RIYADH: Three agreements were signed between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines on Tuesday following talks between King Salman and President Rodrigo Duterte.
The king and Duterte, who arrived late Monday, reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed the latest developments in the international arena.
A memorandum of understanding was inked by Riyadh and Manila for consultations and cooperation program.
An accord was signed by Ali bin Ghafis, Saudi labor minister, and Enrique Manalo, Philippine acting foreign minister, in the field of employment.
Manalo also signed a cooperation pact — between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of the Philippine Foreign Service — with Nizar bin Madani, minister of state for foreign affairs.
Saudi Arabia is the first leg of Duterte’s Gulf tour. He will visit Bahrain Wednesday through Friday, and Qatar Friday through Sunday.
A statement from Duterte’s office said the state visits aim “to strengthen efforts for the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of the more than 1 million of our people working in those countries; invite Middle Eastern investors to the Philippines to usher in progress here at home; and to forge stronger partnerships by elevating our political and economic cooperation with these countries to new heights.”
During a reception, Duterte was greeted by Prince Khalid bin Bandar, king’s adviser; Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, National Guard minister; Prince Abdulaziz bin Sattam, king’s adviser and Abdullah Al-Asheikh, Shoura Council chairman.
In the afternoon, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Duterte reviewed bilateral relations and explored opportunities for development, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.
On Wednesday, Duterte is scheduled to meet Saudi businessmen at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss investment proposals in the Kingdom’s private sector for the multibillion-dollar Philippine halal industry.
The president is also scheduled to meet some 2,500 community members at a city hotel.
King Salman holds talks with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
King Salman holds talks with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit
DUABI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia, highlighting its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia is focused on enhancing cooperation within the G20 framework and other multilateral institutions, as well as reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.
Marles described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in addressing shared global challenges, emphasizing the significance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He added that the visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian projects in Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan continue to benefit individuals needing medical and therapeutic intervention.
In Yemen, KSrelief provided services through the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Aden to 562 patients in November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and help individuals who require prostheses.
The center also delivered 1,395 services, including the manufacturing, fitting, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, along with physical therapy and specialized consultations.
Also in Aden, a team of medical volunteers undertook an adult urology surgery campaign from Dec. 15 to 22, with the nine specialists performing 15 procedures on patients. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen
In Rzeszow, Poland, KSrelief volunteers fitted prosthetic limbs for 32 Ukrainian refugees between Dec. 8 to 15.
In Sudan’s Port Sudan, volunteers from KSrelief ran a pediatric surgical program and has successfully examined 15 children and performed seven successful surgeries so far.
‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
- Art, music and folklore to feature at Riyadh event until Dec. 31
- Over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists will be on display
RIYADH: The Kingdom launched the second “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday to celebrate the rich cultures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Organized by the Culture Ministry, “Common Ground” features a variety of activities including art, music and folklore.
The ministry invited residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”
The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.
The event includes a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, for his contribution to art and literature, which includes novels, plays, songs and screenplays.
The opening night featured songs by renowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir. And Thursday will have several seminars led by heritage experts.
There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists on display at the festival.
Meanwhile, in AlUla on Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for discussions on regional events.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
- Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.
By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.
The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.
Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, and Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Baha Gov. Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz met with Ambassaor of India to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan to discuss topics of mutual interest.
