Saudi FM meets French counterpart in Paris

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris on Monday. (SPA)
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Updated 28 February 2022
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Saudi FM meets French counterpart in Paris

  • Prince Faisal and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reviewed the frameworks of Saudi-French relations
  • They also agreed to establish a joint working mechanism to provide support to the Lebanese people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his French counterpart in Paris on Monday.

During the meeting, Prince Faisal and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reviewed the frameworks of Saudi-French relations and ways to strengthen them in various fields to serve the interests of their countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two ministers reviewed the most important regional and international developments, and efforts made to support security and stability resulting from the importance that both countries place on continuing consultation and exchanging views on developments in the world.

They also discussed the latest developments in Yemen, stressing the importance of supporting efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in the country, including the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, based on the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Le Drian affirmed France's full support for the Saudi peace initiative which was announced in March 2021. He also unequivocally condemned Houthi cross-border attacks.

Prince Faisal and Le Drian discussed Iran’s nuclear program and the importance of any nuclear deal preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

They also agreed on the importance of continuing coordination to face challenges and enhance regional security.

The two officials discussed the difficult conditions that Lebanese people are experiencing due to the deep economic crisis in the country and agreed on financing several humanitarian projects in Lebanon, including offering direct support to hospitals and first health care centers.

They also agreed to establish a joint working mechanism to provide support to the Lebanese people and to finance some activities of international humanitarian non-governmental organizations working in Lebanon.

Prince Faisal and his French counterpart also discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and developments related to it.


Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

Updated 15 January 2025
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Japan ambassador attends manga exhibition in Riyadh

  • ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition held to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan

RIYADH: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino attended the opening ceremony of the “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition here on Tuesday.

Held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, the show is one of many upcoming events celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The exhibition celebrates the work of renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

In his speech, Morino said it was a “delight to see more and more Saudi people enjoying the Japanese culture from (the) traditional to contemporary.”

He added that he was happy to see “Saudi artists being inspired by the Japanese manga to create their artworks.”

“I sincerely hope this exhibition will make another footprint of the Japanese culture in KSA and give a great impact in the Saudi art scene,” he said.

The exhibition has been organized in cooperation with the Saudi Museums Commission and the Japan Foundation and is open to the public until Feb. 8.

A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 2,000 food parcels in Pakistan

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 2,028 food parcels in Pakistan’s flood-affected Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, benefiting 13,159 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Sunday’s initiative forms part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The aid reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to assist needy individuals in Pakistan.


Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

Updated 15 January 2025
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Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation

RIYADH: Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto held discussions on cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday.

The officials reviewed current ties and stressed the importance of joint efforts in energy transitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministers welcomed the progress made under the Manar Initiative, which is a Saudi-Japan effort to promote clean energy.

The initiative was launched after former Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

A version of this story originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center

  • The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has helped to treat 452 Yemenis, who lost limbs because of the ongoing conflict, at the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Aden governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

A total of 1,407 procedures were completed for men, who made up 65 percent of patients, and women at 35 percent.

In addition, 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent residents.

The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy.

KSrelief continues to provide general and critical care for vulnerable Yemeni people, the SPA reported.


New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 

Updated 14 January 2025
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New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve 

  • Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve

RIYADH: A groundbreaking scientific study has unveiled the first detailed list of reptile species in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Conducted by the reserve’s development authority, the study was published in the Amphibian & Reptiles Conservation journal.

Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve. Three species were also newly documented, raising the reserve’s known total to 34.

The research highlighted two endangered species, the Egyptian monitor lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) and the Wolfgangboehmei gecko (Tropicolotes wolfgangboehmei), which both face threats from climate change and human activity, according to the study.

Spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, the study employed tools such as genetic barcoding and highlighted the reserve’s ecological diversity.

Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program and the Saudi Green Initiative, the study is part of efforts to protect endangered species and sustain wildlife in Saudi Arabia. Researchers recommended enhanced monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate environmental challenges.