MOSCOW: Saudi Arabia and Russia are influential and pivotal countries who can work together to address regional issues, the Saudi Ambassador to Russia said on Wednesday on the eve of King Salman’s landmark visit to Russia.
“Surely this visit will give a great push to the development of relations between the two countries in all fields,” Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi said. “It is, no doubt, a very important visit, since it is the first by a Saudi king in the history of relations between the two countries that go back many decades.”
The visit was historic in both form and content, Al-Rassi said, and its timing gave it even more importance, amid unprecedented improvements in bilateral relations after visits by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Russia, and the agreements that emerged during these visits. 
The ambassador said regional and international issues would certainly feature in talks between King Salman and the Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It is natural for leaders of influential and pivotal countries such the Kingdom and Russia to confer, and this will definitely help find solutions for the crises that some regional countries have been facing for the past few years.
“It is in line with the role of the Kingdom, and its incessant efforts, in cooperating and consulting with all parties in order to serve peace and achieve stability and security, especially in a vital and important region such as the Middle East.”
Saudi Arabia and Russia have mutual interests in energy and other sectors, and are the world’s biggest oil producers. Cooperation in this area served the interests of both countries, Al-Rassi said.
“However, cooperation is not limited to a bilateral framework, but rather to a larger framework. And I would like to point here to the historical cooperation between the two countries when they signed the agreement to reduce oil production in late 2016.
“It is no secret that reaching that agreement was due to the vital role played by the leaderships of the Kingdom and Russia. And despite the importance of the oil sector, our cooperation is comprehensively in parallel on all tracks, and we discuss all aspects that may benefit both parties.
“There are many programs and future plans, including a partnership with Russian companies in opportunities that Vision 2030 may offer. We can feel the great interest of Russian businesses to enter the Saudi market, and we urge them to benefit from the chances offered by Vision 2030 to strengthen our partnership.”
The two countries were also serious and committed to the promotion of economic, trade and other relations, Al-Rossi said. “There are clear mechanisms and work teams following up issues in many areas, and their mission is to find the best ways to improve relations. If technical problems arise during the implementation of this or that project, they will be dealt with by these work teams through these mechanisms.
“Work is progressing in parallel on all tracks, and we pay special attention to cultural and educational cooperation because these aspects have special importance in enhancing communication, strengthening relations, and helping both parties understand each other’s culture, especially on the popular level.
“This is exactly what we are working on through the expansion of mutual cultural, literary and educational events, or through communication between official institutions in the two countries.
“And in this respect, I would like to point to the Saudi cultural days organized by the Kingdom during the visit of King Salman to Russia. We will continue our efforts in this direction.”
Two ‘influential and pivotal nations’ can address regional crises: Saudi Ambassador to Russia
Two ‘influential and pivotal nations’ can address regional crises: Saudi Ambassador to Russia
Saudi Cycling Federation signs strategic partnership with global cycle powerhouse
- Collaboration with GreenEdge Cycling hailed as milestone in development of the sport in the Kingdom
- Partnership aims to provide male and female athletes with pathway to international success
RASHID: The Saudi Cycling Federation has signed a strategic partnership agreement with GreenEdge Cycling that will transform the sport in the Kingdom by raising technical standards, and developing both male and female athletes.
The agreement includes technical support based on GreenEdge’s global expertise and capabilities, Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
In an important step in the development of cycling in the Kingdom, the partnership aims to enhance athletes’ skills and abilities, striving to achieve professional technical standards and notable accomplishments in international arenas.
SACF President Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani said that the partnership with GreenEdge Cycling reflects the federation’s aim of strengthening international collaborations and expanding growth opportunities.
He described it as a milestone in transforming cycling in Saudi Arabia into a competitive and sustainable sport with a strong technical presence on the global stage.
Al-Shahrani also expressed gratitude for the support extended to the sports sector by the Saudi leadership and the follow-up by Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who is committed to advancing Saudi clubs and national teams across all sports.
