World leaders laud Saudi king’s decision to elevate Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's appointment was welcomed by world leaders on Wednesday, including British Prime Minister Theresa May. (SPA)
Updated 22 June 2017
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World leaders laud Saudi king’s decision to elevate Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: World leaders have sent their congratulations to King Salman and newly appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The newly announced Crown Prince Mohammed, who also serves as defense minister and oversees a vast economic portfolio, had previously been second in line to the throne.

BRITAIN: Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I am pleased to welcome the appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the crown prince and deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia... Britain remains a firm supporter of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious reform agenda Vision 2030... I look forward to working with (Crown) Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deepen our close bilateral ties in the years ahead, building on the constructive meetings we had in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.”

ITALY: In a letter congratulating Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said: “This choice is a recognition of the great effort you have made throughout the years to enhance the importance and centrality of your country’s role in achieving delicate balances for the region. I am confident that you will show more ability to guide the process of development and transformation in the Kingdom through a better understanding of the ambitions and aspirations of the Saudi people.”

EGYPT: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi congratulated the new crown prince who expressed his thanks to El-Sisi, wishing the president and people of Egypt further progress and prosperity.

UAE: President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan sent congratulatory messages to the new crown prince.
KUWAIT: Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman over the elevation of Mohammed bin Salman to the position of crown prince.

QATAR: Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “wishing him success... for the good of the Kingdom under the wise leadership of King Salman ... and for more progress for brotherly relations between the two countries.”

YEMEN: President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, in his congratulatory cable, wished the new crown prince all the best in serving his country and achieving further progress and prosperity.

BAHRAIN: King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa congratulated King Salman on the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as the crown prince and deputy premier. King Hamad sent a congratulatory cable to the new crown prince, wishing him success. Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa also sent similar cables to King Salman and the new crown prince.

OMAN: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said congratulated Mohammed bin Salman over his elevation.

JORDAN: King Abdallah congratulated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and wished him success in serving his country under the leadership of King Salman.

TUNISIA: President Beji Caid Essebsi, in his congratulatory message to the new crown prince, voiced a desire to see relations further strengthened in the interests of the two countries.
PALESTINE: President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated King Salman for choosing Mohammed bin Salman as his new crown prince.

LEBANON: Prime Minister Saad Hariri congratulated the king over the elevation of Mohammed bin Salman as the crown prince.

PAKISTAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his appointment. He said he has great confidence in the Kingdom’s prospects under the leadership of the new crown prince. Sharif said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound together by a common faith, shared values and joint aspirations for the future of the Ummah.

DJIBOUTI: President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti congratulated King Salman for appointing Mohammed bin Salman as the Kingdom’s new crown prince.


Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

Updated 23 November 2024
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Busy bees: Asir’s local markets abuzz over Sidr honey season

  • Unique taste, aroma make it popular locally, internationally

RIYADH: The Asir region is currently in the midst of the Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees.

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sidr honey, which is renowned for its health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system.

The unique taste and aroma of the honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally, the SPA reported.

Beekeepers in Tihama Asir have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SR350 to SR500 ($93-133) per kg.

The region’s diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative improve practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.

By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey while contributing to the global market.


Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Reef Forum to focus on rural sustainability

  • Al-Ahsa event to promote communities’ role in economic growth

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will host the 1st International Forum for Saudi Reef in Al-Ahsa from Dec. 16-18, aiming to strengthen rural communities, and promote their role in driving sustainable development.

Maha Aldhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, said: “The forum is pivotal in advancing rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030. It will support rural communities, while contributing to global efforts and research on sustainable agriculture.”

Aldhahi said that the forum will unite regional and international experts to address the challenge of rural-to-urban migration, a widespread issue. To counter this, the forum will propose practical solutions to ensure rural areas remain economically viable, vibrant, and sustainable.

Additionally, it will explore innovations in agriculture and rural development, fostering economic growth and social cohesion through job creation and investment promotion, she added.

Aldhahi said that the forum builds on the Saudi Reef Program, recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as the world’s largest development initiative of its kind.

The program has supported over 77,000 agricultural projects, achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65 percent in vital sectors, and provided upskilling and career opportunities for rural communities.

Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Saudi Reef Program, said: “The program is a model of sustainable growth, addressing food security and job creation while preserving cultural heritage. By hosting this forum, we aim to attract global partnerships and exchange cutting-edge solutions for rural empowerment.”

Bakri added that the forum will feature dynamic discussions on key topics, including sustainable agricultural practices, rural entrepreneurship, and the role of modern technology in agriculture.

The three-day event will also include an exhibition showcasing unique rural practices, handicrafts, and the work of local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. It will highlight how traditional techniques integrate with modern innovations to create sustainable livelihoods.


Kingdom arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

Updated 23 November 2024
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Kingdom arrests 19,696 illegals in one week

  • A total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 19,696 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 11,336 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,176 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,184 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,547 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 32 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 71 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Updated 23 November 2024
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Gaza victims praise Saudi Arabia’s lifesaving humanitarian efforts

Riyadh: Palestinians in Gaza who received Saudi aid have expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its humanitarian support through aid agency KSrelief.

They likened the Saudi assistance to rain that quenches their thirst for hope, alleviates suffering and rekindles optimism amid immense challenges, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Samaher Eid Awkal, 47, said she struggled with health issues while living in Khan Younis with her blind mother in a basic tent. She thanked KSrelief for providing her family with a suitable tent, which has eased their hardship and restored hope.

A Gaza mother who endured freezing conditions with her children without shelter also expressed appreciation after receiving essential aid. She described the support as a source of joy and hope during difficult times.

Mahmoud Nabil Abu Alwan, displaced from Rafah to Mawasi in Khan Younis, thanked KSrelief after he received a new tent. He previously lived in a dilapidated tent borrowed from relatives amid shelling and harsh displacement conditions.


Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

Updated 23 November 2024
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Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra’s performance in Tokyo is “bridging cultural boundaries” as part of Vision 2030, the CEO of the Kingdom’s top music body has said.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, added that music has a “very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.

Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo has given people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures, and really to be in harmony,” Pacifico said.

“And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”

The program for the performance last night included traditional music directed by Saudi director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”

Pacifico said: “We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, and authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku.

“But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.

“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”

Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Japanese Imperial Orchestra performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar: The regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”

He hoped that Friday’s performance was not a one-off but the foundation of a rich and longstanding collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.

“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan