Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

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Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh’s mayor, alongside Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, during the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh’s mayor, alongside Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, during the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, speaking on Thursday during the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Visitors attending the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 17 May 2025
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Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

  • Envoy reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia at National Day celebration
  • The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order”

RIYADH: Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, on Thursday night confirmed her country’s determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia by finding new ways of cooperation as Norway celebrated its National Day in Riyadh.

The mayor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, attended the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Speaking at the reception, Tromsdal said: “Today, we celebrate the signing of the Norwegian constitution on May 17th, 1814. In Norway, the National Day, or the Constitution Day, is huge — a day full of children parading with flags and happy cheers in the streets. It’s a day when we celebrate tradition, pride and unity.

“The bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Norway goes back to 1961. The two kingdoms have proud histories and ambitious futures. For decades, we have had fruitful exchanges in the energy sector as major oil and gas producers. Saudi Arabia and Norway are also maritime nations with an interest in safeguarding the marine environment,” she said.

“Both our countries are committed to accelerating the green transition. There is a need to develop and scale up new technologies and find new ways of working. This is an area where we see an increased number of partnerships between Norwegian and Saudi companies,” she added.

Norwegian companies that contribute to the implementation of Vision 2030 are an important part of the solid bilateral relations between our two countries, Tromsdal said, adding that the small Norwegian community in the Kingdom is growing, and that she was happy to see an increasing number of Saudi citizens visiting Norway.

The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order, and see the value of mediated solutions to conflict. Norway believes in dialogue and constructive engagement for conflict resolution and appreciates the important role Saudi Arabia is taking in the region, and beyond, today.

“We value very much the close cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution and we commend the efforts of Saudi Arabia in finding a path to fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people,” she added.

Norway is a country renowned for its crisp air, green mountains, deep blue fjords and clear water.

“Today, we invite you to have a taste of Norway. And we know Saudis love Norwegian salmon. Together with the Norwegian Seafood Council and our sponsors we have brought high-quality Norwegian seafood to Riyadh. Our renowned chef Daniel and his assistants have travelled all the way from Norway to prepare the dishes for us. Our history as a seafood nation stems back to long before the Viking era with fishing, catching and trading of seafood,” the ambassador said.

Norway today, she said, is the world’s largest exporter of seafood, despite being a small country with a smaller population than Riyadh city.

Norway’s natural resources combined with one of the world’s longest coastlines, are the reasons for its lengthy traditions and practices in the seafood industry.

Atlantic salmon farming was “invented” in Norway 60 years ago and is today the world leader in salmon farming and aquaculture technology, she added.

“I am also glad to see many Norwegian companies and their Saudi partners here. Jotun, who celebrate 40 years in the Kingdom this year; Hydro Technal; DNV; Interwell; Corporater; Bravo Seafood; Norsk Sjomat; Pelagia; Arabian Fisheries; Tine; and Eira Water; and not least, our partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council.”

The ambassador thanked her colleagues at the embassy with the words: “This is my first national day as ambassador in Riyadh, and I am so grateful to be here and to be part of this fabulous team.”


Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Sunday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the escalating situation between Israel and Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the region, with particular focus on the repercussions of Israeli military operations targeting Iran.

They stressed the need for restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

The phone call comes amid heightened tensions following a series of tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries.

The latest flare-up has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with international leaders urging all parties to avoid further escalation.


Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

  • Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards

RIYADH: The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, known as Morooj, presented its flagship projects as part of the Saudi delegation at Greentech Amsterdam, an international exhibition for horticulture held from June 10-12 in the Dutch capital.

Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards.

The foundation also presented examples of its strategic partnerships with various government and private sectors, as well as with international organizations.

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The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The projects displayed included the planting of millions of mangrove trees, greening mosque areas, promoting community participation in environmental sanitation campaigns, and efforts to rehabilitate natural reserves in various regions of the Kingdom, all of which fall under the Saudi Green Initiative.

The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The exhibition, one of the world’s leading events focused on environmental innovations and sustainable agricultural technologies, is also an opportunity to build new partnerships and exchange expertise on the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration.

Ultimately, Murooj aims to become an interactive platform for knowledge transfer and application, creating meaningful environmental and social impact in the Kingdom.

The foundation’s role of strengthening its international presence and exchanging successful experiences with various global environmental entities and organizations has been crucial to achieving the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, founded under Saudi Vision 2030.

