing of the US journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, questioning the measures taken by her government and other countries of the world.


‘Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break

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‘Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break

  • Jazan Festival 2026 event runs until Feb. 15
  • Focus on crafts, art, attire, social customs

JEDDAH: The Jazan Festival 2026 is drawing considerable support from people of all ages during the mid-year school holiday, reflecting the event’s growing appeal.

Launched on Dec. 25, the festival runs until Feb. 15 under the theme “Jazan: Treasures of Nature,” showcasing the region’s cultural and natural heritage while reinforcing its position as a tourism destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The event features live performances and interactive displays recreating aspects of daily life across Jazan’s governorates.

Pavilions representing Jazan’s governorates line the festival’s Cultural Street, highlighting the craftsmanship of the local community and its close relation with the surrounding landscape, the SPA reported.

Abu Arish governorate features prominently through a live experience centered on traditional agricultural life and historical sources of livelihood.

Its pavilion displays tools once used for water storage and transport, kitchen utensils, pottery, cooking and measuring implements, lanterns and palm-leaf products, alongside scenes depicting agricultural activities.

Traditional attire and social customs, including bridal preparations and ceremonial practices, highlight the governorate’s cultural identity and social life.

The Cultural Street has artworks and paintings by local artists who found inspiration in Jazan’s landscapes and heritage.

The mild winter weather and school holiday have helped boost attendance, with young and old attending folk performances, educational pavilions, photography areas and heritage exhibits.