RIYADH: Iran continues to fund terrorist militias to incite violence in the region, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Friday.
“The region has been unstable for some time and the main source of that instability is Iran and Iran’s continuing activity in the region and its continuing focus on exporting its revolution on making sure that it continues to be able to manipulate governments in various countries,” said Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Speaking at the Mediterranean Dialogues Forum held in Rome, the Saudi minister said Iranian interference can be seen from Lebanon to Syria, from Yemen to Iraq, where Tehrain continues to fund militias and “use violence to try and further their political agendas, including attacking diplomatic missions.”
Prince Faisal also said that “we see Iran having a hand in terrorist plots throughout Europe and other places.”
He also said that the Kingdom does not support assassinations, adding that they are “not part of our policy,” referring to the recent killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist linked to Tehran’s nuclear program, who died in hospital after he was gunned down in his car near the Iranian capital.
The foreign minister said the Kingdom supports dialogue between the US and Iran and has always been in favor of that.
“The Trump administration was open to dialogue with Iran, and it was Iran that closed the door to that dialogue,” he said, adding “we will be open to real dialogue in the future that addresses significant issues of concern,” including nuclear non-proliferation, use of ballistic missiles and “most importantly its destabilizing activities.”
He also said the without addressing Iran’s malign role, its funding of armed groups and terrorist organizations in the region and its “attempts to impose its will by force on other states, we are not going to have progress.”
On Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the US President-elect Joe Biden, Prince Faisal said: “I think we will have a positive engagement, there will not always be a full alignment and there will be areas of disagreement, this has always been the case and it’s the case between any two partners.
“But through discussion, dialogue and engagement we will find common ground and work together because in the end we are both committed to the same things,” he said, adding that these include commitment to a secure and stable region, a global community that works together toward multilateralism and respect for national sovereignty.
He said the Biden administration “will find that we have taken a very proactive, positive approach to Yemen by announcing a unilateral cease-fire sometime ago, we have engaged with them through the UN representative very strongly to try and facilitate a permanent declaration of cease-fire from all parties.”
However, he said that the Iran-backed Houthi militia have been reluctant to sign and have put “unacceptable demands which the government of Yemen has not been able to accept.”
The internationally recognized government in Yemen has been battling the Houthis since 2014 in what the United Nations says is one of the biggest humanitarian crises, with over 24 million people – around 80 percent of the population — in need of assistance.
“We are fully committed in Yemen to a political resolution to the conflict and we will work happily and very hard with the incoming (Biden) administration to make that happen,” he said.
While, on the issue of peace in the Middle East, the Saudi foreign minister said that the Kingdom supports a just peace agreement that gives the Palestinians an independent state.
Asked about the Abraham accords, which was an agreement signed by the UAE and Bahrain officially establishing diplomatic relations, the Saudi minister said that they were important steps toward a potential stable region.
“That did help take annexation off the table and they set the groundwork for potential engagement and we can see them as steps in the right direction, provided that we can now use those agreements as well, as a stepping stone to renew engagement between the Palestinians and Israelis, and work toward settling back a dispute that is fair and equitable to the Palestinians and delivers a sovereign state,” he said.
Addressing domestic issues, Prince Faisal referred to many reforms, including women’s rights and the youth.
“Youth and women empowerment are a key focus of Vision 2030 and giving them access to not just the labor market, which we have seen great success in women’s participation in the private sector that has increased by something like 300% over the last five years, and other very significant developments,” he said.
“We continue to work through our laws and legislations to ensure that we have a system that is comparable to any in the world and that is a key focus, because in order for us to empower our youth, they need to have a legal framework environment where they can act in a way that really opens up their potential,” he added.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the Kingdom into an economic and tourist hub, diversify investment opportunities and develop various public and private sectors in an effort to reduce its dependency on oil.
“That reform program remains on track and despite COVID-19 stifling it, we have refocused our attention and energy on the need to move that agenda forward and that includes opening up various sectors of the economy, whether it’s culture, entertainment, sports — all these areas that contribute to a diverse society and economy.”
