Fox News exclusive: Saudi Crown Prince on US ties, Iran and peace with Israel

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaking to Fox News’ Bret Baier. (Photo courtesy: X/@Bandaralgaloud)
Short Url
Updated 21 September 2023
Follow

Fox News exclusive: Saudi Crown Prince on US ties, Iran and peace with Israel

  • "If Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, the Kingdom would be required to do the same"
  • Crown Prince says "every day we get closer" to Kingdom normalizing relations with Israel

NEOM: The strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US is important and beneficial to both, a normalization deal with Israel is growing closer and if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon the Kingdom must too, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday.

“We have a lot of security and military ties that are strengthening the position of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and strengthening the position of America globally,” he told Bret Baier of US TV network Fox News in an interview recorded at NEOM.

While ties with the US were complicated, he had a good relationship with US President Joe Biden, the crown prince said.

“The agenda between Saudi Arabia and America, today, is really interesting and we have a really amazing relationship with President Biden,” the crown prince said.

“He is sharp, he is really well focused and well prepared, and that is what I see,” he added.

During the interview, the crown prince also said Saudi Arabia had achieved the fastest growth in gross domestic product among the Group of 20 countries for two consecutive years.

Prince Mohammed also said “every day we get closer” toward the Kingdom normalizing relations with Israel. 

“For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part,” the crown prince said when asked what it would take to get a normalization agreement.

He continued: “We got to see where we go. We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, gets Israel as a player in the Middle East.”

When asked by Baier if negotiations between the Kingdom and Israel had been suspended, the crown prince said: “No, that is not true.”

If the Biden administration brokered an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, he said it would be the largest agreement since the end of the Cold War.

On the subject of Iran’s nuclear program, the crown prince said the Kingdom was concerned about any country obtaining a nuclear weapon, because the world could not tolerate “another Hiroshima.”

He said: “That’s a bad move, if you use it, you got to have a big fight with the rest of the world. There is no point in possessing nuclear weapons because they cannot be used.” Nevertheless, if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, the Kingdom would require to do the same, the crown prince said.

However, the relationship with Tehran was progressing well and he hoped it would continue to do so for the benefit of the security and stability of the region.

One of the pillars of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reform agenda is to turn the Kingdom into a global tourism destination. The crown prince said investments into the sector had increased its contribution to Saudi GDP from 3 percent to 7 percent.

He rejected a link between OPEC cutting cut oil production and helping Russia wage war in Ukraine. “We just watch supply, demand, if there is shortage of supply our role in OPEC+ is to fill that shortage. If there is oversupply our role of OPEC+ is to measure that for the stability of the market,” he said.

The crown prince was asked about Saudi links to the 9/11 attacks on the US and reports of governmental support for the terrorists, 15 of whom were Saudi citizens. He rejected that claim, and pointed out that Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden planned and executed attacks against Saudi Arabia in the 1990s. He was an enemy of both countries, the crown prince said.

On accusations of Saudi Arabia “sportswashing” its image around the world, the crown prince said: “If sportswashing is going to increase GDP by 1 percent, then I will continue to do sportswashing, I aim for another 1.5 percent, call it whatever you want we are going to get that.”

When asked about the merger between the Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed LIV Golf League and the PGA Tour, the prince added: “That’s a game changer for the golf industry, you will have a focus in developing the game and that’s good for the players and the fans who love golf.”


Saudi deputy FM receives US deputy assistant secretary of state

Waleed Elkhereiji holds talks with Daniel Benaim in Riyadh. (Twitter @KSAmofaEN)
Updated 13 May 2024
Follow

Saudi deputy FM receives US deputy assistant secretary of state

  • The most prominent regional and international developments discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Daniel Benaim, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs, in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two sides discussed strengthening Saudi-US relations and ways to enhance cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The most prominent regional and international developments were also discussed, as well as the efforts put forth in these areas.

