Saudi foreign minister holds high-level meetings on sidelines of Syria conference in Riyadh

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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria. (SPA)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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Saudi foreign minister holds high-level meetings on sidelines of Syria conference in Riyadh

  • Discussions underscore Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a series of meetings in Riyadh on Sunday on the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussions underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and addressing regional challenges, the SPA added.

Prince Faisal met Asaad Al-Shaibani, his counterpart in the new Syrian administration. The parties reviewed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, adviser of the foreign minister for political affairs, also attended the meeting.

The foreign minister also held talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

In a separate meeting, Prince Faisal spoke with David Lammy, the UK’s foreign secretary. Their discussions focused on enhancing relations and joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UK, alongside exchanging perspectives on regional and international developments. Prince Khalid bin Bandar, the Saudi ambassador to the UK, was also in attendance.

Prince Faisal also met Kaja Kallas, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission.

The parties explored opportunities for joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the EU and also discussed pressing regional and global matters.

Prince Faisal also engaged in talks with Annalena Baerbock, the German minister for foreign affairs. They discussed strengthening Saudi-German relations and emphasized the importance of coordination on key international issues. Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to Germany, was also present.


France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

Updated 14 sec ago
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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.”