Iran still a destabilizing influence in Middle East, Saudi Arabia committed to regional peace: Prince Faisal
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Iran still a destabilizing influence in Middle East, Saudi Arabia committed to regional peace: Prince Faisal
- ‘Region has been unstable for some time and main source is Iran,’ FM
- Faisal bin Farhan says Kingdom has always been in favor, supports US-Iran dialogue
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Qatar for official visit
DOHA: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Doha on Tuesday on an official visit to Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the visit, Prince Faisal is scheduled to head the Saudi delegation at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.
The foreign minister was met on arrival by the Secretary-General of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, and Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, Saudi ambassador to Qatar.
Jeddah conference explores future of media under Vision 2030
- Event convenes more than 140 researchers, policymakers and industry leaders
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah launched a Digital Communication Conference on Tuesday with the theme “Communication: Media and Beyond,” under the patronage of Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz.
The three-day event convenes more than 140 researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from 56 universities, other institutions and professional organizations from 13 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A highlight was the inaugural session, “Government Communication in Crises,” led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, assistant minister of health and the ministry’s official spokesperson.
Drawing on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 pandemic response, he emphasized the critical role of transparent, timely communication to guide public opinion, counter misinformation, and build societal trust through verified data and audience-tailored messaging.
He detailed strategies such as pre-emptive rumor management, multi-platform engagement via press conferences, social media and government apps, and the importance of simplifying technical information for diverse demographics.
The conference features 13 sessions, with an exhibition titled “Journey of Impact” that displays digital communication milestones, advisory meetings, a postgraduate research march and interactive workshops.
Topics span cutting-edge trends, including content creation driven by artificial intelligence, user experience design for immersive digital platforms, podcast production techniques, and advanced data analytics for public opinion mapping.
Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the president of KAU, highlighted the university’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure and global partnerships to advance sustainable development.
He said that KAU initiatives, including smart campus projects and collaborations between industry and academia, empower students to lead in fields critical to Vision 2030, such as AI, cybersecurity and media technology.
He noted KAU’s role in community-driven projects, including digital literacy campaigns and tech incubators supporting Saudi youth.
Ayman Bajnaid, dean of the College of Communication and Media, framed the conference as a transformative platform for redefining media education globally.
He added that there is a demand for professionals adept at merging technological agility with ethical responsibility, and that this event bridges theoretical knowledge and practical innovation to support graduates.
Strategic partnerships with global tech companies, media outlets, and government bodies underpin KAU’s impact initiative, which seeks to cultivate a generation of innovators capable of addressing challenges such as digital disinformation and cybersecurity threats.
Saudi, Italian officials highlight growing economic ties at ongoing talks
- Talks will solidify strategic pacts, says ambassador Prince Faisal
- Officials from both nations optimistic about cementing relations
MILAN: Government and business officials from Saudi Arabia and Italy are continuing talks, which began on Monday and ends on April 30, to cement economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
On Monday, Milan hosted the Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Lombardy.
Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, said that over 300 companies wanted to participate, signaling considerable enthusiasm for collaboration.
However, the organizers were only able to accommodate 150 companies, according to Al-Munajjed.
High-profile attendees included Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Italy Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who underscored the significance of the visit to Italy.
Prince Faisal told Arab News the talks “reinforce” the commitment to advance the strategic partnerships signed previously by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“The Saudi-Italian Business Council events in Milan and Turin lay the groundwork for future cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, renewable resources, and other strategic sectors.
“This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Italy’s industrial agenda, fostering long-lasting partnerships and new synergies,” said Prince Faisal.
Valerio de Molli, CEO and managing partner of The European House - Ambrosetti & TEHA Group, a leading management consulting firm in Italy, said there was significant potential for joint business ventures.
De Molli said that considerable expertise can be provided by his firm which organizes over 850 events annually, involving thousands of experts and entrepreneurs.
Members of Saudi Arabia’s delegation also expressed optimism about the talks.
Sultan Al-Mousa, a Saudi Arabia author and angel investor, said: “What I liked the most was the networking after we finished the forum itself. Everything was amazing.”
He added that he was looking for partnerships with Italian companies.
An Italian government official, Giorgio Silli, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs and international cooperation, thanked the Saudi-Italian Business Council for organizing the forum.
Silli said it was a “valuable platform for generating dialogue between our business communities.”
He said these meetings were “very important” on all levels and that commerce was the “glue” which connects the two countries.
“I am really in love with the Saudi culture. And I really think that together we can look to the future in a complementary way without forgetting who we are, which is our story.”