 


Jeddah Historic District, Cruise Saudi team up to boost visitor numbers, economy

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Jeddah Historic District, Cruise Saudi team up to boost visitor numbers, economy

  • Sides sign memorandum of understanding to ‘drive economic growth’
  • Partnership ‘pivotal’ in regeneration of district, Cruise Saudi CEO says

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi have agreed to work together to increase the number of international cruise visitors to the city while preserving its cultural and historical integrity.

The program, established in 2018 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, oversees various initiatives within the so-called Historic Jeddah region with the aim of promoting it as a cultural center.

Cruise Saudi is owned by the Public Investment Fund and manages cruise-related services and infrastructure, including the development of terminals and operation of shore excursions.

Since its creation it has welcomed more than 300,000 cruise passengers.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to boost economic activity and promote the region, using private sector expertise to improve the visitor experience.

The initiative is expected to create jobs, support small businesses and promote long-term economic activities that benefit the entire community.

“The tourism sector is experiencing growth and prosperity, which contributes to enhance the Kingdom’s presence on the global tourism map in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, director general of the Jeddah Historic District Program, said.

“Our strategic partnership with Cruise Saudi is not only to drive economic growth but also to actively engage in the regeneration of the district. We are committed to protecting both the tangible and intangible heritage that earned the district its UNESCO status.”

Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “This partnership is pivotal in the strategic regeneration and sustainability of the district. With this alliance, we are dedicated to presenting Cruise Saudi tourists with an experience that inspires the visitors with the district's enriched heritage.

“Jeddah’s Historic District is one of our most popular Shorex destinations and we continue to witness just how much international passengers enjoy exploring its unique historic sites through the tours and experiences we offer.

“This MOU represents our shared vision and marks an exciting new chapter, paving the way for collaborative efforts to draw even more visitors to this enchanting destination while protecting its heritage and authenticity.”
 


Riyadh to host Global AI Summit in September

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Riyadh to host Global AI Summit in September

  • The summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts
  • Topics at the conference will include AI innovation, industry trends, and fostering human talent in AI and other key areas

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority will host the third Global AI Summit from Sept. 10 to 12 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. 

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of SDAIA, highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s dedication to advancing the national data and artificial intelligence agenda, aiming to bolster the Kingdom’s global presence in these fields.

The summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts to discuss global AI developments and announce initiatives and agreements, advancing international efforts in data and AI under the Kingdom’s banner.

Topics at the conference include AI innovation, industry trends, shaping a better future with AI, fostering human talent in the field, and other key areas.

This summit, under the crown prince’s leadership, is a testament to the successes of Vision 2030, which position Riyadh as a global hub for cutting-edge AI developments, the SPA said. 


Swiss artist pays homage to heritage in Riyadh show

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Swiss artist pays homage to heritage in Riyadh show

  • ‘From Roots to Vision’ by Vlad Pocol is inspired by Saudi Vision 2030 and his own personal journey

RIYADH: In Ahlam Gallery’s latest solo exhibition, Swiss painter Vlad Pocol examines the ties that link past, present and future — with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a reference point.

“If you could explain your artworks in one word, what would it be?” one listener asked. “Intuition,” Pocol replied, explaining the basis of his first show in the Kingdom.

The artist relied on intuition when he decided only a few months ago that Saudi Arabia would be his new home, leading him to create an exhibition based around three ideas: heritage, transition, and vision.

The immersive exhibition titled “From Roots to Vision: A Migration” urges observers to think about heritage, and challenge the possibilities of the future as we weave our past legacy for generations to come.  

Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom Yasmine Chatila and Pocol discussing a patched installation made of discarded materials salvaged from artwork waste. (Supplied/AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Pocol told Arab News: “It’s great to evolve, but it’s also important to stay rooted in our own heritage. I’ve taken Saudi Arabia as an example. Everyone is so excited with what’s happening with the Vision (2030), but everyone is still so rooted and respectful and inspiring in a collective way … that can also inspire us in an individual way.”

