RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of an Arab-US meeting on the Gaza crisis in Amman on Saturday, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to support efforts aimed at stopping the escalation of military operations in Gaza and its surroundings, and the efforts made toward introducing humanitarian, relief and medical aid to prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis.
Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the forced displacement of the residents of Gaza, stressing his country’s condemnation of targeting civilians in any way, or disrupting infrastructure and vital interests that affect their daily lives, the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah II received Prince Faisal, along with heads of Arab delegations participating in the Amman meeting at Al-Husseiniya Palace.
The reception was attended by Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
The meeting discussed developments in the ongoing situation in Gaza, international efforts made to defuse the tension, and ways to protect unarmed civilians from the escalating military operations.
The process of joint Arab action, cooperation and fruitful coordination between its countries and ways to advance it in a way that benefits the Arab countries were also discussed.
Saudi foreign minister meets Blinken, Jordan’s king to discuss Gaza conflict in Amman
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Saudi foreign minister meets Blinken, Jordan’s king to discuss Gaza conflict in Amman
- The meetings were held on the sidelines of an Arab-US meeting on the Gaza crisis in Jordan
Civil Defense gears up for Hajj in Muzdalifah
- Its efforts focus on implementing the comprehensive Hajj emergency plan
- Personnel will be working at full capacity to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience
MAKKAH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense is busy preparing for the arrival of pilgrims in Muzdalifah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Its efforts focus on implementing the comprehensive Hajj emergency plan, preventive safety measures and emergency response protocols, using technology to enhance security and safety at the Grand Mosque.
A department statement confirmed that the number of Civil Defense officers at field centers has been increased and personnel will be working at full capacity to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience.
Close coordination with other authorities is also emphasized, the department said.
Civil Defense conducted a simulated fire emergency at Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital as part of its ongoing preparations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj.
The drill tested the response capabilities of rescue and firefighting teams, as well as their coordination with other authorities. This included ensuring civil protection and implementing support plans in the event of a real fire.
They also conducted a simulated emergency response exercise at Muzdalifah Train Station 2. The scenario focused on a hypothetical gate failure caused by a fire.
The drill tested the effectiveness of evacuation plans, firefighting techniques and coordination protocols.
Such exercises ensure that measures are in place to manage emergencies and guarantee the safety of pilgrims.
The department urges pilgrims to pay close attention to safety at the Grand Mosque by avoiding crowded areas, looking after the elderly, people with disabilities and children, and adhering to signage at the mosque.
Saudi physics team win 5 awards at Asia Olympiad
Riyadh: The Kingdom excelled at the 24th Asian Physics Olympiad 2024 in Kampar, Malaysia, from June 3 to 10, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Backed by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, and the Ministry of Education, the Saudi Arabia team competed against 208 students from 27 countries.
The eight-member team won one bronze medal and received four certificates of appreciation, the SPA reported.
Mazen Al-Shakhs from the Al-Ahsa Education Department won the bronze medal, while Wissam Al-Qanbar from the Eastern Province, Ahmed Arif and Abdulmalik Alem from Jeddah, and Ahmed Fadlallah from Makkah received certificates of appreciation.
Mawhiba’s Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa praised the students, their families, schools and teachers.
She highlighted the Kingdom’s strategy to nurture talent and creativity, and build a knowledge-based, competitive society.
The foundation aims to build capabilities in science and technology, prepare future generations to contribute to Vision 2030, and solve local and global challenges.
KSrelief continues humanitarian efforts in Yemen, Syria
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s efforts to help vulnerable individuals and families continue in Yemen and Syria with the distribution of basic food necessities.
In Yemen, 2,251 families comprising 15,757 individuals from the districts of Khanfir, Al-Wadea, and Zinjibar in Abyan Governorate and Al-Dhale and Al-Shuayb districts of Al-Dhale Governorate received 2,251 food parcels as part of a life-saving project for underprivileged households.
In Syria, 2,820 individuals from 470 families affected by the earthquake in the city of Harem of Idlib Governorate received 470 food baskets and 470 hygiene kits as part of the humanitarian and relief aid provided by the Kingdom, through KSrelief.
General Directorate of Passports chief inspects Taif airport and Makkah points of entry
RIYADH: Director General of Passports Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya on Sunday inspected Taif International Airport and points of entrance into Makkah.
Al-Yahya assessed the work of passport officers and administrative committees responsible for Hajj regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The passports chief said these communities should operate 24/7 during Hajj season to identify and penalize individuals transporting unauthorized pilgrims.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia arrested 21 people at entrances to Makkah when they tried to enter without a valid Hajj permit, SPA reported on Saturday.
The Ministry of Interior has called on all citizens and expatriates to abide by Hajj regulations and instructions so that pilgrims may perform their rituals in safety, security and comfort.
Makkah security arrests four residents for Hajj scam
MAKKAH: Four people selling fake Hajj permits and bracelets and promoting bogus Hajj campaigns were arrested by security patrols in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Cash, seals, mobile phones and computers being used in the scams were seized and the four residents, from Pakistan and Myanmar, referred to the Public Prosecution.
Earlier, two Egyptian residents were arrested for fraudulent social media adverts that fraudulently offered accommodation, transport and the securing of a sacrifice to pilgrims.
The authorities are warning people to be wary of similar adverts, including those offering services such as performing Hajj on behalf of other people.