Saudi Arabia welcomes first Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah, Madinah
- Flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and India start the annual pilgrimage season
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser received the first group of Hajj pilgrims on Tuesday at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The flight, carrying 396 pilgrims from Dhaka, Bangladesh, was one of several scheduled to arrive at Jeddah airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Al-Jasser said: “Six main airports have been allocated to serve the pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.”
He said flights will continue until the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, supported by an integrated system of services to ease pilgrims’ journeys from arrival to departure, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques and worshippers.
In another flight from Bangladesh, 414 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah airport and were received by Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia M. Delwar Hossain and officials from both countries.
The envoy extended his best wishes to the arriving Hajj pilgrims and assured them that the Bangladesh Embassy, consulate, and Hajj mission are always available to support them if needed.
The pilgrims expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and efficient arrangements at the airport. A total of 87,100 people from Bangladesh are expected to perform Hajj this year.
The first flight carrying 442 beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative from Islamabad, Pakistan, arrived in Madinah on Tuesday.
More than 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel under the government’s scheme during Pakistan’s 33-day Hajj flight operation.
Pilgrims will travel to Makkah and Madinah on 342 flights, with the last departing Pakistan on May 31.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki bid farewell to the pilgrims at the airport.
Yousaf advised Pakistani pilgrims to strictly adhere to Saudi Arabia’s laws and respect the local culture during the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
“As Hajj pilgrims, you are traveling to the sacred land as the guests of Allah and ambassadors of Pakistan, and you are urged to respect the laws and culture of Saudi Arabia,” the minister said in a televised address as he bid farewell to the pilgrims.
Yousaf said he would “soon” travel to Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements.
“I will take every possible measure to resolve the issues faced by Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and will personally be among them to provide facilities,” he added.
Yousaf said the government was pushing to extend the Makkah Route Initiative facilities to more Pakistani cities in the future.
Yousaf said each pilgrim was provided a mobile SIM card that contains an application, which can be used to guide pilgrims with directions in case they lose their way in Mina.
Meanwhile, the second Hajj flight of the day left from Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, carrying 150 pilgrims to Madinah via AirSial airline.
Six flights are scheduled to depart from Pakistan for the Kingdom on Tuesday: two from Lahore and one each from Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Multan.
This year’s annual pilgrimage will take place in June, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under the government scheme and more than 23,620 Pakistanis expected to perform Hajj through private tour operators.
From Malaysia, the first group of Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims arrived in Madinah on Tuesday from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from participating countries. It includes completing all travel procedures in the pilgrims’ home countries, such as issuing electronic visas, confirming health status, and finalizing passport control at the departure airport.
Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to each pilgrim’s transport and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom.
Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah, and their luggage is delivered directly to their accommodation.
The Makkah Route Initiative is a Ministry of Interior program implemented in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and other government entities.
The first group of Indian Hajj pilgrims also arrived in Madinah on Tuesday, when 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad were received by officials who greeted them with flowers and souvenirs.
Entry procedures were completed efficiently and smoothly, thanks to the coordinated efforts of various entities operating at the airport.
All relevant authorities have launched their operational plans to ensure the pilgrims’' smooth arrival and transfer to their accommodation in Madinah, reflecting the Kingdom’s strong commitment to facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease.
Saudi Arabia slams Israel’s actions in Gaza at ICJ
- Tel Aviv ‘continues to ignore’ International Court of Justice rulings, says Kingdom’s representative
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza at the International Court of Justice on Tuesday, accusing it of defying international rulings and committing severe human rights violations.
Speaking before the court, the Kingdom’s representative, Mohamed Saud Alnasser, said Israel “continues to ignore the court’s orders,” and insisted that “there is no justification for Israel’s violations in Gaza.”
Alnasser added that “Israel has turned Gaza into a pile of rubble,” highlighting the widespread devastation and suffering inflicted on civilians.
His remarks came on the second day of the ICJ’s hearings into Israel’s humanitarian obligations toward Palestinians, held amid a total Israeli blockade on aid to the Gaza Strip that has lasted over 50 days.
The hearings are a part of broader efforts to assess whether Israel has complied with international legal responsibilities in its conduct during the war on Gaza.
