Saudi, German foreign ministers discuss regional, global issues

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Berlin on Friday. (Photo/Twitter: @FaisalbinFarhan)
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Updated 21 February 2020
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Saudi, German foreign ministers discuss regional, global issues

  • The duo discussed the regional situation, in particular Iranian interventions in the Middle East, in Syria, Iraq and Yemen

BERLIN: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan met German Minister for Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas in Berlin on Friday.

During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed.

After the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference during which Prince Faisal described the relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany as historical and strong.

He stressed that there was close cooperation between the two countries in several fields, including economically and in terms of political consultation, and said he looked forward to intensifying this cooperation.

Prince Faisal condemned the twin shootings in the German city of Hanau on Thursday, emphasizing the Kingdom’s solidarity with Germany and the families of the victims, and expressing his grief over what happened.

He pointed out that his talks with his German counterpart were fruitful and constructive and focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them, in addition to developments in the Middle East.

“There is general agreement in views regarding the necessity of promoting peaceful solutions to resolve disputes,” he said. “We also discussed the situation in Yemen, and I explained the recent negative developments, including the missile attacks on civilian cities by the Houthis and their continuous military escalation, which indicates they are not serious about seeking a political solution to this crisis.

“We therefore encourage all international actors to stress the importance of supporting the (Saudi-led) coalition and the legitimate Yemeni government’s efforts to find a political solution,” he added.

Prince Faisal commended the international community’s stance towards the actions of the Houthi militias, and condemnation for the rebels’ prevention of aid reaching parts of Yemen.

He said that he discussed with Maas the regional situation, in particular Iranian interventions in the Middle East, in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

He reviewed the Kingdom’s position on the importance of continuing pressure on Iran until it heads in a peaceful direction, and avoids intervening in the affairs of its neighbors.

Prince Faisal hailed the efforts of the German government at the Berlin Conference regarding the crisis in Libya, emphasizing the Kingdom’s supportive stance for efforts aimed at resolving the situation.

“As I explained to my German counterpart, we are greatly concerned about Turkey sending Syrian fighters to northern Libya because this contributes to the continuing instability in that country and fuels the conflict. We will continue to support all efforts that seek a peaceful solution … to end that suffering, he said.”

Maas welcomed Prince Faisal and said that the talks covered several topics, including the Kingdom's hosting of the G20 summit, highlighting the areas of development in the Kingdom.

He said: “The talks touched on the most prominent issues in the region. We are concerned about the violations by Iran through its nuclear program; therefore, we focus in particular on negotiations and dialogue. We have also activated the conflict resolution mechanism to focus on that we are not convinced of these violations and want to increase pressure on Iran.”

On the Yemeni issue, Maas demanded an end to the escalation and a return to dialogue and a political solution under the supervision of the UN.

He also discussed Berlin's efforts to solve the Libyan crisis, stressing the importance of the Kingdom's support for Germany's efforts in this regard and highlighting its vital role in dealing with crises in the region.


King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

Updated 5 min 31 sec ago
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King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

  • Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.

King Abdulaziz University hosts NDF Governor at “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)

Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.

FASTFACT

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.

He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.

 


‘Eltiqa’ returns to Riyadh with Saudi and Brazilian arts

Updated 24 January 2025
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‘Eltiqa’ returns to Riyadh with Saudi and Brazilian arts

  • CONEXAO exhibition aims to foster cultural exchange between the Kingdom and Brazil

RIYADH: The Confluence of Saudi-Brazilian Culture, or CONEXAO, will be held in Riyadh from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, under the patronage of the Saudi minister of culture and chair of the board of trustees of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

The exhibition, to be held at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh under the theme “Eltiqa: the Saudi-Brazilian traditional arts,” will offer a unique cultural and artistic experience, highlighting the artistic harmony between the two nations.

Following the success of the inaugural “Eltiqa” event with South Korea in 2023, this second edition reaffirms the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts’ commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue.

The CONEXAO program will feature five traditional Saudi performances and five Brazilian performances, culminating in a blended dance that integrates traditional artistic elements from both nations.

Additionally, a collaborative artwork created by two female artists from Saudi Arabia and Brazil will be showcased.

The event will include over 15 cultural activities, such as workshops and educational sessions on performing and visual arts, aimed at enhancing cultural understanding and strengthening connections between the two cultures.

CONEXAO is part of the institute’s initiatives to promote artistic movement and international cultural exchange in the Kingdom.

It aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by creating new cultural platforms to raise awareness of traditional arts and supporting efforts to preserve and share them locally and globally.

 


AlUla’s vision based on strong partnerships, holistic development, says royal commission official

Updated 24 January 2025
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AlUla’s vision based on strong partnerships, holistic development, says royal commission official

  • Ben Hudson highlights pacts with global investors and nations
  • Plan includes $31.9bn contribution to Kingdom’s GDP by 2035

DAVOS: Taking a socially and economically responsible approach to development and working closely with committed partners is the key to fulfilling AlUla’s potential.

This is according to the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Chief Development and Construction Officer Ben Hudson, who spoke to Arab News at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.

Hudson also emphasized the commission’s commitment to cultural preservation in transforming AlUla into a global destination.

