RIYADH: King Salman thanked US President Donald Trump and leaders of Arab and Islamic countries who participated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consultative meeting, the GCC-US Summit and the Arab-Islamic-American Summit hosted by Riyadh.
Addressing a regular Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, the king said the summits embodied the keenness of participating countries to face various challenges and achieve peace, security and stability.
The historic agreement signed by the GCC countries with the US, and the establishment in Riyadh of a center for combating terrorism, came as an extension of efforts exerted against terrorism, he added.
The aim of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) is to spread moderation and immunize families and communities from extremism, he said.
Talks with Trump and between high-ranking Saudi and US officials, discussion of the latest regional and global developments, and the signing of a joint strategic vision and of trade and investment deals worth $280 billion represent a turning point in bilateral ties, the king said.
The Cabinet said the hosting of the summits reflected the respect enjoyed by the Kingdom internationally, its keenness to bolster cooperation with friendly countries, and its leading role in facing terrorism and boosting peace, security and stability regionally and globally.
The Cabinet thanked King Salman for his address at the Arab-Islamic-American Summit, and noted Trump’s keenness to strengthen ties with the Arab and Islamic worlds.
It recalled the king’s stress on the responsibility of Arab and Islamic countries to join hands against evil and extremism, in line with Islamic teachings based on peace and moderation.
The Cabinet lauded his call for efforts to eradicate terrorism, achieve peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, find a solution to the Syrian crisis, and stop the exploitation of Islam as a means to instigate hatred, extremism, terrorism, and religious and sectarian conflicts, as Tehran, its affiliates and other terrorist organizations are doing.
The launch of Etidal embodies the Kingdom’s major and continued efforts against terrorism, the Cabinet said.
It thanked Trump for stressing the need to eradicate terrorism and dry up its sources, form new partnerships for regional and global peace and prosperity, and an alliance of countries against extremism.
The Cabinet expressed appreciated for the Riyadh Declaration, which was issued at the end of the Arab-Islamic-American Summit, notably the parts calling for close partnership between the US, Arab and Islamic countries against extremism and terrorism, bolstering cooperation and coexistence between faiths and cultures, countering sectarian agendas and interference in countries’ internal affairs, and enhancing joint action against piracy.
Locally, the Cabinet was briefed on preparations by different government sectors to serve Umrah pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan.
The Cabinet condemned the attack on a security patrol in Al-Masoura district, Qatif province, which resulted in the martyrdom of a soldier and the injury of five security men.
It lauded the announcement by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) on the establishment of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), which the Cabinet said will allow the Kingdom to localize 50 percent of the government’s military spending by 2030.
It thanked King Salman for his directives for a quick response to combat and contain cholera in Yemen, and to protect the Yemeni people from the disease.
The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation between the Saudi and Japanese governments on implementing Vision 2030.
It approved two MoUs on cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The Cabinet authorized the education minister, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Sweden an MoU on scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries’ education ministries.
The Cabinet authorized the minister of labor and social development, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Azerbaijan an MoU between the Saudi and Azeri labor ministries.
It authorized the minister of energy, industry and natural resources, or whomever he authorizes, to discuss with Sweden an MoU on scientific and technical cooperation between the two governments.
The Cabinet assigned the Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) to undertake the organization of water and sewage services, and approved the name-change of the Irrigation and Sewage Authority in Ahsa to the Public Authority of Irrigation.
Riyadh summits embodied keenness to achieve security, stability, says King Salman
Riyadh summits embodied keenness to achieve security, stability, says King Salman
Deal to enhance heritage conservation in AlUla, China
- Agreement unites expertise in cultural preservation and tourism growth
RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cultural, tourism and heritage collaborations between Saudi Arabia and China.
This partnership marks a key milestone in Saudi Arabia-China relations, combining the academy’s 80 years of expertise in heritage research and cultural conservation with the commission’s dedication to preserving AlUla’s cultural heritage.
The academy manages the Magao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 735 Buddhist caves in Gansu province, famous for their murals and sculptures that reflect Silk Road cultural influences.
The agreement unites the organizations as guardians of unique heritage, history and traditions, according to a recent press release.
The academy’s successful preservation of the Magao Grottoes has earned praise from UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Chinese government.
Both entities will collaborate on a conservation program for historic sites and artifacts in AlUla and western China. They will also organize academic exhibitions and exchange programs for staff and scholars.
Silvia Barbone, vice president of strategic partnerships at the commission, said that China and Saudi Arabia share a rich legacy that has connected people and places across vast distances and centuries.
“Today, our work in global heritage is strengthened by successful collaborations with leading institutions and destinations.”
Barbone added that the academy joins the commission in “our goal to establish northwest Arabia as a hub for research, exploration, and discovery in culture, heritage, tourism, and more, as we drive the regeneration of AlUla.”
