Al-Jubeir: Saudi crown prince ‘did not order Khashoggi killing’

Adel Al-Jubeir told US media that no order was given to conduct the Khashoggi killing. (AFP)
Updated 08 February 2019
Follow

Al-Jubeir: Saudi crown prince ‘did not order Khashoggi killing’

  • Saudi Arabia late last year indicted 11 people for the killing at the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul
  • Minister says it was “preposterous” for other countries to think that they can dictate the handling of the case

WASHINGTON: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir said on Friday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not order the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

“We know that this was not an authorized operation. There was no order given to conduct this operation,” Al-Jubeir told members of the US media in Washington.

Al-Jubeir said he could not comment on a New York Times story on Thursday in which anonymous sources alleged the crown prince made a threat against Khashoggi in 2017.

Saudi Arabia late last year indicted 11 people for the killing at the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul in October. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against five of them.

The minister said it was “preposterous” for other countries to think that they can dictate what the Saudi leadership should do in handling the case.

He said the Saudi judiciary is committed to holding those involved in the killing of Khashoggi to account.

Al-Jubeir said he hoped the US Congress would take a step back and await the results of the investigation into Khashoggi’s death.

The Trump administration has said there is no direct evidence of the crown prince’s  involvement, and has stressed the vital importance of relations between Washington and Riyadh.

Al-Jubeir met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington late on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed the strategic partnership between the two countries as well as the latest regional developments.

Earlier, Al-Jubeir affirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to the objectives of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh in working together to combat terrorism and extremism.

“My country’s government will continue its fight against terrorism and its sponsoring countries, and pledges to support all international and regional efforts to eliminate terrorist organizations and the activities of destabilizing states in the region.”

The minister added: “We believe that our war against terrorism must include combating its funding and rhetoric that justifies violence and terrorism.”

 


Saudi Arabia to promote rural development at global trade fair

More than 1,600 global exhibitors will take part in IPM Essen from Jan. 28-31.
Updated 55 min 5 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia to promote rural development at global trade fair

  • Program’s assistant secretary-general for media and communication said participation aims to attract foreign investment and strengthen international cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will showcase its advances in agriculture and promote a range of local products at one of the world's leading horticulture trade fairs in Germany.

More than 1,600 global exhibitors will take part in IPM Essen from Jan. 28-31, with the Kingdom participating through its Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program.

The goal is to highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in advancing agriculture, supporting farmers, and promoting local rural products globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program will showcase its rural community development initiatives and support for small farmers, while emphasizing partnerships and collaboration with experts.

Majed Al-Buraikan, the program’s assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said that participation aims to attract foreign investment, strengthen international cooperation, and align with Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, improve food security, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s global agricultural standing.

The event offers an opportunity to explore innovations and solutions that could benefit small farmers in Saudi Arabia, Al-Buraikan added.

The Saudi pavilion will present its support programs, and distribute informational materials on subsidized sectors, including Saudi coffee, honey, and aromatic plants.

The fair will feature sustainable agricultural solutions, along with conferences and workshops addressing sector challenges and opportunities.


Saudi crown prince receives Italian PM in AlUla

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the winter camp in AlUla.
Updated 39 min 14 sec ago
Follow

Saudi crown prince receives Italian PM in AlUla

  • Two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the winter camp in AlUla on Sunday.

The two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways to support and enhance them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pictured at the winter camp in AlUla on Sunday. (SPA)

They also discussed regional and international developments and issues of common interest during the meeting. 

Later on Sunday, Prince Mohammed and Meloni signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership council between their governments.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pictured at the winter camp in AlUla on Sunday. (SPA)

Meloni arrived in the Kingdom on Saturday. 


Islamic leaders call for unity against extremism at Bangkok conference

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

Islamic leaders call for unity against extremism at Bangkok conference

RIYADH: Participants in Bangkok on Sunday at the third Khair Ummah conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stressed Islam’s foundation in worshipping Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, urging Muslims to promote moderation while contributing to progress.

In a final communique of the two-day event, which was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Thailand, participants called on scholars to uphold Islam’s tolerant values and address misinterpretations of religious discourse.

They highlighted the importance of following the path of the Prophet’s companions, combating extremism, and rejecting groups that misused religion for personal gain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Participants stressed the need to leverage modern media and technology to promote Islam, counter misinformation through research, and develop programs instilling Islamic values and tolerance in young people.

Participants at the event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Thailand, called on scholars to uphold Islam’s tolerant values and address misinterpretations of religious discourse. (SPA)

The conference focused on research papers by various scholars and aimed to strengthen communication among Islamic leaders and institutions to advance civilization.

Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh on Saturday emphasized that the conference aimed to strengthen Islamic unity and uphold Islamic identity through solidarity and adherence to the truth.

He said that scholars had a significant responsibility in light of global challenges and the intellectual, political, social, and security issues facing the world.

Al-Asheikh added: “This situation calls for a real response from scholars and researchers to clarify the right religious stance against sedition and to reinforce the core principles of the Islamic faith.”


Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

Umrah guests from 18 African nations visit Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

RIYADH: The third group of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Umrah and Visit toured several historical and religious sites in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

As part of a cultural program by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the visit aimed to enrich the cultural experience of visitors and Umrah performers in the holy city.

The group, consisting of 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries, visited the Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, learning about this historic turning point in Islam.

At Quba Mosque, the guests performed prayers and were briefed on its facilities and the ongoing expansion projects designed to increase capacity and enhance services for worshippers.

The guests also learned about the mosque’s historical and religious significance as the first mosque built after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Madinah.

Additionally, they toured the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah, where they explored the technical and administrative departments and learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an and its translation into multiple languages.

The visit also showcased the complex’s efforts in recording Qur’anic recitations, interpreting its meanings, advancing Qur’anic sciences, and supporting Islamic research and studies.

The guests were introduced to the complex’s written and audio publications, which aim to spread Islamic teachings worldwide. At the end of the tour, representatives of the complex presented copies of the Holy Qur’an to the guests.

This third group is part of a larger initiative to host 1,000 male and female pilgrims from 66 countries this year. After their visit to Madinah, the guests will travel to Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.


Saudi project clears 840 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

Saudi project clears 840 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 840 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 38 anti-tank mines, 800 unexploded ordnances and two explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 479,794 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.