Saudi foreign minister addresses Jammu and Kashmir meeting on sidelines of UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. (SPA)
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Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi foreign minister addresses Jammu and Kashmir meeting on sidelines of UN General Assembly

  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Kingdom stands by Muslim peoples in their efforts to maintain their Islamic identity and preserve their dignity
  • He said the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a pressing challenge to the security and stability of the region and must not remain unresolved

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, took part in a meeting of the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday that was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Addressing the meeting, the prince said the Kingdom stands by Muslim peoples in their efforts to maintain their Islamic identity and preserve their dignity, and he reiterated his country’s support for people in areas affected by conflict or unrest, including those in Jammu and Kashmir region, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said.

Prince Faisal described the Jammu and Kashmir issue as a pressing challenge to the security and stability of the region, and warned that if it is allowed to remain unresolved it will contribute to further instability.

The Kingdom is unremitting in its efforts to mediate between the parties involved in the conflict, in an attempt to deescalate it and help bring about a peaceful settlement in accordance with international resolutions, the foreign minister said. Such efforts are in line with Saudi Arabia’s unwavering stance in support of Islamic peoples, he added.

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the deputy minister for international multilateral affairs, and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, director general of the Foreign Minister’s Office, also attended the meeting.


Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.