RIYADH: US President Donald Trump plans to push back on Iran and ensure its compliance with the nuclear deal, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said at a press conference, citing statements by senior American officials.
The Kingdom will work closely with its allies, particularly the US, to ensure Iran respects international law, Al-Jubeir added.
Saudi Arabia and the US agree on the need to eliminate Daesh and Al-Qaeda, and to deal with Iran’s regional meddling and promotion of terrorism in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, he said.
“We have seen Iran’s record of aggression increase not decrease” since the nuclear pact, Al-Jubeir said, citing the country’s support for “terrorism” and efforts to destabilise other countries.
“Saudi Arabia agrees with the US administration’s view in relation to the role of the United States in the world and in relation to uprooting terrorism,” he added, referring to Daesh and Al-Qaeda.
A Saudi-US Summit will be held Saturday, followed by a Gulf-US Summit and an Islamic-US Summit Sunday.
The summits will be held during Trump’s visit to the Kingdom, the first country he will visit as president.
The visit will have historic significance, said Al-Jubeir, as Trump is set to meet with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, other Gulf states, and Arab and Islamic countries during his time in the Kingdom.
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia this weekend will reinforce the partnership between Riyadh and Washington and boost their joint fight against Islamist militants, the foreign minister said.
The visit “will bolster the strategic partnership” between the US and Saudi Arabia, and open a new chapter in mutually beneficial cooperation between the Islamic world and the West, he said.
The two countries agree on the need to face regional problems, including in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, Al-Jubeir said, adding that Riyadh and Washington were discussing several “initiatives” related to arms sales, economic and security cooperation and tackling terrorism.
“Several agreements will be signed, whether political agreements... and big economic agreements,” he said.
He said relations started in the 1930s when US oil companies discovered oil in Saudi Arabia, and developed a military aspect in the 1950s, going from strength to strength ever since despite regional challenges over the decades such as radicalism, the Soviet threat and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia has more students studying in the US than in any other country in the world.
On counterterrorism, in 2010 the Kingdom helped foil terrorist bombings on US soil, and in 2011 the FBI prevented an assassination attempt on the Saudi ambassador.
“We share a very, very large amount of intelligence with the United States and vice versa,” Al-Jubeir said.
“We have had no hesitation about doing so, and we will not have any hesitation about continuing to do so.”
In 2016, bilateral trade reached $35 billion.
Trump to push back on Iran: Saudi FM
Trump to push back on Iran: Saudi FM
Jazan Education Department focuses on tennis
- A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies
JAZAN: The Jazan Education Department has launched an ambitious tennis program across its schools. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Sports for All Federation, targets both male and females.
The initiative aims to enhance school athletic programs, improve physical education standards, and introduce students to the importance of sports in developing their physical and mental capabilities, with a special focus on popularizing tennis among the student population.
A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies. These educators will spearhead the program’s initial implementation across 47 schools.
The program reflects the Saudi Ministry of Education’s strategy to transform school athletics while aiming to diversify sports offerings and uncover emerging athletic talent. It is also attempting to instill lifelong healthy habits among students.
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs attends Shariah conference in Nigeria
- The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs is participating in the 16th International Conference of Daaru-Na’im Academy for Shariah Science in Nigeria.
The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session. The conference runs from Jan. 1-3.
The conference began with a speech by Imran Abdul Majeed, the conference chairman and general supervisor of the academy, in which he praised Saudi Arabia’s role in sponsoring and participating in international conferences, in line with its leadership in Islamic work and keenness to spread the moderate approach of Islam.
The acting undersecretary at the ministry, Awad Al-Enezi, said in his speech that the Kingdom is keen to participate in these conferences, confirming its consistent approach in supporting Islamic work and dedication to the unity of Muslims.
He said the Kingdom is making great efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, fulfilling its mission of spreading Islam, peace, love and goodness and calling for unity and non-divisiveness.
Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts
- Registration open until Jan. 31
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a crafts hackathon to bring together creators and innovators from diverse fields.
The event aims to generate innovative solutions for various aspects of the handicrafts sector, including marketing, design and production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It aligns with the broader objectives of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
The Ministry of Culture annually celebrates a distinctive Saudi cultural element, highlighting and celebrating it through projects and events.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Handicrafts to solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life.
Registration for the hackathon is open until Jan. 31.
The selection of qualified participants will begin in early February, followed by a two-day training camp on Feb. 14-15.
It targets a diverse range of participants, including artisans, designers, developers and programmers. Teams must consist of at least three and no more than five members.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.
Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.
Saudi Foreign Minister meets with his Syrian counterpart
- Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday night
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in Syria.
Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while emphasizing efforts to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing its capabilities, and facilitating its reintegration into the Arab and Islamic worlds, SPA added.
Senior Saudi officials including Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and ambassadors Saud Al-Sati and Faisal Al-Majfal were also in attendance.
Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday, including Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab.
They were welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji.
This marks Al-Shibani's first foreign trip since the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
The visit comes after Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, praised Saudi Arabia's potential role in shaping Syria’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia launches air bridge to deliver urgent aid to Syria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched an air bridge to deliver essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the new leadership to rebuild the country after years of civil war.
Two planes carrying relief supplies landed at Damascus International Airport, Saudi aid agency KSrelief told Arab News.
The planes, which left from King Khalid International Airport, carried food, shelter and medical supplies, along with a KSrelief team to help address the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people, KSrelief said.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, said: “The air bridge launched on Wednesday will be followed by a land bridge in the coming days to provide urgent relief to the Syrian people.”
Al-Rabeeah said that the humanitarian initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide, reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to assisting nations in crisis.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support since the Syrian crisis began in 2011 and its significant role in international humanitarian efforts.
Al-Rabeeah said that, through KSrelief, Saudi Arabia has continuously provided aid to internally displaced Syrians, refugees in neighboring countries, and victims of the northern Syrian earthquake in February 2023.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
The first aircraft was received by Abdullah Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria; Mohammed Hazem Bakleh, president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent; and several media representatives.
Al-Harees emphasized that this assistance is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the crisis in Syria.
Bakleh expressed deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian aid, noting that the relief will be distributed to those in need in all Syrian territories, without discrimination.
