RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir stressed the deep and strategic relations between the Kingdom and the United States and the shared mutual interests in several fields, particularly security, military, commercial, social, and educational fields.
Al-Jubeir was speaking at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Riyadh, stressing that the bilateral meetings that were held within the framework of his visit to the Middle East, were positive, constructive, and fruitful.
During the meeting, the pair reviewed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them in all fields. They also discussed the challenges in the region, including the situations in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, as well as Iran’s negative interventions in the region, the crisis in Yemen, supporting the five countries in the African Sahel Region, and ways of dealing with the Libyan crisis.
The Saudi Foreign Minister said the meetings highlighted the two sides “identical viewpoints” regarding several issues and the desire to intensify mutual efforts to to “enhance Iran’s Nuclear Deal” and tackle the issues of the region.
“We look forward to working with the Secretary of State in the future for the interests of the two friendly countries,” said Al-Jubeir.
Regarding Iran, Minister Al-Jubeir noted: “We said in the past that the Kingdom supports the policy of President Donald Trump and the efforts to improve the Iranian nuclear agreement, and we believe that it must have a limit to the quantity of uranium enrichment, it should be eliminated permanently and we believe monitoring Iran’s nuclear sites must be intensified.”
He added: “We believe that the Iranian problem must be dealt with by imposing further sanctions on Iran for violating international resolutions on ballistic missiles, supporting terrorism and for intervening in the affairs of the countries of the region.”
For his part, Pompeo stressed the Kingdom is a key partner and long-time friend of the US and their bilateral partnership is growing to serve the common interests.
The US official thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous hospitality, saying: “I have had the opportunity to work closely with Saudi Arabian leaders for years, and I look forward to the constructive work as United States Secretary of State.”
The Secretary of State praised the outcomes of the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to the US the last month, his welcome by Trump and his meetings with many administration’s leaders.
During his visit to Riyadh, which is the first leg of a Middle East tour, and talks with Mohammed bin Salman, Pompeo said topics related to Iran, Syria, and Yemen were discussed, as well as relations with Gulf countries.
He said the “Saudi Arabia’s security is a priority for the US and we will continue to work closely with our Saudi partners to counter threats to this country’s security.”
“That, of course, starts with Iran. Iran destabilizes this entire region. It supports proxy militias and terrorist groups. It arms – it is an arms dealer to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Iran conducts cyberhacking campaigns. It supports the murderous Assad regime as well,” he added.
Pompeo also said: “Unlike the prior administration, we will not neglect the vast scope of Iran’s terrorism. It is indeed the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we are determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon. The Iran deal in its current form does not provide that assurance.
“We will continue to work with our European allies to fix that deal, but if a deal cannot be reached, the President has said that he will leave that deal,” he stated.
Pompeo went on to say that the nuclear agreement has failed to moderate the regime’s conduct in many other areas, noting that “Iran has only behaved worse since the deal was approved,” as it has been supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen by providing military equipment, training and funding.
He described this as a violation of Iran’s commitments to the UN Security Council resolutions, also referring to the Houthi’s continued targeting of the Kingdom and the navigation routes in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles. However, he insisted a political solution was the only way to advance long-term stability in Yemen and end the suffering.
The Secretary of State also said there was an agreement to support the efforts of the new UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and push for a lasting political solution to end the civil war and address the deteriorating security situation, pointing out that Al-Qaeda and Daesh took advantage of the long political and security vacuum left by this conflict.
He said: “The visit of President Trump to Saudi Arabia was historic. He attended the opening of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (ETIDAL),” indicating that Muslim-majority countries should head the fight against extremism and violence.
“If we’re going to conquer extremism and defeat the forces of terrorism together, I know that Saudi Arabia will be at the front of it. We all must honestly confront the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires,” he declared.
He stressed his country’s readiness to stand with the Kingdom in its pursuit of common interests and bilateral security, noting that Vision 2030 and the reform agenda were inspiring initiatives that promote tolerance, respect, economic development and women empowerment.
Concluding, Pompeo stressed strong US support for promoting common economic and security interests and emphasized the necessity of Gulf unity to ensure regional security.
On Friday at a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, the first stop on his trip, Pompeo repeated Trump’s pledge to withdraw from the Iran deal unless it is significantly strengthened. He said the US was “unlikely” to stay in if that was not done.
“Absent a substantial fix, absent overcoming the shortcomings, the flaws of the deal, he is unlikely to stay in that deal past this May,” Pompeo said.
Also looming over the trip is uncertainty over Trump’s policy on Syria, which has shifted between a speedy all-out withdrawal of American forces and leaving a lasting footprint to deter Iran from completing a land bridge from Tehran to Beirut.
Pompeo also is taking a leading role in President Donald Trump’s preparations for an expected summit in May or early June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo, while en route to Israel, was asked whether a US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal would complicate negotiations
“I don’t think Kim Jung Un is staring at the Iran deal and saying, ‘Oh goodness, if they get out of that deal, I won’t talk to the Americans anymore. There are higher priorities, things he is more concerned about than whether the Americans stay” in the accord, Pompeo said.
Saudi Arabia, US share ‘identical views’ on regional issues — Saudi FM
Saudi Arabia, US share ‘identical views’ on regional issues — Saudi FM
- Saudi Arabia stresses the deep and strategic relations with the US and the shared mutual interests in several fields
- The meetings highlighted the common views between the two sides in several issues and the desire to intensify joint efforts to tackle the issues in the region
KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian activities continue with the delivery of food and medical services in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen.
At the Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency deployed a convoy of 30 trucks loaded with 10,560 shelter bags filled with essential supplies allocated for the Palestinian people, and to be distributed through the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.
In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief clinics provided medical services to 2,483 refugee patients. The internal medicine specialists treated 122 patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma; pediatricians received 285 children, while the emergency medical doctors treated 253 patients, among others.
In Hadhramaut governorate of Yemen, KSrelief delivered a new batch of hemodialysis solutions and supplies to the Fatima Babtain Center for kidney failure patients in Sayoun.
Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season
- Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.
Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.
Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.
A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.
Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.
Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.
“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.
Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”
According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.
Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.
Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.
How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa
- Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
- The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.
Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.
In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.
“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”
The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.
These MoUs also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.
To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.
This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.
According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.
The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.
Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”
On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”
African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.
These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.
She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.
Saudi Arabia has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.
“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”
One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.
Opinion
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Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.
Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.
And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.
Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.
“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.
Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.
To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.
“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.
This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
Saudi aid agency expands orphan support in Jordan
- The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief
AMMAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed its latest round of monthly stipends to orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families across Jordan’s regions of Karak, Tafila, Maan and Aqaba.
Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.
Beneficiaries are selected from both local Jordanian communities and Syrian refugee populations, ensuring aid reaches those most in need.
The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief.
40 scouts finish the Wood Badge advanced course
- The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips
RIYADH: Forty scouts from various sectors of the Saudi Arabian Boy Scout Association completed the Wood Badge advanced course, with an average of 27 hours of training in theoretical and practical aspects.
The course, organized by Masar Development Association in Al-Ahsa, included working on the role, responsibilities, duties and needs of the scout unit leader and methods and means for training boys, as well as leadership concepts, patterns and theories.
It also covered public relations, scouting and boys’ development, problem-solving methods, youth participation in decision-making, planning methods, tools and techniques, the concept, styles and theories of scouting, protection from harm, and resource development.
The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips, including methods for navigation, setting up tents, secret signs, codes, map drawing, estimations, outdoor cooking, organized hiking, and report writing.