SGI, which celebrated its second anniversary earlier this year, has reinforced the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a key contributor to global efforts to combat climate change and enhance environmental sustainability by promoting renewable energy, protecting terrestrial and marine areas, and reaching net-zero domestically by 2060, among other initiatives.

 


Saudi Arabia displays biotech vision at US convention

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia displays biotech vision at US convention

  • The center will give presentations on biotechnology and health research, the Saudi Biobank, and the sector’s role in Vision 2030

RIYADH: The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences will join the Saudi pavilion at the BIO International Convention in Boston, US, from June 16 to 19.

This will be the first joint national representation of Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector at the event, aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy.

The King Abdullah center will display national initiatives and host meetings with global biotech companies to explore research and development partnerships.

The pavilion’s program features five sessions, among them a “super session” on innovation and opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector.

The center will also give presentations on biotechnology and health research, the Saudi Biobank, and the sector’s role in Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Health will launch an accelerator program for biotech startups and host a reception for global investors and industry experts to discuss potential partnerships.

The participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support research and development through digital infrastructure, regulatory support, and institutional collaboration.

 


Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

Ali Al-Herz (right) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Updated 15 June 2025
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Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

  • Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books, offering visitors space where memory, philosophy, culture come alive

DHAHRAN: In the quiet village of Umm Al-Hamam, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a lifelong passion for books has been transformed into a cultural haven.

Ali Al-Herz, a bibliophile and literary archivist, has turned his home into Jadal Library, a treasure trove of over 37,000 books, more than 100,000 newspapers and magazines, and antiques, some dating back more than a century. 

Yet Jadal is not just a library; it is much more than that. It is a museum to explore, a philosophical space to reflect, and a stand against forgetting important cultural stories.

Al-Herz told Arab News: “Since I was born I have been surrounded by my mother’s books. I grew up immersed in this passion to the point where it completely took hold of me; I became a bookworm.”

The spark that ignited it all was when Al-Herz encountered the epic “Sirat Antar” at age 13. “From that epic and through it, I began to look into other worlds,” he said.  

This curiosity and fascination ultimately led Al-Herz to create one of Saudi Arabia's most unique initiatives.

The name “Jadal” means “debate” or “discussion” in Arabic, reflecting the library’s curious spirit. For Al-Herz, the goal is not just to preserve texts but also to preserve the idea of questioning and exploring ideas.

Al-Herz said: “I chose this name for the library because it is deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophical history and in our own Arab-Islamic cultural tradition, particularly in our religious heritage.”

The philosophical atmosphere fills three main halls — named after Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — which welcome visitors into a curated world of reading and reflection.  

Rare manuscripts, ancient texts, newspapers, and antiques have been carefully archived. Each piece is a whisper from the past speaking into the future. 

Al-Herz explained: “Even my recent focus on buying books has mostly shifted toward rare editions and old prints, to create a harmony between heritage and modernity.”

But Jadal is not stuck in nostalgia, as every two weeks Al-Herz holds a literary gathering. The event brings back a tradition that was once important in the intellectual life of Arabs.

It is an environment where writers, scholars, and thinkers gather over Arabic coffee to exchange ideas in a vibrant atmosphere.

And in a time when people seek instant information online, Al-Herz still uses traditional methods. “There is an ongoing struggle between two generations,” he observed. “Victory will ultimately go to this latter generation once my generation becomes extinct. Paper libraries will then be transformed into museums.”

Perhaps he is right; but for now, in the heart of Qatif’s countryside, Jadal Library lives on, and it is a place where ink, memory, debate, and heritage continue to shape the cultural soul of the Kingdom.


Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

  • Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London.

Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee, creating a milestone for both the Kingdom and the Arab world in maritime governance, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

His role also reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international maritime organizations and commitment to advancing maritime communication and safety systems.

Al-Junaidi managed the sessions and acted as a neutral facilitator, helping member states reach consensus on key issues, including oversight of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, implementation of Long Range Tracking and Safety standards and audit reviews for satellite communication providers.

He also led discussions on proposed maritime safety regulation amendments, monitored the organization’s strategic direction to ensure alignment with IMO standards and submitted the committee’s recommendations to the General Assembly.

The 51st session took place at the IMO headquarters in London, with representatives from 44 countries engaging in in-depth discussions on key maritime challenges.