Saudi Arabia urges international action over Iran piracy

The cabinet considers Iranian seizure of British tanker a violation of international law. (File/AFP)
Updated 24 July 2019
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Saudi Arabia urges international action over Iran piracy

  • The Saudi remarks came after Britain called on Monday for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping
  • Britain has called Iran's tanker seizure an act of “state piracy”

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday called for international action to halt Iranian state piracy targeting commercial shipping in the Arabian Gulf.

“Any disruption of the freedom of international maritime traffic is a violation of international law and the international community must do what is necessary to reject it and deter it,” the Saudi Cabinet said.

The Saudi statement follows Iran’s seizure last week of a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces illegally boarded the Stena Impero and ordered it to divert to an Iranian port.

The tanker, which had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia, suddenly changed course after passing through the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf.

Britain has called the seizure an act of “state piracy.”

Iran continued to issue threats on Tuesday, warning that it kept a watch on all shipping in the Gulf.

“We observe all enemy ships, particularly America, point-by-point from their origin until the moment they enter the region,” said Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, head of Iran’s navy. Drones recorded images, he said. 

“We have complete images and a large archive of the daily and moment-by-moment traffic of the coalition forces and America.”

France, Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark support British plans for a European-led naval mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, their EU diplomats said on Tuesday. Spain, Sweden, Poland and Germany also showed interest.

The UK said the mission could be run by a joint Franco-British command and would not directly involve the EU, NATO or the US.

Iraq, which counts its bigger neighbor Iran and the US as its main allies, said on Tuesday Tehran had reassured it that there would be freedom of international maritime navigation in the Gulf.

Iran communicated this to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi during a visit by him to Tehran on Monday, the Iraqi oil ministry said in a statement.

“Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (gave) reassurances to the Iraqi delegation ... around guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz and respect for international law guaranteeing that,” the statement said.

Iraq has sought a mediation role to calm US-Iran tension in the region, fearing that any violent escalation between Washington and the Islamic Republic could play out on Iraqi soil, where both Iran-backed militias and US forces operate in close proximity.


Saudi FM pushes for regional stability at G7-Arab foreign ministers meeting

Updated 4 sec ago
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Saudi FM pushes for regional stability at G7-Arab foreign ministers meeting

 

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part in an expanded session of the second meeting between G7 foreign ministers and their counterparts from Arab nations on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting was hosted in Italy under the theme “Together for the Stability of the Middle East.”  

The session was held with the participation of Saudi officials and those from Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and addressed pressing regional and international challenges.

In his address, Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to address these challenges effectively.

He highlighted the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon, urging the international community to act immediately to secure a ceasefire, facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid, and progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution.

The minister also called for de-escalation in Lebanon, respect for its sovereignty, and renewed international efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan and alleviate the resulting human suffering.

The meeting was also attended by Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to Italy, SPA added.


Scientists awarded for sustainable water innovation at Saudi conference

Updated 25 November 2024
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Scientists awarded for sustainable water innovation at Saudi conference

  • Research aims to improve desalination efficiency
  • Makkah’s deputy emir in attendance

JEDDAH: Scientists were awarded prizes for their work in researching desalination and wastewater treatment technologies during an event in Jeddah on Monday.

The third edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference was attended by 480 experts, scientists, researchers, specialists and 40 leading organizations in the water sector, from 20 countries.

The grand prize — the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024 — went to Lee Nuang Sim from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University for his project “uncovering the power of centrifugal reverse osmosis,” and Sue Mecham, CEO of NALA Membranes, for her project “chlorine stable new membranes for sustainable desalination and wastewater treatment/reuse.”

Visitors attend the third Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference in Jeddah on Nov. 25, 2024. (Supplied)

Mecham, from North Carolina, US, spoke to Arab News after receiving her award, saying: “We are honored to be selected for the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. Our mission is to bring new membranes to market and reduce the cost and complexity of water purification.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Ghadeer Al-Balawi from the University of Tabuk was another one of this year’s prizewinners with her project “novel heterogeneous catalysts for improving wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Balawi told Arab News: “I am incredibly honored to be one of the recipients of the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. This recognition means so much to me. This project has been conducted at the University of Sheffield with hard work and dedication with the assistance of my supervisor, Dr. Marco Conte.”

The event’s opening ceremony was attended by Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishal and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, as well as other senior officials.

Following the opening, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, chairman of the Saudi Water Authority, said that the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting scientific and research innovation as a pillar for achieving water sustainability and security.

Through the conference, the SWA aims to share the impact of innovation in promoting the sustainable supply of water, according to SWA spokesperson Sultan Al-Rajhi.

