RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for Tunisia’s security and stability, its confidence in its leadership to overcome the circumstances and achieve prosperity for Tunisians, and called on the international community to stand by the country to face its health and economic challenges.
The stance was confirmed during a weekly meeting by the Council of Ministers that was chaired by King Salman, where they reviewed a number of reports on Arab, regional and international developments.
The king opened the meeting by praising the success of the Hajj pilgrimage, which enabled pilgrims to perform the ritual in a safe and healthy environment, with no cases of COVID-19 recorded among worshipers.
Acting Minister of Media Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the cabinet was briefed on all the communication between the Kingdom and a number of countries over the past few days to advance relations and enhance coordination, “to maintain international peace and security, as well as to strengthen multilateral frameworks through partnerships and collective action,” Saudi Press Agency reported.
The council of ministers said Saudi Arabia would continue to be at the forefront of contributors to supporting development, prosperity and peace for the entire world, which was included in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statement at the financing the Global Partnership for Education summit held in London on Thursday.
The ministers said this comes from the Kingdom’s interest and keenness to support international initiatives and programs that enhance the economies of education and educational systems in the beneficiary countries, to provide high-quality services to those who need them most in light of the crisis caused by the pandemic.
The Council of Ministers also discussed the Kingdom’s statement at the International Conference on Central and South Asia in Uzbekistan, that it continues to work with its partners in international organizations to combat the coronavirus pandemic, foster an environment conducive to development and growth, increase trade partnerships across regions, and support all efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
The relief aid provided by Saudi Arabia to a number of Arab and Islamic countries to tackle the pandemic is an extension of the humanitarian role it plays toward the most affected countries, to continue extending help and assistance, and to contribute to supporting international efforts, the cabinet said.
The ministers condemned the continued attempts of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to target civilian objects and populated areas in the Kingdom with ballistic missiles and drones, and to threaten shipping lines and international trade in the Red Sea.
They praised Saudi air defenses for thwarting these hostile attempts, and the Arab coalition’s contribution to securing freedom of navigation and the safety of ships transiting the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
The cabinet discussed local and international developments to do with the coronavirus pandemic, the Kingdom’s inoculation campaign which has administered more than 27 million doses of the vaccine, raising the country’s ranking globally in vaccine rates.
The cabinet authorized the health minister to discuss with the US a draft memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services to cooperate in the fields of public health and medical sciences.
The cabinet also approved the regional protocol for technical cooperation to borrow and transfer experts, technicians, devices, equipment and materials in emergency cases.
It also approved a protocol between the Saudi government and the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) to establishment its regional office in the Kingdom.
The ministers also approved a joint customs cooperation agreement between the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Bahrain Customs Affairs.
Saudi Arabia reiterates support for Tunisia’s security, stability - cabinet
https://arab.news/gxdfs
Saudi Arabia reiterates support for Tunisia’s security, stability - cabinet
- Cabinet said the Kingdom continues to be at the forefront in supporting development, prosperity and peace for the entire world
- The cabinet discussed local and international developments to do with the coronavirus pandemic
Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense
- First Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar hosted around 80 participants to discuss trade relations, cooperation in the energy sector, and regional conflicts in the Middle East
- Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk said that the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC
RIYADH: Officials and nuclear experts discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and defense between South Korea and Saudi Arabia during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The first Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar hosted around 80 participants to discuss trade relations, cooperation in the energy sector, and regional conflicts in the Middle East.
South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, said the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC, specifically Gaza and the Red Sea, as well as a space to diversify energy cooperation in the nuclear and renewables sectors.
Kang Han-ok, vice president for SMART development at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, presented a joint research project currently underway between South Korea and Saudi Arabia on small modular reactors.
“SMRs are being highlighted as carbon-zero energy sources that complement the intermittent nature of renewable energy in the global power supply sector,” Kang said.
He noted how the SMART100 SMR, jointly designed by Saudi and South Korean entities, was approved by Seoul’s nuclear regulator in September.
The reactor was jointly developed by KAERI, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp.
Kang explained the reactor is now ready to be exported globally. “With its SDA acquaintance, SMART is now ready for global deployment in the demand of the power and thermal energy sectors,” he said.
Kang also spoke about ways to increase nuclear power plant cooperation between South Korea and GCC member states, citing the plan to establish a joint nuclear research and development center between the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project and KAERI.
The chairman of the Gulf Research Center, Abdulaziz Sager, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s ability to rely on South Korea as a strong ally and defense supplier encouraged a relationship of trust and long-term partnership in the Kingdom’s security planning.
The seminar comes almost one year after the signing of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the GCC, signed on Dec. 28, 2023.
At the time, South Korea committed to eliminate 89.9 percent of tariffs on all products while the GCC committed to eliminate 76.4 percent, facilitating increased trade between the two parties.
The Korea-GCC FTA was 20 years in the making. Discussions for the agreement began in 2008, but it is yet to be verified or ratified. Lee Kwon-hyung, senior research fellow from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, put forward recommendations on how to pave the way for the agreement and how to best utilize it once finalized, including establishing an artificial intelligence data center to transition towards a green energy economy relying on solar, wind, and nuclear power for electricity generation.
“The AI data center needs a lot of electricity, so an energy transition and a digital transition are very imperative, and with the AI Data Center we can make industrial restructuring in both countries,” Lee said.
Prof. In Nam-sik, director general for strategic region studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, evaluated the impact of geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and East Asia on Korean-GCC relations, as well as the transformation of the US-led liberal international order.
On the war on Gaza, In said: “The situation threatens to shift the two-state solution toward an apartheid scenario, further destabilizing the region.”
On Iran, In continued: “Iran’s expanding influence through its regional proxy contributes to ongoing instability, with concerns that the current dynamics may accelerate Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The transition in Iran’s leadership raises uncertainties, with hopes for a gradual regime change that might reduce Iran’s revolutionary stance.”
Commenting on US influence, In said: “As the US pivots its strategic focus to Asia, Gulf nations are adopting flexible diplomacy, leveraging both US and Chinese influence.”
In stated that the Middle Eastern and European fronts are already linked, and North Korean military support to Russia signals an increasing risk of interconnected conflicts across regions.
To combat these regional and international threats, In urged South Korea and the GCC to work together on security cooperation across information sharing and technology, joint maritime security exercises, and shared support for multilateral forums, in addition to continued political dialogue in the above mentioned areas.
Saudi cabinet reviews Arab-Muslim summit, reaffirms support for Palestine and Lebanon
- Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday
RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss outcomes from recent high-level summits and meetings.
Central to the session was a review of the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Monday and the crown prince’s engagements with leaders from various countries.
The cabinet praised the summit’s outcomes and welcomed its signing of the Tripartite Mechanism Document to Support Palestine, a joint initiative by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission.
The cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people as they face the severe humanitarian effects of the ongoing Israeli military action. It called on countries around the world to join an international coalition advocating for the two-state solution — a plan initiated this year by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the European Union and Norway.
During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on his recent discussions with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump.
The minister of media announced that the cabinet expressed its appreciation for the Kingdom’s Arab Week at UNESCO initiative, hosted at UN headquarters in Paris, for enhancing cultural dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities.
On domestic matters, council members commended the reception of the Saudi medical team that accomplished the world’s first complete robotic heart transplant.
It also celebrated the success of the Beban 24 Forum’s 10th edition in Riyadh, which produced agreements and initiatives exceeding SR35.4 billion ($9.42 billion) aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and enhancing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national gross domestic product.
Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit
- The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14
RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.
They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.
“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.
Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in Saudi Arabia. “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.
Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.
“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”
HIGHLIGHT
Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.
Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.
The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy and open to the world.
“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.
Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.
Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.
Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.
With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.
The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.
Speaker of Shoura Council leads Saudi delegation at GCC Shoura meeting in Abu Dhabi
- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report
RIYADH: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 18th periodic meeting of the Speakers of the Shoura Councils, Houses of Representatives, and National Assemblies of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized the prominent regional and international standing of the GCC across political, economic, commercial, and information technology levels, the council said in a report.
The Kingdom’s delegation included Secretary-General of the Shoura Council Mohammed Dakhil Al-Mutiri and members of the Shoura Council Fadel bin Saad Al-Buainain and Dr. Arwa bint Obaid Al-Rashid, among others.
Saudi Arabia highlights military growth at Airshow China
- Kingdom’s defense industry aims to forge global partnerships at Zhuhai event
- Defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030
RIYADH: Military products and the achievements of both government bodies and national companies are highlighted at the Saudi pavilion at this year’s China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.
Airshow China 2024, one of the world’s largest aviation expos, started in Zhuhai on Tuesday and will run until Nov. 17.
The Saudi pavilion features military products, particularly in aviation, and turns the spotlight on national companies that work in military industries. It also underscores efforts to boost national manufacturing capabilities and the aim of localizing over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030.
Launching events at the pavilion was the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Al-Ohali, who was joined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and the Saudi ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi. Other officials, international investors and aviation and aerospace decision-makers were also present.
Al-Ohali said: “This strategic participation, occurring for the first time in China, aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global presence in the military industries sector and to solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 nations.
“Our participation also seeks to establish fruitful international partnerships to empower and develop the military industries sector, while also promoting the Kingdom’s message of welcoming investors from around the world. Additionally, it aims to highlight the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 within the military sector.”
The defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, with a $9 billion addition to non-oil revenues. This will generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.
The Saudi pavilion features government bodies such as the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, as well as public national companies such as the National Company for Mechanical Systems, Saudi Wakeb Company for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Milestone Aviation, and Homat Al-Watan Co.
The General Authority for Military Industries works closely with partners and government bodies to empower national and international companies in the military industry, enhance the defense sector’s potential, and create investment opportunities.
It also focuses on localizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies to support Saudi economic growth and strengthen defense and security independence.