The partnership follows the Saudi Travel Expo, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority, where AlUla was prominently featured. The event, held in Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden in October 2024, highlighted AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.
Su Bomin, director of Dunhuang Academy, said this collaboration was a significant step in “bridging our cultural histories and advancing heritage conservation efforts.
“By sharing our expertise and resources, we aim to foster cultural exchange, deepen mutual understanding, and create innovative programs that will benefit communities in both China and Saudi Arabia.”
In January 2024, the “AlUla, Wonder of Arabia” exhibition, featuring artifacts from the commission’s archaeological collection on public display for the first time, was hosted at Beijing’s Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Attracting over 220,000 visitors, the exhibition followed the signing of a partnership agreement between the commission and the Cultural Heritage Administration of China’s Henan province.
Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief
- Prince Faisal meets Philippe Lazzarini in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received separate phone calls from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday.
He discussed recent developments in the Middle East with his Spanish and British counterparts, and efforts to address them.
The Saudi foreign minister also met the chief of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Philippe Lazzarini, in Riyadh. They discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cooperate with UNRWA on projects benefiting the Palestinian people.
Saudi leadership offers condolences to Chinese president for earthquake victims
- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China, leaving more than 120 people dead and over 100 injured
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences in separate messages to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the victims of the earthquake that hit Dingri County in the Xizang Region of southwest China.
The Saudi leadership extended heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the Chinese president and the families of those who died in the natural disaster, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
On Tuesday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China, leaving more than 120 people dead and over 100 injured.
Citrus festival shows agricultural diversity, economic potential in Najran
- The festival is a vibrant platform for displaying Najran’s agricultural potential
RIYADH: The 14th Najran National Citrus Festival highlights the region’s agricultural investment and marketing diversity, which offers economic returns for farmers and investors alike, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival at King Abdulaziz Park walkway in Najran is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the region.
Participants including farmers, agricultural experts and investors showed innovative solutions and highlighted the region’s robust citrus production.
Hamad Al-Dakman, the director of the agricultural prevention and guidance department at the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development, Estidamah, in an interview with SPA emphasized the center’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
By selecting optimal plant seeds and trees, the center aims to enhance citrus production efficiency while advancing water and energy conservation technologies, Al-Dakman said.
He noted the importance of knowledge transfer and partnerships in supporting the agricultural sector, aligning with the Kingdom’s food-security goals.
Similarly, Najran Association Green’s chairman, Raf’an Al-Amer underscored the association’s efforts to expand vegetation cover, having planted more than 60,000 trees in the past four years.
Plans are underway to plant an additional 500,000 trees by 2027 in collaboration with government and private entities, contributing to the Kingdom’s Green Vision, Al-Amer said.
Farmers and investors were enthusiastic about the festival.
Farmer Ibrahim Saleh Al-Sinan praised the event for addressing farmers’ needs, marketing their products, and allowing visitors to sample and purchase citrus fruits directly.
Agricultural investor Abdullah Fahd Al-Waili highlighted the region’s favorable conditions for citrus farming, including fertile soil, a suitable climate and water availability.
Al-Waili, whose farm in Khbash covers 4 million sq. meters with more than 50,000 citrus trees, noted the economic viability of agricultural investment in the region.
The festival is a vibrant platform for displaying Najran’s agricultural potential, supporting farmers, and driving sustainable agricultural development.
Saudi fund commits $80m for cancer care expansion in Turkmenistan
- The agreement reflects the Saudi fund’s commitment to supporting developing countries overcome obstacles to progress
RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad signed an $80 million development loan agreement with Rahimberdi Jepbarov, chairman of the Turkmenistan State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs.
The financing supports a project to improve tumor treatment services and establish cancer treatment centers in Turkmenistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Ambassador to Turkmenistan Said Osman Suwaid attended the event.
The project will enhance healthcare by building and equipping three specialized cancer treatment centers with up to 500 medical beds in different regions.
The centers will feature advanced medical equipment to improve healthcare quality, SPA added.
The agreement reflects the Saudi fund’s commitment to supporting developing countries overcome obstacles to progress.
It underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development and ensuring lasting prosperity, SPA reported.
During his visit to Turkmenistan, Al-Marshad also met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to discuss strengthening development cooperation in various sectors.
Meanwhile, the Saudi fund’s Deputy CEO Faisal Al-Qahtani participated in the inauguration of the Busaiteen Bridge, part of the Bahrain Northern Road Project.
The $250 million project, funded through a grant from the Saudi government, aims to ease traffic congestion and boost investment and economic opportunities in Bahrain.
Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa attended the event.
The project is a vital part of Bahrain’s transportation infrastructure, with the Saudi fund collaborating closely with the Ministry of Works for its successful completion.
The Saudi fund’s partnership with Bahrain spans 48 years, during which it has financed 30 projects in sectors like energy, transportation, and social infrastructure. These initiatives have contributed to Bahrain’s sustainable development and economic growth.