Hudson underscored the RCU’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform program. “(The) RCU is unlocking AlUla’s economic, investment, and touristic potential through comprehensive regeneration, integrated partnerships, and inclusive sustainable development.”

Highlighting the AlUla Sustainability Charter as a blueprint for the organization’s initiatives, he said the RCU was also focused on revitalizing the built environment, community empowerment, and light-touch tourism.

Citing the example of the Dar Tantora The House Hotel, he said this was tangible proof of its plan in action, where the blending of traditional materials with local expertise has created new socio-economic opportunities while preserving the cultural heritage of the area.

Hudson was keen to highlight the RCU’s plans to contribute SR120 billion ($31.9 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product by 2035, driven by sustainable tourism and investment.

Ben Hudson, Royal Commission for AlUla’s Chief Development and Construction Officer. (Supplied)

In Davos, Hudson said the RCU was looking to foster global partnerships to accelerate AlUla’s regeneration.

“We are building on AlUla’s position as an ancient crossroad of civilizations, transforming AlUla into the world’s largest living museum, and a place for our community to thrive, (and this) can only be achieved when we work together,” he said.

“Our first strategic partnership was established with France, almost at RCU’s inception. Since then, we’ve grown our network, establishing partnerships with China, Italy, the UK, and world-class partners from the US, among others.

“We continue to make progress in evolving our partnership portfolio by working with UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the World Bank, and many others,” he said.

These collaborations enable billions of dollars in private sector investment across hospitality, real estate, cultural conservation, and infrastructure.

Hudson emphasized the importance of co-investment, inviting partners to join in developing key infrastructure, such as power and water, and creating vibrant public spaces. “This gives our partners confidence and provides a platform for sustained engagement, be it with our community or across the business landscape,” he said.

Preserving AlUla’s rich cultural heritage remains central to the RCU’s mission. Hudson described the area as a “hidden gem,” now revealed to the world, with strategies in place to balance conservation with growth.

Collaboration with organizations including the International Council on Monuments and Sites has enabled the creation of Heritage Impact Assessments to protect cultural areas while facilitating new construction, he said.

“Our goals are shaped by community feedback, from the people who stand to benefit the most, whose culture and heritage make AlUla what it is,” he explained.

The RCU’s short-term goals focus on making AlUla a livable destination that embodies the Quality-of-Life Program of Vision 2030, by attracting investment, enhancing infrastructure, and creating opportunities for local and global stakeholders.

Looking to the future, Hudson said the RCU’s commitment was to “creating a destination built around a vibrant culture and ancient heritage —somewhere to live, work, invest, and grow.”


AlUla strengthens global presence with LeBron James, UIM E1 World Championship

Updated 24 January 2025
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AlUla strengthens global presence with LeBron James, UIM E1 World Championship

  • Team AlUla championed by LeBron James will take part in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF
  • Title partnership centers around AlUla’s ambition as a premier sports and adventure hub, dedication to supporting high-profile international events

ALULA: AlUla has strengthened its global sporting presence with LeBron James launching a new team in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF in the world’s first all-electric race boat championship.

Named after the ancient oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will compete in the 2025 E1 season, beginning with the E1 Jeddah GP on Jan. 24-25, and will be piloted by talented racers Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.

The partnership centers around AlUla’s ambition as a premier sports and adventure hub, and its dedication to supporting high-profile competitions and sportspeople across the world, a press release issued on Friday said.

Central to AlUla’s development as a destination is the enrichment of its local community — a commitment that closely aligns with LeBron James’ philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

The E1 all-electric race boat series is also in line with AlUla’s commitment to sustainability and comprehensive regeneration, evident in the city’s approach to holistic tourism, which manages visitor numbers, boosts environmental awareness and engages the community in conservation.

Core to its strategy is the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guarantees the preservation of the natural and historical integrity of the area amid ongoing development.

This commitment is highlighted by initiatives such as designating 50 percent of AlUla as nature reserve and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure.

Rami AlMoallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Our partnership with E1 and LeBron James marks a significant moment for AlUla, built on a shared commitment to conservation and community, spanning our desert landscapes to the world’s seas.”

“This collaboration highlights the deep interconnectedness of our environments and the power we all have to make a change. As a champion of regeneration and wildlife conservation, AlUla sees electric boat racing as an opportunity to redefine the future of sports and innovation and we are thrilled to be part of such a visionary partnership,” AlMoallim said.

As a growing heritage luxury boutique destination, and home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla has become known for blending history with innovation as it champions world-class home-grown sporting events such as Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, AlUla Trail Race, AlUla Tour and more.

Through AlUla’s partnership, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will visit iconic host cities such as Doha, Monaco and Miami, reinforcing its status as a premier global destination.


Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle $35m worth of captagon pills

Updated 24 January 2025
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle $35m worth of captagon pills

RIYADH: The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 1.4 million captagon pills into the Kingdom through the Jeddah Islamic Port.

According to the authority, the pills were found inside a shipment during customs procedures and live detection.

 

 

Coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control led to the arrest of the intended recipients of the seized items in the Kingdom.

Captagon, a type of amphetamine, is used predominantly by young men and teenage boys across the Middle East and has a street value of between $10 and $25 a pill, according to research by the International Journal of Addiction Research.

 

The Kingdom vs Captagon
Inside Saudi Arabia's war against the drug destroying lives across the Arab world
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