Saudi envoy meets UN General Assembly president

Al-Wasil spoke of his gratitude for the meeting with Francis, during which both leaders reaffirmed support for the General Assembly’s objectives. (Twitter: @UN_PGA)
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Updated 13 September 2023
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Saudi envoy meets UN General Assembly president

  • Global Water Organization aims to bridge the knowledge gap between developed countries and those facing water-related challenges

RIYADH: Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, on Saturday met Dennis Francis, the president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, to discuss the session’s objectives of “peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Francis spoke of the Global Water Organization in Riyadh as not only a monument to Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision, but also the Kingdom’s forward-thinking commitment to addressing serious global water issues.

He added that it also showed the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting sustainability, while attempting to guarantee the well-being of communities around the world.

Water demand is expected to rise significantly by 2050, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Global Water Organization aims to bridge the knowledge gap between developed countries and those facing water-related challenges.

Countries joining the organization have the opportunity to shape global water policies, obtain project financing, and share best practices.

Al-Wasil spoke of his gratitude for the meeting with Francis, during which both leaders reaffirmed support for the General Assembly’s objectives.


France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

Updated 16 January 2026
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France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

  • L’Institut francais, Riyadh Art will open La Fabrique on Feb. 22
  • ‘New cultural chapter’ between the nations, says France envoy

RIYADH: L’Institut francais in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, an initiative of the city’s royal commission, have announced the opening of La Fabrique, a space for artists, on Jan. 22.

The project is based in the Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District and will enable Saudi and French artists to create, experiment, and bring their visions to life, according to a press release from the organizers.

La Fabrique also offers the public a rare opportunity to witness creative production including movement performances, digital and immersive arts, photography, music, cinema, cuisine and poetry.

At its core, La Fabrique fosters artistic exchange between French and Saudi artists, fostering new encounters, shared practices, and co-creation.

The initiative is aligned with the vision shared by French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have placed cultural cooperation at the heart of the renewed Saudi-French strategic partnership.

Anchored in the ambitions of Vision 2030, La Fabrique is a part of Riyadh’s transformation into a major international cultural hub.

Developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the project strengthens the long-standing cultural dialogue between the two nations, the press release stated.

Patrick Maisonnave, ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, said: “La Fabrique embodies the spirit of a new cultural chapter between France and Saudi Arabia.

“By bringing our artists together, we are not only sharing techniques and traditions, we are opening a space where imaginations meet, new forms emerge, and creativity becomes a bridge between our two societies.

“This initiative reflects our belief that artistic dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding, trust, and a shared future. It stands as a concrete example of France’s contribution to the ambitions of Vision 2030.”