RIYADH: Officials from the EU and the GCC on Monday discussed ways to boost economic and political cooperation between the two groups in all fields, including regional and international efforts for security development and combating terrorism.
The meeting was held at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh between Michele Alliot-Marie, the visiting chairperson of the Committee on Relations with the Arab Peninsula in the European Parliament, and Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Riyadh-based Ambassador Michele Cervone d’ Urso, head of the EU Delegation in Saudi Arabia, was also present during the talks.
The meeting also discussed areas of joint cooperation and coordination between the two sides on some regional and international issues of common concern, in addition to political, security and humanitarian developments in the region.
Welcoming the EU delegation, Al-Zayani highlighted the active role played by EU countries in a number of regional and international issues, and the various initiatives it has made to bring peace and security to the Middle East region.
He also stressed the keenness of the GCC countries to strengthen and develop the strategic partnership and cooperation with the EU in all fields to ensure the security, stability and prosperity of the region
Aliot-Marie thanked the secretary-general and stressed the importance of the Gulf-European partnership to achieve security and stability in the region, and to face all regional challenges and changes, and combat the growing regional and international terrorism.
She also noted the need to take advantage of the economic opportunities available to the GCC in light of the ambitious national programs of these countries to serve the common interests of the two sides.
The EU delegate also met with Labor and Social Development Minister Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis, who reviewed programs and initiatives that aim to develop and regulate the labor market in the Kingdom.
Following a meeting with Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan, assistant speaker of Shoura Council, at the council’s headquarters, Alliot-Marie underlined the key role of the Kingdom in the region and commended the Neom project launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as it will achieve one of the goals of Vision 2030.
She said the NEOM project launched last week during the Future Investment Initiative forum had amply portrayed investment opportunities in the Kingdom with the available local resources.
Following her meeting with the Shoura official, Alliot-Marie said that bilateral relations between the European Parliament and the Kingdom are sustainable and important in the light of the challenges faced by the two bodies in security, as well as common economic challenges.
She said an effective dialogue between the two bodies could reap increased results for the betterment of the two countries.
Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin Mishari, chairman of the Fifth Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shoura Council, also held talks with Alliot-Marie.
He stressed the importance of the EU ties to the Kingdom and hoped that the relations between the consultative and legislative bodies would gain strength.
GCC-EU talks focus on combating terrorism
GCC-EU talks focus on combating terrorism
Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh
RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Farouk Tawfik in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The meeting marked the conclusion of Tawfik’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts during his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Greek Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos in Riyadh. The two men discussed bilateral relations and topics of common concern, said the Foreign Ministry on X.
Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky
- Two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it.
They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed.
Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah
- Exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims
- Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts”
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will feature, from Jan. 25 to May 25, the first public display outside Makkah of the whole Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”
Visitors can admire the intricate weaving and embroidery of the Kiswah, the cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, featuring silk, gold and silver threads.
Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.
The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.
Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.
The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
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.