With over 180 competitors across four different teams — men and women’s UCI WorldTour Teams plus men and women’s UCI Continental teams — GreenEdge Cycling has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer the Saudi federation.
The partnership will create a new system and pathway for the federation to grow into a world-leading and results-based organization, a statement by GreenEdge Cycling said.
Commenting on partnership, Brent Copeland, GreenEdge Cycling general manager, said: “We are happy to share the news of this partnership with the Saudi Cycling Federation. There’s a lot of untouched talent within the Kingdom and we are delighted to be involved with and support their development. Providing the Saudi Cycling Federation with access to our extensive resource pool, we are confident that we can help make a real impact and assist in the growth of cycling within the nation.
“Already through our naming rights partner, AlUla, we have had the opportunity to make a change and support with the development of talent, with the likes of Moroj Adil, the first female Saudi rider to join a UCI Continental Team, as she races with our Liv AlUla Jayco Continental team setup. It is inspiring for all involved as we look ahead and to helping future generations,” he added.
Saudi Arabia takes leading role in Helsinki ICRC donor summit
- The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has joined the International Committee of the Red Cross donor support group during a high-level summit in Helsinki, while simultaneously taking charge of a global peace-building initiative.
The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri, and Geneva-based humanitarian affairs chief at Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Shatha Al-Ahmadi.
ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted Saudi Arabia’s status within the humanitarian community, describing the Kingdom as “not only a donor state, but a trusted and vital political partner for the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
Spoljaric specifically commended Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions to the global initiative designed to strengthen political commitment to international humanitarian law, positioning the Kingdom as a key driver of humanitarian policy development.
The Saudi delegation expressed appreciation to both the ICRC and Finnish government for organizing the summit, saying the Kingdom’s membership reflected its commitment to humanitarian work: “Our participation reflects an unwavering dedication to humanitarian action, rooted in our firm belief in the international community’s collective duty to assist conflict victims and deliver humanitarian aid.”
The delegation emphasized its full recognition of the ICRC’s unique mandate and exceptional position among humanitarian organizations, reaffirming Saudi support for maintaining its independence and neutrality.
The Kingdom has assumed leadership of the global initiative’s third operational track, which addresses the intersection of international humanitarian law and peace-building efforts.
Saudi delegates stressed the need for peaceful conflict resolution, political dialogue enhancement and diplomatic engagement between nations to foster mutual respect and create pathways toward lasting reconciliation and sustainable peace building.
The summit concluded with a ceremonial leadership transfer from Finland to the UK within the donor group structure.
Saudi representatives congratulated their British counterparts, expressing their enthusiasm for enhanced collaboration with the incoming leadership and all international partners to advance multilateral humanitarian system development.
Saudi FM holds calls with regional and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions
- Calls came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday held a series of phone calls with regional and international counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the two sides reviewed the recent Israeli strike on Iran, its regional repercussions, and stressed the importance of de-escalation and safeguarding regional security, SPA added.
Prince Faisal also spoke with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, with discussions also focused on the latest developments in the region and their wider implications.
He held similar discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. They also focused on the Israeli attack on Iran, which they said constituted an escalation that threatened the security and stability of the region.
In a separate call, the Saudi minister discussed regional and international issues of common interest with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension
- Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals.
Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.
Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes.
In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: “In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport.
“This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.”
After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures.
Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe.
Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: “Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We’re being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We’ll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.”
Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: “After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time.
“If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,” he said, adding: “The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.”
Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights.
Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice.
Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.
Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments
LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met in London with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday to discuss ties and regional developments, the foreign ministry announced.
The meeting touched on areas of joint cooperation and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges, the ministry added.
Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, was also present.
The talks come ahead of next week’s Saudi-French conference on Palestine in New York, where international officials will seek to revive momentum for a two-state solution and outline steps toward Palestinian statehood.
