Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister discusses Iran’s nuclear program with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Vienna

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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of the UNODC Ghada Waly. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visits Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visits Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visits Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi in Vienna. (SPA)
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Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha),meets UNODC Regional Director for the GCC Dr. Hatem Ali. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visits Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders. (SPA)
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Updated 22 June 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister discusses Iran’s nuclear program with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Vienna

  • Saudi foreign minister holds talks with UNODC executive director in Vienna
  • Head of Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority meets UNODC regional director for GCC

LONDON: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, on Monday during his official visit to the Austrian capital, Vienna.
During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Iranian nuclear program and the need to impose the necessary mechanisms for rapid and comprehensive inspection of all Iranian nuclear sites.
They also discussed the need to stop Iranian violations and policies of international laws that destabilize the regional and international security and stability, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
The two sides also held talks on the importance of adhering to implementing international atomic energy standards, in order to stimulate growth and progress to achieve sustainable development globally, in addition to discussing the most prominent regional and international developments.

The meeting was attended by Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, The Kingdom’s ambassador to Austria and the permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna.
The Saudi minister also held bilateral talks with the Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz, where they discussed the joint relations between the two countries and ways to develop cooperation in all fields. They also discussed the keenness of both countries leaderships to move forward bilateral relations towards broader horizons, the foreign ministry said.

Prince Faisal also met with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Fathi Waly during his visit.
During the meeting, the two reviewed Riyadh’s initiative to establish the Global Operations Network for Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE), which was launched on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Special session against corruption in early June.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance joint coordination between the Kingdom and the UN on issues of common interest.

On the sidelines of his visit, the Saudi foreign minister visited the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders in Austria.
They then held a panel discussion to discuss the Kingdom’s efforts to support coexistence, peace and moderation through all diplomatic means and dialogue. Prince Faisal also spoke about the “importance of solidarity among the countries and peoples of the world to face common humanitarian challenges,” and reviewed the Kingdom’s firm positions that aim to bring regional and international security, stability and prosperity.
He said the role of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in promoting the concept of peace, coexistence and sustainable development, which will be reflected on the region and the world and would increase investment opportunities and cooperation with world countries.




Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visits Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he met with the academy’s president Dr. Emil Brix, and a group of intellectuals and opinion leaders. (SPA)

Prince Faisal added that the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative will enable the Kingdom to be a regional leader in protecting land and nature, place it in a road map with clear and ambitious milestones, and will strongly contribute to achieving global goals.
He called for promoting the concept of peace, encouraging relations of mutual respect, settling conflicts by peaceful means, and promoting dialogue and solidarity among different civilizations, peoples and cultures.
Meanwhile, Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), held talks with the UNODC Regional Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Hatem Ali at the authority’s headquarters in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation, issues of mutual concern, and the strategic partnership between Nazaha and the UNODC.
Ali praised efforts made by the Kingdom in the field of combating corruption and promoting the principle of transparency, adding that the Kingdom has led the world by establishing the GlobE network.




Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha),meets UNODC Regional Director for the GCC Dr. Hatem Ali. (SPA)

 


King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

King Faisal Prize was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979. (Supplied)
Updated 06 January 2025
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King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

  • Selection committees start meetings to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language & literature, medicine and science

RIYADH: The names of the King Faisal Prize winners for 2025 will be announced on Jan. 8 in Riyadh.

Ahead of the event, specialized selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science — convened at the prize’s headquarters starting Monday, the General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize said.

Deliberations will continue through Jan. 8, it added.

The General Secretariat had previously announced the themes for the KFP 2025: Islamic studies focuses on Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic language and literature explores Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature, medicine highlights Cellular Therapy and Science centers on Physics.

Nominations for the prize are accepted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that nominees meet rigorous criteria.

Candidates must be living, and their work must already be published, intellectually impactful and beneficial to humanity’s progress. Nominations from individuals or political groups are not accepted, the secretariat said.

This year, the selection committees include prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 different countries. The evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of integrity.

The announcement of the winners will be made by the General Secretariat on Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh.

The KFP was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979.


Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Blinken during call

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday. (File/AFP)
Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Blinken during call

  • Blinken called for a final push for a Gaza ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office during a visit to South Korea on Monday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments and efforts made with regard to them during a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.

Blinken called for a final push for a Gaza ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office during a visit to South Korea on Monday.

“We very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks, the time we have remaining,” Blinken told a news conference.


Saudi minister of Islamic affairs meets Palestinian ambassador to the Kingdom

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi minister of Islamic affairs meets Palestinian ambassador to the Kingdom

  • Mazen Ghoneim praised Saudi authorities for their services to Muslims worldwide

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh received the newly appointed Palestinian Ambassador to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in his office on Monday in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Sheikh discussed the ministry’s programs in service of Palestinian pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.

Ghoneim praised the Saudi authorities for their services to all Muslims worldwide.

He highlighted the generous program that hosts the family members of Palestinian martyrs, enabling them to perform Hajj with ease.


Al-Jouf olive festival boosts economy, tourism

The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival highlights the journey of olives from cultivation to the final product. (SPA)
Updated 06 January 2025
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Al-Jouf olive festival boosts economy, tourism

  • Event showcases Al-Jouf region’s olive production, which includes over 23 million trees yielding more than 150,000 tonnes of table olives annually

RIYADH: The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival offers an engaging experience, highlighting the journey of olives from cultivation to the final product.

Held at the Prince Abdullah Cultural Center in Sakaka until Jan. 12, the event showcases the Al-Jouf region’s olive production, which includes over 23 million trees yielding more than 150,000 tonnes of table olives annually.

The festival features 43 local farmers and five agricultural companies offering high-quality olive oil, table olives, and related products, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition to competitive pricing, all products meet strict food safety standards, having undergone rigorous testing at Al-Jouf’s municipal laboratory.

Seven analyses — acidity, rancidity, moisture, chemical content, oil blending, taste, and authenticity — ensure the products’ quality. Those that pass receive a certification label for consumer confidence, the SPA added.

The festival has also become a key tourism and economic event for both the Kingdom and Al-Jouf region, attracting significant interest, visitors, and investment.

It also supports families in cottage industries, entrepreneurs, and small businesses by offering spaces to showcase their products, fostering growth and expanding their consumer reach.

Additionally, the festival celebrates Saudi heritage through folk art performances, the Saudi Ardah, traditional fashion, Sadu weaving, plastic arts, poetry, and cultural evenings.


Makkah authorities on high alert amid heavy rains

Updated 06 January 2025
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Makkah authorities on high alert amid heavy rains

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s Makkah branch has increased its readiness in response to warnings of heavy rain issued by the National Center for Meteorology.

On Monday, several regions of the Kingdom, including Makkah and Madinah, experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the Civil Defense expecting the weather to continue until Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority stated that its command-and-control room, ambulance stations, rapid response teams, and volunteer ambulance units in Makkah are fully operational.

The Makkah region has on standby teams of doctors, specialists, and emergency medical technicians, the authority said.

A total of 1,420 staff members are ready to respond, supported by 149 vehicles. This includes advanced ambulances, disaster response vehicles, and an air ambulance for critical situations, the SPA added.

The authority urged citizens and residents to follow official instructions, exercise caution, and prioritize road safety during heavy rainfall.

The public was also asked to cooperate with ambulance teams by clearing the way for them on the roads, the SPA reported.

The authority operates 24/7, and individuals can request ambulance services by calling 997 or through the Asefne app in emergencies.