Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. (SPA)
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Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

  • Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
  • Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire

LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.

Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.

The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.

In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.

He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.

The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.


Saudi chef wins culinary competition

Updated 58 min 51 sec ago
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Saudi chef wins culinary competition

  • Event aimed to empower chefs’ ability to showcase talent on global scale 
  • Bayan Abdullah Al-Sudani: It (has) encouraged me to participate in more challenging spaces

RIYADH: A Saudi has won the Saudi Elite Chefs competition at Horeca Riyadh.

The event, which was organized by the Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture, in alignment with the ministry’s long-term goals, aimed to empower Saudi chefs’ ability to showcase their talent and creativity on a global scale.

Speaking to Arab News, the winner, Bayan Abdullah Al-Sudani, shed light on how the competition equipped her with confidence for the future, saying: “It was a big challenge, and I faced off against strong chefs. It (has) encouraged me to participate in more challenging spaces.”

On her future plans, Al-Sudani wants to give back to the industry, and added: “I look forward to opening the Bayan Academy soon so that I can support chefs and help them with the pastry sector specifically.”

Celebration and achievement were echoed throughout, and it was evident at the event that the culinary industry in the Kingdom is hungry for growth, recognition, and global competition.

Seba Zarea, general manager of strategy and program delivery at the Culinary Arts Commission, told Arab News of the many facets of the industry that the ministry was prioritizing.

Zarea said: “This competition is just one of the initiatives that the Culinary Arts Commission is working on. There are also local scholarships (and) vocational training. We are also working on attracting the best culinary schools to Saudi. For example, Le Cordon Bleu is opening next year in Misk City.”

Zarea stressed the rewards of events like the Saudi Elite Chefs competition, adding that the winner had a fast track to Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup — representing global opportunities to place both competitors and Saudi cuisine on the map.

Zarea added: “Food is a soft power and, in terms of tourism, food is a universal language so we codified the Saudi cuisine, an initiative started four years ago, and we came up with more than 1,300 codified recipes, items, and local produce from the Kingdom.”

Zarea went into depth on some of the behind-the-scenes efforts that have helped create the food that the Kingdom is able to showcase.

She shared the example of the Wild Plant Initiative, a program designed to explore plants of various regions in the Kingdom to discover new ingredients that can be integrated into Saudi cuisine.

These efforts go into helping to build an industry that is rooted in culture, creativity, and passion. 

In the same way that the Saudi Elite Chefs competition provides its winners and participants with the tools to bring their success to global attention, the Culinary Arts Commission works to elevate the Kingdom’s cuisine through tourism and hospitality.

Zarea said: “This sector is the easiest way to showcase the culture.”