Within the “Heritage” collection, “Identites” delves into the themes of self-reflection and outsider perceptions. Four papier mache panels woven together by rope encourage the viewer to see alternative versions of themselves as they are layered in complexity with oil paint.

It is great to evolve, but it is also important to stay rooted in our own heritage.

Vlad Pocol, Swiss artist

“Legacite” is a series of six artworks that explores the themes of circularity, continuity, and generational cycles. In a single dot, each painting prompts a reflection on the viewer’s part within these continuous loops.  

Swiss artist Vlad Pocol based the exhibition in Riyadh around three ideas: heritage, transition, and vision. (Supplied)

The highlight of the show, “Sans Fin,” is a mirage of moving images constructed by strokes of paint. The piece is inviting, yet mysterious, prompting us to question our capability to grow using the metaphor of a black hole — you never know what may lie in the unknown.  

In 2018, when Pocol was a lawyer, he was invited by a colleague to a workshop centered around recreating the work of a contemporary artist. After an accident that resulted in a damaged painting, he developed a technique to repair the artwork.

Swiss artist Vlad Pocol based the exhibition in Riyadh around three ideas: heritage, transition, and vision. (Supplied)

“My technique gives structural movement. When you see my paintings, you enter a world … it’s moving. My energy also comes up in the artwork,” he said.

In “Transition,” the works invite viewers to consider what lies beneath the surface, with more sculptural works coming into play.

Another installation is made of discarded materials salvaged from artwork waste. What we deem as undesirable is turned into something valuable, and even beautiful, challenging us to reconsider sustainability practices and our role in global consumption.  

In the “Vision” collection, the artist’s optimism about the future is linked to the promise of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

His work “Dessen” is based on a childhood memory of winning his first drawing contest, and celebrates the impact of early creative expressions on future artistic development.  

While “Elles” is a tribute to femininity and the women in his family, nearby twin works are inspired by the artist’s migration from Romania to Switzerland.  

Pocol describes the green-colored “Ja Deu Tu Certo” as “one of the most personal” works in the collection.

“Any pieces I’ve offered to my mom have been green because I really believe in the power of healing and the green (color). My mother has been fighting metastatic cancer for two years now,” he said. The work conveys his belief that “she will be well.”

He said the color also holds significant meaning in Saudi culture, as it stands for pride and patriotism.

Reflecting on showcasing his works in the Kingdom, Pocol said: “It’s so significant to have my exhibition here. While I have roots from Romania, 30 percent of my genes are Middle Eastern. Being here in Saudi Arabia is very subconscious. I feel at peace, like I’m coming back to something.  

“I’ve traveled a lot in my life and it’s the first time I’m able to find a new home outside of Switzerland … once you follow your intuition, it gets you to whatever is meant for you. That’s why I’m here in Saudi Arabia. It’s meant to be.”

The exhibition will run until June 2.

 


Saudi commission explores impact of biennales on artists

Biennales are large-scale exhibitions held every two years that provide a platform for artists to engage with specific themes. (
Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Saudi commission explores impact of biennales on artists

  • Shahad Al-Blihed analyzed Manal Al-Dowayan’s work “Shifting Sands: A Battle Song,” emphasizing its reflection of Saudi women amid cultural shifts

RIYADH: Various experts recently took part in a virtual meeting to consider the role of biennales in visual art.

The event was organized by the Visual Arts Commission as part of its ongoing review of the sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Biennales are large-scale exhibitions held every two years that provide a platform for artists to engage with specific themes. The meeting outlined the criteria for artist participation, focusing on career robustness and foundational achievements.

Shahad Al-Blihed gave her insights into curating the Saudi pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale.

She analyzed Manal Al-Dowayan’s work “Shifting Sands: A Battle Song,” emphasizing its reflection of Saudi women amid cultural shifts.

The Venice event demonstrated the commission’s commitment to boosting local artists internationally, the report said.