Arab and Muslim nations, organizations commend Saudi Arabia’s decrees on Khashoggi case

Saudi Arabia has admitted that Khashoggi, a prominent journalist, died in a fight inside its Istanbul consulate and dismissed five officials over the incident. (SPA)
Updated 31 October 2018
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Arab and Muslim nations, organizations commend Saudi Arabia’s decrees on Khashoggi case

  • UAE, Egypt and Bahrain issued statements commending Saudi Arabia's royal decrees
  • Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, said the king’s decisions “achieve justice and equality”

JEDDAH: Gulf Arab allies have backed the royal decrees issued Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Saturday involving the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates hailed the directives and decisions of King Salman, following the unfortunate incident that killed Khashoggi, reported to the official state news agency WAM.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commended the for his great and keen attention in this matter.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its leadership, was and still is a state of institutions based on justice and equity.

The royal decisions and actions taken after the investigation in this case reaffirm these values ​​and established principles to ensure the application of law and justice,” he added.
Egypt

Egypt praised what it called the "decisive" and "brave" actions taken by the king.
"Egypt sees that the brave and decisive decisions and actions taken by the Saudi King over this matter align with his majesty's approach that respects the principles of law and applications of effective justice," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It also offered its condolences to Khashoggi's family and said it was confident the investigation would reveal the truth. 

Bahrain

Bahrain praised King Salman's interest to establish justice and fairness and his endeavors to disclose the facts, both impartially and objectively, are reflected in the wise directives and royal decisions issued in relation to the Khashoggi case.
"Saudi Arabia was and will remain the state of justice, values ​​and principles that guarantee the application of law to all without exception," a statement issued on Saudi Press Agency said.
Bahrain stressed that Saudi Arabia, with its high regional and international standing and its great assets and noble contributions, will continue to be the basis of security and stability in the region and the world. 
It reaffirmed its "strong solidarity with the Kingdom in all its positions and actions to all that harms its security, sovereignty and stability."

Palestine

Palestine commended King Salman's decisions to affirm justice and fairness.

The statement also stressed that Saudi Arabia, under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will remain the state of justice, values and principles.

Yemen

Yemen’s legitimate government praised the results of preliminary investigations conducted by Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution into Khashoggi's death , and praised decisions made by King Salman in relation to the investigation.

In a statement published by Yemen’s state news agency Saba New, the Yemeni government said that the findings of Saudi Arabia’s investigation in the Khashoggi case and the arrests that were made reflect the keenness of judicial institutions to ensure the safety of the Kingdom's citizens inside the country and abroad.

Jordan

Jordan said that it stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the steps it has taken regarding the case of Khashoggi. The Jordanian government added that the measures taken by Saudi Arabia are essential for achieving justice.

Djibouti

Djibouti praised King Salman's decisions and said they are proof that Saudi Arabia is a nation of values, principles, and justice.

Oman

 Oman welcomed on Sunday Saudi Arabia's decisions "on the regrettable incident" that led to the death of Khashoggi, the state news agency ONA reported.
"The sultanate welcome decisions taken by the kingdom in this regard, insists on the importance to allow justice to take its course, away from any interpretation," ONA said, quoting a statement from the Gulf state's foreign ministry. 

Kuwait

Kuwait welcomes decisions by Saudi king with regards to Khashoggi case, according to a Kuwaiti foreign ministry source to KUNA.

Lebanon

 Lebanon's premier-designate Saad Hariri threw his support behind Saudi Arabia Tuesday over the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its Istanbul consulate.
"The measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the case of journalist Jamal Khashoggi... come within the framework that serves the path of justice and the disclosure of the whole truth," a statement from his office quoted him as saying.

Arab and Muslim Organizations

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) affirmed that, since the beginning of its establishment that was based on justice, Saudi Arabia does not hesitate in implementing its provisions. King Salman Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to bring all those who violate it to justice.
The organization’s secretary-general, Dr. Yousuf Al-Othaimeen, praised the transparency with which the Saudi Arabian government dealt with the disappearance of the Saudi journalist, which issued decisive decisions on Friday, including the arrest of 18 persons involved in this case following the initial investigations of the Attorney General.
The Kingdom confirmed the protection of its citizens and said it will not give up their rights. 
Moreover from the beginning of Khashoggi’s disappearance, the Kingdom stressed that it will reveal the truth and will apply justice to all those involved, which is already underway.
At the same time, Al-Othaimeen stressed that it is not possible to jump to conclusions in these investigations until it is officially concluded. 
All 18 detainees are still accused and have not been found guilty by the judiciary. 
He said: “The Saudi judiciary, which has integrity and independence, will issue fair judgments, and it is not appropriate to prejudge decisions made by the judiciary.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani lauded the latest measurements taken by the Kingdom.
In a statement, Al-Zayani called the measurements as asserting the firmness as well as the wisdom of the Kingdom's leadership, by clearly prioritizing facts before world public opinion and by pursuing investigations in such a sorrowful and grave case and holding those involved accountable.

Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, on Saturday said the king’s decisions on the death of Khashoggi “achieve justice and equality in accordance with Islamic law”, according to a statement on state news agency SPA.


Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

Updated 53 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon

  • Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss outcomes from recent high-level summits and meetings.

Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday and the crown prince’s engagements with leaders from various countries.

The cabinet praised the summit’s outcomes and welcomed its signing of the Tripartite Mechanism Document to Support Palestine, a joint initiative by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission.

The cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people as they face the severe humanitarian effects of the ongoing Israeli military action. It called on countries around the world to join an international coalition advocating for the two-state solution — a plan initiated this year by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the European Union and Norway.

During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on his recent discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump.

The minister of media announced that the cabinet expressed its appreciation for the Kingdom’s Arab Week at UNESCO initiative, hosted at UN headquarters in Paris, for enhancing cultural dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities.

On domestic matters, council members commended the reception of the Saudi medical team that accomplished the world’s first complete robotic heart transplant. 

It also celebrated the success of the Beban 24 Forum’s 10th edition in Riyadh, which produced agreements and initiatives exceeding SR35.4 billion ($9.42 billion) aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and enhancing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national gross domestic product.


Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Updated 12 sec ago
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Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

  • The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14

RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.

They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.

“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (Supplied)

Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in Saudi Arabia. “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.

Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.

“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”

HIGHLIGHT

Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.

Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.

The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy and open to the world.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)

“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.

Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.

With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.

The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.

 


Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

Updated 5 min 53 sec ago
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Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi

  • Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report

RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 18th periodic meeting of the Speakers of the Shoura Councils, Houses of Representatives, and National Assemblies of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report.

The Kingdom’s delegation included Secretary-General of the Shoura Council Mohammed Dakhil Al-Mutiri and members of the Shoura Council Fadel bin Saad Al-Buainain and Dr. Arwa bint Obaid Al-Rashid, among others.

 

 


Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

Updated 12 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China

  • Kingdom’s defense industry aims to forge global partnerships at Zhuhai event
  • Defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030

RIYADH: Military products and the achievements of both government bodies and national companies are highlighted at the Saudi pavilion at this year’s China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

Airshow China 2024, one of the world’s largest aviation expos, started in Zhuhai on Tuesday and will run until Nov. 17.

The Saudi pavilion features military products, particularly in aviation, and turns the spotlight on national companies that work in military industries. It also underscores efforts to boost national manufacturing capabilities and the aim of localizing over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.

Launching events at the pavilion was the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Al-Ohali, who was joined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and the Saudi ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi. Other officials, international investors and aviation and aerospace decision-makers were also present.

Al-Ohali said: “This strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations.

“Our participation also seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom’s message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector.”

The defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, with a $9 billion addition to non-oil revenues. This will generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.

The Saudi pavilion features government bodies such as the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, as well as public national companies such as the National Company for Mechanical Systems, Saudi Wakeb Company for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Milestone Aviation, and Homat Al-Watan Co.

The General Authority for Military Industries works closely with partners and government bodies to empower national and international companies in the military industry, enhance the defense sector’s potential, and create investment opportunities.

It also focuses on localizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies to support Saudi economic growth and strengthen defense and security independence.


‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

Updated 12 November 2024
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‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

  • The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, it is also taking significant strides toward environmental stewardship.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is organizing the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Technologies’ second annual “Greening Arabia” event, which will run from Dec. 2-13.
The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, featuring participation from government bodies, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and leading experts from around the globe.
Attendees will include prominent local and international companies specializing in cutting-edge afforestation technologies, making it a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in combating desertification and drought.
IEFAT is a pivotal platform for discovering new environmental, economic, and knowledge-based opportunities.
The forum fosters strategic partnerships that can drive impactful change by bringing together diverse stakeholders — from environmental and renewable energy industries to sustainable enterprises and non-profits.
“Greening Arabia” aims to harness advanced technologies to enhance afforestation in arid environments and rehabilitate degraded lands.
The event will encourage participation in the Saudi Green Initiative, empowering local and international communities to embrace afforestation as a vital practice. It will also showcase innovative tools and methodologies, giving specialized companies the chance to present their groundbreaking products and projects.
Participants will engage in discussions on best practices in environmental economics, creating a shared vision for a sustainable future. The forum will identify investment opportunities in greening technologies and vegetation cover.
The COP16 president, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come.”
He made his statement at the “Road to Riyadh” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 27.
“It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources,” added Al-Fadley.
He noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 reflects its commitment to both domestic and international environmental preservation and restoration, highlighting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative.