Saudi Arabia ready to be regional hub for COVID-19 vaccine production, says KSrelief chief

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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was speaking at a G20 Ministerial Event on COVID-19 logistics and preparedness, co-hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Food Programme (WFP), at the UN Headquarters in Brindisi in Italy. (Supplied)
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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was speaking at a G20 Ministerial Event on COVID-19 logistics and preparedness, co-hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Food Programme (WFP), at the UN Headquarters in Brindisi in Italy. (Supplied)
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Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was speaking at a G20 Ministerial Event on COVID-19 logistics and preparedness, co-hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Food Programme (WFP), at the UN Headquarters in Brindisi in Italy. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 June 2021
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Saudi Arabia ready to be regional hub for COVID-19 vaccine production, says KSrelief chief

  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah: Many countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa are still suffering from high rates of COVID-19 spread
  • Also said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global fight against COVID-19 had been evident since pandemic began

BRINDISI, ITALY: Saudi Arabia is “uniquely equipped” to be a regional hub for producing COVID-19 vaccines, the King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Center (KSrelief) supervisor general said on Wednesday.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was speaking at a G20 Ministerial Event on COVID-19 logistics and preparedness, co-hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Food Programme (WFP), at the UN Headquarters in Brindisi in Italy.

Al Rabeeah stated that the Kingdom was ready to be a regional center for the production of COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines and supplies, as well as for logistics activities.

He noted that many countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa are still suffering from high rates of COVID-19 spread, and that glaring inequities in vaccine supply meant that sufficient vaccine supplies have reached very few countries worldwide.

“In order to ensure that global COVID-19 response is streamlined to protect as many lives as possible, we must work together,” he said, stressing the need for closer coordination among members of the international community in all aspects of health care, humanitarian and development programs and logistics.

“As we are all aware, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created unforeseen challenges around the world,” he said.

“The toll this global health emergency has taken on economies, health systems, education, governance and social structures has been devastating, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, such as children, women, the elderly, and those suffering from hunger, conflicts and natural disasters,” he added.

Al-Rabeeah also said “the sad reality is that most (countries) are still suffering from high rates of spread, hospitalizations and deaths” and that “increasing the access of all countries to vaccines is key to achieving global control over COVID-19… learning from the lessons (of COVID-19) is essential (when planning to address) future outbreaks.”

He said Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the global fight against COVID-19 had been evident since the pandemic began.

“Saudi Arabia strongly encourages regionalization of pertinent industries – particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia,” he said.

“Regional production of COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines and supplies would not only provide more vaccine availability, but would also create job opportunities and boost the ability of regional health care systems to control their own vaccine distribution and delivery. 

“This approach would apply not only to vaccines and treatment medications, but also to all other necessary equipment and supplies, such as PPE for hospital staff and the general public, ventilators and medical gases.”

Al-Rabeeah also said Saudi Arabia had invested a total of $713 million to support the global fight against COVID-19, including donations to Gavi, the COVAX Facility and CEPI.

“KSrelief has also delivered bilateral assistance to a number of countries, including Yemen, Syria and Sudan, and aid to others via third-country delivery points,” he said.

Al Rabeeah also highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing support for refugee communities worldwide, including extensive pandemic assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, and a number of other refugee groups with concentrations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Over the past three decades, Saudi Arabia has provided $17 billion in support for refugees both internationally and for those living in Saudi Arabia.

He said that “unless all of us are safe, none of us are safe”, adding that this truth applies “to all future disease outbreaks that occur anywhere in the world.”

He called for the vital need “for all countries to contribute financially to global solutions for global pandemics, because no country is immune to the threat of future diseases such as COVID-19.”

He also said countries must find ways “to increase the donor base for developing reliable, effective pandemic preparedness and logistics systems, and Saudi Arabia can be a potential hub for such activities.”

Al-Rabeeah stated that he was looking forward to the discussions that would take place during the event, and also at the G20 Summit on Oct. 30 to 31.


Deal to enhance heritage conservation in AlUla, China

Royal Commission for AlUla and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to enhance collaborations.
Updated 18 min ago
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Deal to enhance heritage conservation in AlUla, China

  • Agreement unites expertise in cultural preservation and tourism growth 

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla and Dunhuang Academy have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cultural, tourism and heritage collaborations between Saudi Arabia and China.

This partnership marks a key milestone in Saudi Arabia-China relations, combining the academy’s 80 years of expertise in heritage research and cultural conservation with the commission’s dedication to preserving AlUla’s cultural heritage. 

The academy manages the Magao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 735 Buddhist caves in Gansu province, famous for their murals and sculptures that reflect Silk Road cultural influences.

The agreement unites the organizations as guardians of unique heritage, history and traditions, according to a recent press release.

The academy’s successful preservation of the Magao Grottoes has earned praise from UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Chinese government.

Both entities will collaborate on a conservation program for historic sites and artifacts in AlUla and western China. They will also organize academic exhibitions and exchange programs for staff and scholars.

Silvia Barbone, vice president of strategic partnerships at the commission, said that China and Saudi Arabia share a rich legacy that has connected people and places across vast distances and centuries.

“Today, our work in global heritage is strengthened by successful collaborations with leading institutions and destinations.”

Barbone added that the academy joins the commission in “our goal to establish northwest Arabia as a hub for research, exploration, and discovery in culture, heritage, tourism, and more, as we drive the regeneration of AlUla.” 

