FaceOf: Abdul Aziz Al-Awaisheq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC

Al-Awaisheq is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world
Updated 09 June 2018
Follow

FaceOf: Abdul Aziz Al-Awaisheq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC

  • is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world

Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdul Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg met the British Deputy Chief of Mission in Saudi Arabia Richard Wildash in Riyadh at the GCC headquarters on Thursday.

The two parties discussed the partnership between Britain and Saudi Arabia in 2016 at the British Gulf Summit, going over phases of implementation and the advances achieved. 

Aluwaisheg explained the importance of the strategic partnerships between them, and that Saudi Arabia wishes to fortify these relations.

Aluwaisheg was appointed as assistant secretary-general in November 2011, responsible for coordinating the GCC’s foreign policy in regional and international matters. 

He is also in charge of overseeing the GCC’s relations with the outside world by implementing conventions and programs, as well as strategic cooperation, international and regional partnerships, economic negotiations and organizational cooperation.

He studied economics at New York University, law at Columbia University and political economy at the New School in New York, providing him with the grounding needed to handle his roles at the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Aluwaisheg worked as economist specialist at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for the UN in New York for 18 years. 

He also served as the director of the Department of Economic Integration and Studies at the General Secretariat of the GCC from 1999 to 2009, and then as director general of International Economic Relations from 2009 to 2011.


Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

Updated 08 April 2025
Follow

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.


Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA's ongoing support for Palestinians

Updated 3 sec ago
Follow

Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA's ongoing support for Palestinians

  • The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.

The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.

Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.

 


RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

Updated 08 April 2025
Follow

RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

  • US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
  • Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities

RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.

The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.

The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.

The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.


Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

Updated 08 April 2025
Follow

Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

  • Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
  • Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.

The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.

This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.

Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.

Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.

On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.


Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Updated 08 April 2025
Follow

Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

  • Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
  • Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.

This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.