RIYADH: On the heels of the Saudi-American strategic dialogue, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stressed her country’s support to the Kingdom in facing the Iranian, Houthi aggression and said that Saudi Arabia “absolutely” has the right to defend itself.
During a phone interview with Arab News, Ortagus described the Saudi-American relationship as “strategic, sophisticated and bipartisan” regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election.
Regarding critics who question US arms sales to the Kingdom, Ortagus said that deals have been happening “under Republican and Democratic administration for some time,” adding that both this administration, as well as previous ones, supported them.
Having lived in Saudi Arabia almost a decade ago while working under former President Barack Obama, she remembers those deals well.
“We know that Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf are on the front line of Iranian aggression,” she said. “That’s why we have sought to bolster and strengthen our allies to stand up to the aggression from Iran.”
Expressing concern over the abandoned and decaying oil tanker, the Safer, that has been moored near Ras Issa oil terminal on the shores of the Red Sea for more than five years, she said: “The leaking and immobile oil storage vessel Safer is a time bomb in the Red Sea, and if it ruptures, it will devastate the Red Sea ecosystem — killing its marine life and its treasured environmental heritage and depriving the people who rely on the Red Sea of their livelihoods.
“The Houthis have politicized the tanker by continually imposing conditions before they will grant access to UN officials who need to board the Safer and do the work necessary to prevent massive environmental damage throughout the region. We call for an end to the delays and for the UN experts to be granted access so that they can assess the vessel and begin repairs.”
Following the strategic dialogue which took place on Oct. 14, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a $1 billion investment for a new embassy in Riyadh and two consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. “This shows our commitment to Saudi Arabia,” said Ortagus.
The relationship between the two countries has spanned 75 years, “we think about it in terms of the past, present and future.”
She termed the relationship as “strong but certainly not without its challenges.”
Ortagus added: “We have faced enormous challenges and moments of very trying times. But, when we start to look forward toward the future, it is important that the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia is a bipartisan relationship as it has always been.
“The relationship is certainly based on more than military, security, and oil.”
She said: “It has become a much more sophisticated trade relationship and very, very close people ties.
“We look at the next 75 years as something that can be fruitful and positive and certainly support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan for the country.”
She underlined the US support for the upcoming G20 virtual summit which Saudi Arabia is hosting virtually due to the pandemic.
“I know we are all disappointed that we won’t be in Saudi Arabia for that meeting, but we will be working together quite closely,” Ortagus added.
Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
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Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus
- US State Department spokesperson stresses support against Iran
- Ortagus tells Arab News relationship with Saudi Arabia “is bipartisan”
Saudi leadership congratulates Kuwait on success of 26th Gulf Cup
- The 26th Arabian Gulf Cup ended on Saturday with Bahrain defeating Oman 2-1 in the final in Kuwait City
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to the emir of Kuwait for his country’s success in organizing the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The 26th Arabian Gulf Cup ended on Saturday with Bahrain defeating Oman 2-1 in the final in Kuwait City.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent similar cables of congratulations to Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, wishing the country continued progress and prosperity.
Saudi Arabia gifts 100 tonnes of dates to Pakistan
- Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki presented the gift to the Pakistani side on behalf of KSrelief
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered 100 tonnes of dates as a gift from the Kingdom to Pakistan.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki presented the gift to the Pakistani side on behalf of KSrelief at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Malki thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their humanitarian efforts and support to countries worldwide.
The director general of the military wing of Pakistan’s Cabinet Division, Brig. Alamgeer Ayub, also expressed thanks and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the gift.
He said that it reflects the deep and enduring fraternal ties between the two countries.
Ayub highlighted that the Kingdom has consistently supported the Pakistani people during times of crisis.
Heritage Commission, Motoko Katakura Foundation sign MoU to preserve desert culture in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese Motoko Katakura Foundation for Desert Culture in Riyadh on Sunday.
Jasser bin Sulaiman Al-Harbash, CEO of the Heritage Commission, and Hiroshi Nawata, chairman of the Motoko Katakura Foundation, agreed to collaborate in the cultural heritage sector.
The Japanese foundation is named after Motoko Katakura, an anthropologist who studied Bedouin communities in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region.
The MoU seeks to enhance research on cultural heritage, covering both tangible and intangible aspects, such as traditions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Motoko Katakura Foundation will hold seminars about its work preserving the desert culture and the archeological sites of Al-Dafi Port and Mardouma in the area of Jubail, eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Heritage Commission will also benefit from the Japanese experience in research and documentation, involving local communities to preserve heritage and showcase the richness of Saudi desert culture, SPA added.
Saudi project clears 1,151 Houthi mines in Yemen
- The total included 32 anti-tank mines, 1,115 unexploded ordnances and four explosive devices, according to a recent report
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,151 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 32 anti-tank mines, 1,115 unexploded ordnances and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 477,583 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.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.
The allure of Al-Qahar: Adventure awaits in Jazan’s rugged terrain
- Region is distinguished destination for nature enthusiasts
RIYADH: The Al-Qahar Mountains, located in the Al-Raith Governorate in the northeastern part of Jazan, are a stunning testament to nature’s beauty, the area’s rich history, and the allure of adventure.
The mountains are among the Kingdom’s most prominent natural landmarks, rising over 2,000 meters above sea level, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They are part of the Sarawat range, which stretches along the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Al-Qahar Mountains, a distinguished destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts, are characterized by their unique terrain, including high rocky peaks and deep valleys such as Wadi Lajab. The latter offers a panoramic scene in which vertical rock formations meet flowing water, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Jazan region is adorned with seasonal vegetation, including juniper and acacia trees, which enhance its exceptional beauty, particularly during the rainy season, the SPA added.
Al-Qahar Mountains also host ancient rock carvings that reflect the civilizations that once inhabited the area. Studies suggest that the mountains served as a significant trade route for caravans in the past, underscoring their economic and social importance.
The name Al-Qahar, which means dominance, is attributed to the rugged nature of the terrain, which has inspired local residents to create stories and legends passed down through generations.
The authorities in Jazan have implemented comprehensive development and service projects in the Al-Raith Governorate, providing promising investment opportunities in the tourism sector to harness the area’s natural and historic assets.
This development is not limited to Al-Raith but extends to all governorates in the region to support and enhance the infrastructure of the tourism industry.
The tourist attractions of Al-Qahar Mountains captivate both local residents and visitors throughout the year.
According to Ahmad Al-Wabrani, these main attractions include Wadi Lajab, hanging gardens, and massive caves that appeal to adventure and camping enthusiasts.
Faisal Al-Raithi has highlighted the strong bond between locals and the Al-Qahar Mountains, praising the efforts of the Heritage Commission in documenting rock carvings and developing the area.
Al-Qahar Mountains stand amid untouched nature, offering a vibrant natural landscape and serving as a testament to the region’s history and culture.
Visitors can enjoy the region’s natural splendor and embark on unforgettable adventures in a serene atmosphere boasting awe-inspiring views that captivate the heart.
