Saudi Arabia’s King Salman: G20 sends global message of hope and reassurance

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman delivers his final remarks at the 15th annual G20 Leaders' Summit in Riyadh on November 22, 2020. (@g20org)
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Updated 24 November 2020
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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman: G20 sends global message of hope and reassurance

  • King Salman handed over the G20 presidency to Italy, which will chair next year’s summit
  • The king said that G20 countries have upheld their commitment to working together to confront the pandemic

LONDON: G20 countries have succeeded in sending a message of hope and reassurance to their citizens and the global community, King Salman said on Sunday.
In his closing remarks at the end of the two-day summit hosted virtually in Riyadh due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the king announced that the members of the 20 largest economies of the world had adopted the final communique. 
“We have succeeded in sending out a message of hope and reassurance to our citizens and all people around the world through the final communique of this leaders’ summit,” the king said.
The king said that G20 countries have upheld their commitment to working together to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and to safeguard lives and livelihoods.  
“We have adopted important policies that will achieve recovery all the way to an economy that is resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and balanced,” King Salman said.

“These policies will also maintain the momentum to make the global trade system work for all, and create the conditions to achieve sustainable growth.”
The king said G20 countries will work on laying the foundations to achieve opportunities for all through empowering people, safeguarding the planet and shaping new frontiers. 
“Our joint and individual actions will be critical in overcoming the immediate global challenge we are facing,” King Salman said.

King Salman said that although it was the first time that Saudi Arabia had held the presidency, the Kingdom was able “to rise to the challenge” amid the pandemic with the support of member countries. 
“Due to its unique stature regionally and internationally…the Kingdom will continue to play a key role within the G20 to achieve global cooperation and find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” the king said. 
The king handed over the G20 presidency to Italy, which will chair next year’s summit.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 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.


More than 400 foreign trucks face fines in KSA

Updated 23 March 2025
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More than 400 foreign trucks face fines in KSA

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority fined more than 400 foreign trucks in several regions of the Kingdom between March 16 and 21 for regulatory offenses.

The actions were part of the authority’s field campaigns on land transport activities aimed at enhancing compliance with regulations and laws, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which imposes a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

Repeat offenses incur escalating penalties: SR20,000 and 30 days for the second offense, SR40,000 and 60 days for the third, SR80,000 and 60 days for the fourth, and SR160,000 and 60 days for the fifth. Persistent offenders risk having their vehicles confiscated.

These nationwide campaigns enhance transport oversight, ensure fair competition, and support the national carrier, according to the SPA.

The authority has established four key regulations for foreign truck operations: obtaining an electronic transport document via “bayan.logisti.sa,” limiting transport to return journeys, complying with local carrier rules, and settling offenses before entry or exit.