The partnership follows the Saudi Travel Expo, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority, where AlUla was prominently featured. The event, held in Beijing’s Tian Tan Garden in October 2024, highlighted AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.

Su Bomin, director of Dunhuang Academy, said this collaboration was a significant step in “bridging our cultural histories and advancing heritage conservation efforts.

“By sharing our expertise and resources, we aim to foster cultural exchange, deepen mutual understanding, and create innovative programs that will benefit communities in both China and Saudi Arabia.”

In January 2024, the “AlUla, Wonder of Arabia” exhibition, featuring artifacts from the commission’s archaeological collection on public display for the first time, was hosted at Beijing’s Forbidden City UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attracting over 220,000 visitors, the exhibition followed the signing of a partnership agreement between the commission and the Cultural Heritage Administration of China’s Henan province.


Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi FM discusses Middle East issues with Spanish, British counterparts, UNRWA chief

  • Prince Faisal meets Philippe Lazzarini in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received separate phone calls from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday.

He discussed recent developments in the Middle East with his Spanish and British counterparts, and efforts to address them.

The Saudi foreign minister also met the chief of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Philippe Lazzarini, in Riyadh. They discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cooperate with UNRWA on projects benefiting the Palestinian people.


Saudi leadership offers condolences to Chinese president for earthquake victims

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi leadership offers condolences to Chinese president for earthquake victims

  • A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China, leaving more than 120 people dead and over 100 injured

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences in separate messages to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the victims of the earthquake that hit Dingri County in the Xizang Region of southwest China.

The Saudi leadership extended heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the Chinese president and the families of those who died in the natural disaster, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

On Tuesday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China, leaving more than 120 people dead and over 100 injured.


Citrus festival shows agricultural diversity, economic potential in Najran

Updated 08 January 2025
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Citrus festival shows agricultural diversity, economic potential in Najran

  • The festival is a vibrant platform for displaying Najran’s agricultural potential

RIYADH: The 14th Najran National Citrus Festival highlights the region’s agricultural investment and marketing diversity, which offers economic returns for farmers and investors alike, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival at King Abdulaziz Park walkway in Najran is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the region.

Participants including farmers, agricultural experts and investors showed innovative solutions and highlighted the region’s robust citrus production.

Hamad Al-Dakman, the director of the agricultural prevention and guidance department at the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development, Estidamah, in an interview with SPA emphasized the center’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

By selecting optimal plant seeds and trees, the center aims to enhance citrus production efficiency while advancing water and energy conservation technologies, Al-Dakman said.

He noted the importance of knowledge transfer and partnerships in supporting the agricultural sector, aligning with the Kingdom’s food-security goals.

Similarly, Najran Association Green’s chairman, Raf’an Al-Amer underscored the association’s efforts to expand vegetation cover, having planted more than 60,000 trees in the past four years.

Plans are underway to plant an additional 500,000 trees by 2027 in collaboration with government and private entities, contributing to the Kingdom’s Green Vision, Al-Amer said.

Farmers and investors were enthusiastic about the festival.

Farmer Ibrahim Saleh Al-Sinan praised the event for addressing farmers’ needs, marketing their products, and allowing visitors to sample and purchase citrus fruits directly.

Agricultural investor Abdullah Fahd Al-Waili highlighted the region’s favorable conditions for citrus farming, including fertile soil, a suitable climate and water availability.

Al-Waili, whose farm in Khbash covers 4 million sq. meters with more than 50,000 citrus trees, noted the economic viability of agricultural investment in the region.

The festival is a vibrant platform for displaying Najran’s agricultural potential, supporting farmers, and driving sustainable agricultural development. 


Saudi fund commits $80m for cancer care expansion in Turkmenistan

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi fund commits $80m for cancer care expansion in Turkmenistan

  • The agreement reflects the Saudi fund’s commitment to supporting developing countries overcome obstacles to progress

 

RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad signed an $80 million development loan agreement with Rahimberdi Jepbarov, chairman of the Turkmenistan State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs.

The financing supports a project to improve tumor treatment services and establish cancer treatment centers in Turkmenistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Ambassador to Turkmenistan Said Osman Suwaid attended the event.

The project will enhance healthcare by building and equipping three specialized cancer treatment centers with up to 500 medical beds in different regions.

The centers will feature advanced medical equipment to improve healthcare quality, SPA added.

The agreement reflects the Saudi fund’s commitment to supporting developing countries overcome obstacles to progress.

It underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development and ensuring lasting prosperity, SPA reported.

During his visit to Turkmenistan, Al-Marshad also met with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to discuss strengthening development cooperation in various sectors.

Meanwhile, the Saudi fund’s Deputy CEO Faisal Al-Qahtani participated in the inauguration of the Busaiteen Bridge, part of the Bahrain Northern Road Project.

The $250 million project, funded through a grant from the Saudi government, aims to ease traffic congestion and boost investment and economic opportunities in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa attended the event.

The project is a vital part of Bahrain’s transportation infrastructure, with the Saudi fund collaborating closely with the Ministry of Works for its successful completion.

The Saudi fund’s partnership with Bahrain spans 48 years, during which it has financed 30 projects in sectors like energy, transportation, and social infrastructure. These initiatives have contributed to Bahrain’s sustainable development and economic growth.