“This conference discusses the latest global practices and innovative solutions in the water industry, with the participation of experts, scientists and specialists, who emphasize the pivotal role of innovation in accelerating the future prosperity of water and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for water and the environment,” he said.

The two-day conference will continue to feature discussions on more than 180 research papers, as well as a water hackathon organized by the Saudi Water Innovation Center.

 


PSC members visit Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh

Updated 25 November 2024
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PSC members visit Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh

  • The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC

RIYADH: Members of the EU’s Political and Security Committee, including its chair, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, and ambassadors of EU member states, paid an official visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

The delegation was accompanied by the European External Action Service Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa Helene Le Gal, and EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio.

The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC.

The two parties discussed matters of mutual interest and the need to increase joint efforts to tackle global challenges.

This included the situations in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, Gulf security and Iran, maritime security in the Red Sea region, Iraq, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The committee delegates and the GCC also agreed on strengthening the EU-GCC regional security cooperation.

The political dialogue constitutes an important step forward following the successful first EU-GCC Summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.


Winners of Arabic language prize honored

Updated 25 November 2024
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Winners of Arabic language prize honored

  • Final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes

RIYADH: The winners of the King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language were recently honored in Riyadh in individual and institutional categories.

The event, held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, focused on four main areas: Arabic language teaching and learning, Arabic language computing and services through modern technologies, Arabic language research and studies, and promoting linguistic awareness and community initiatives.

The total value of the awards for both categories amounted to SR1.6 million ($426,000), with each winner receiving SR200,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes.

The award honors those who excel in serving the Arabic language, recognizing their contributions to preserving linguistic identity, promoting Arab culture, fostering loyalty, and enhancing communication within the Arab community.


Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery

Updated 25 November 2024
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Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery

  • Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah
  • Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah

RIYADH: Twenty years after they were separated in a complex surgery in Riyadh, two Filipino twins have returned to the Saudi capital to celebrate the medical expertise that saved their lives.

Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah.

They were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital.

“After our separation, I gained a new appreciation for individuality and independence,” Princess Mae told the International Conference for Conjoined Twins on Monday.

Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital in 2004. (Screengrab)

The event is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, a global leader in the field.

She was speaking during a panel discussion titled “Exploring the Multifaceted Impacts of Separation: Conjoined Twins and Families.”

The unique story of the Manzo twins proved the central focus of the discussion.

They are now thriving as third-year students in their native Philippines.

“While we still cherish the unique bond we share, it is a balance of gratitude for our shared paths and excitement for forging our path,” said Princess Mae.

The panel invited experts and family members to discuss the medical and psychological challenges of separating conjoined twins, as well as the broader social, educational and emotional implications.

Princess Anne said that the separation deeply impacted her and Mae’s emotional well-being.

“It has made us more self-aware individually, helping us understand our limits by living life separately with different groups of friends, different schools and different workplaces.”

Dr. Gopal Mitra, global lead on disability and development at UNICEF, highlighted stigmas surrounding conjoined twins, warning that an “obsession with normalcy” often leads to harmful stereotypes and social exclusion for those who are perceived as different.

“Stigma arises when we assign attributes and characteristics to groups of people based on our perceptions of difference — how they look, move, behave, or communicate.”

Mitra added that when a mother gives birth to conjoined twins, the family already faces stress and strain.

Strategies to combat negative perceptions include community engagement, the training of frontline workers and role modeling, he said, adding: “Princess Mae and Princess Ann are wonderful role models.”

Mitra said that inclusive education is a foundation for addressing stigma: “Inclusive education respects individuality and tailors learning experiences to the unique needs of each child.”

Dr. Ahmed Bawaneh, deputy country representative at IMC Jordan, highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families throughout separation and recovery.

“The stigma doesn’t go away after the separation. It’s there before, during and after. It’s something the twins and their families have to grapple with for a long time,” he said.

“It is important that we don’t look at conjoined twins as just special cases.”

After separation, long-term rehabilitation poses another challenge, requiring sustained support from mental health professionals, Bawaneh added.

“We must focus on the stressors they face and provide holistic, integrated support that addresses their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The importance of integrated mental health services cannot be overstated.”

The panel discussion served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action.

“The support system that I had was very helpful during the separation and recovery was my family,” the Manzo twins’ mother said.

Her words served as a reminder that behind every medical milestone is a network of caregivers who provide emotional strength, practical assistance and unwavering love.

“Inclusive education and an inclusive society are not just ideals but necessities — because every child deserves the chance to flourish,” Mitra said.

Preparing professionals to address unique patients is crucial, said Bawaneh.

“We must remember that these children and their families are not defined by their circumstances — they are individuals with dreams, challenges and incredible resilience.”