RIYADH: Saudi Arabia was recently treated to a showcase of South Korean culture, including food, music, games and entertainment.
The 2018 Korean Cultural Day, hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Jeddah in association with the Korean International School, aimed to raise awareness of the country and its culture among people in Saudi Arabia, while strengthening ties between the two countries.
Everything on show at the event was produced by young people in Saudi Arabia, from countries including the Kingdom, Egypt and Syria, with an interest in Korean culture.
In addition, the first K-pop (Korean pop music) and K-drama (television drama from Korea) fan clubs in the Kingdom took part in the event. Together they boast a total of 63 members, reflecting the growing international interest in Korean culture.
“This remarkable gathering has been designed to strengthen the mutual cultural understanding between our nations, and (showcase) Korea’s own traditional games, language, cuisine and music,” said Sang-Kyoun Lee, the consul general of the Republic of Korea.
He thanked all the young people who had contributed to the success of the event. The diplomat said: “Without your tireless, non-ending efforts, the great festival would not have been possible. Because of each and every one of you, we have now reached a remarkable milestone together. None of this could have been done without the commitment of the Saudi people, which has brought this event to fruition today.
“I hope that exposure to Korea’s unique culture will inspire the younger Saudi generations, intrigue them and encourage them to explore our rich culture through such initiatives as K-fan clubs, like the ones here today.
“Based on our history, Korea and Saudi Arabia have shared a strong partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Bound by common values of trust and prosperity, the two countries have become indispensable partners to each other’s future.”
Saudi Arabia and South Korea enjoy friendly ties.
Since the inception of bilateral relations, the two countries have witnessed a qualitative leap and great development in many fields, including politics, economy, education, culture, and health and many other fields.
Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs.
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
DiplomaticQuarter: Saudi Arabia, South Korea culture of sharing
- Korea offers residency programs for Saudi physicians and dentists. Currently, a total of 73 Saudi physicians and dentists have been enrolled in these training programs
Madinah leads Saudi organic aromatics market
- The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares
- Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant
RIYADH: Madinah has solidified its position as the Kingdom’s largest producer of organic aromatic plants, contributing 78 tonnes — 26.4 percent of the national total of 296 tonnes.
This reflects the region’s strong agricultural productivity and its key role in medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A recent report by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce detailed the national landscape, showing Qassim as the second-largest producer with 15.9 percent, followed by Riyadh with 14.9 percent and Jazan with 14.7 percent.
Together, these four regions account for approximately 72 percent of the Kingdom’s total organic medicinal and aromatic plant production, the SPA reported.
The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares, followed by Qassim with 36, Riyadh with 35, and Jazan with 34 hectares — underscoring strong regional competition in the sector.
Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant, valued for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor, according to the SPA.
Its cultivation is deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage and presents attractive investment opportunities at various scales.
Other aromatic plants grown in Madinah include basil, henna, and moringa.
The report also highlighted broader investment opportunities within the aromatic plant production sector.
Saudi FM heads high-level economic delegation on visit to Damascus
- Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa
- The high-level economic delegation includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment
DAMASCUS: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Saturday with an economic delegation on a visit to discuss ways to support Syria’s war-ravaged economy, authorities said.
The high-level economic delegation, which includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment, will hold a consultation session with their Syrian counterparts.
Syria and Saudi Arabia had previously discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sectors.
Saudi Arabia has been one of the most important regional supporters of Syria’s new authorities, who took over after ousting longtime ruler Bashar Assad in December after nearly 14 years of civil war.
On a visit to Riyadh earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he would lift US sanctions on Syria, a move that paves the way for economic recovery in the war-torn country.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani welcomed Prince Faisal, who is “heading a high-level delegation,” on arrival at Damascus airport, a Syria foreign ministry statement said.
The pair were scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon.
A Saudi foreign ministry statement said Prince Faisal would meet with interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and “the high-level economic delegation” would hold talks with Syrian officials about ways of cooperating “that contribute to supporting Syria’s economy and strengthen institution building.”
In February, Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia in his first trip abroad as president.
Last month, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, another key backer of the new authorities, announced they would settle Syria’s debt to the World Bank totaling roughly $15 million.
Damascus is hoping that the lifting of sanctions, particularly by the United States, will pave the way for support from the international community.
Years of war and sanctions have battered the country’s economy, infrastructure and industry.
A recent United Nations Development Programme report estimated Syria’s “lost GDP” during the 2011-2024 war to be around $800 billion.
Prince Faisal first visited Syria’s new authorities in January.
Kingdom extends aid to global communities
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,155 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Baidoa district, Bay region, benefiting 6,930 people.
KSrelief also signed an agreement with the International Wars and Disaster Victims’ Protection Association to operate the third phase of the dialysis center at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, benefiting 665 individuals.
In Yemen, the agency distributed 3,471 food packages to the neediest groups in Al-Madinah district, Marib governorate, benefiting 24,297 people.
KSrelief signed an agreement with a civil society organization to distribute 800 tonnes of dates in Chad. The $2 million initiative aims to support vulnerable families across several regions and is expected to benefit about 500,000 people.
The agency implemented the two-week Saudi Noor program in Burkina Faso to combat blindness and related diseases. KSrelief’s medical team examined 8,000 individuals, distributed 2,000 eyeglasses, provided medication to 3,886 patients, and performed 800 surgeries as part of the initiative.
Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.
Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 7,127 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,441 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,561 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,197 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 34 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board
- Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
- The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.
The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.
Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.
Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.
A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”
Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.
According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
