Deep-rooted cooperation is at the heart of French-Saudi relations

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 13 July 2022
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Deep-rooted cooperation is at the heart of French-Saudi relations

  • French companies are entering Saudi markets and contributing to the implementation of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, including major development projects
  • Cultural and academic cooperation is extensive and long-standing; the French presence dates back more 180 years, resulting in first-hand knowledge of ancient Hijaz and the modern-day nation

As consul general of France in Jeddah, I have been able to visit a number of governorates, giving me the opportunity to meet French nationals living outside of the city. I was also given the opportunity to listen to them and address their concerns, as well as meet local authorities and explore the possibilities for cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia in the economic, cultural and academic fields.

The French community in the western part of the Kingdom consists of about 2,500 expatriates. It is an active community, fully integrated into its environment. In addition, before the pandemic about 50,000 pilgrims from France traveled to the Kingdom each year, including 23,500 who came to perform Hajj, and they should be considered in addition to these permanent residents.

I am delighted with the resumption of pilgrimage, even if this year’s edition was staged with a new organization that did not allow us to reach the initially announced quotas. I am also delighted with the quality of the relations between the consulate general and Saudi authorities, which allows us to provide an attentive ear to help solve any problems the French community might encounter.

French companies are making their way into Saudi markets and contributing to the implementation of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development and diversification plan, and to major projects in the country. They are active in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, new technologies, water, health, heritage and tourism. French expertise is world-renowned and we place it at the disposal of our Saudi partners.

The Consulate General of France in Jeddah plays an active role in facilitating business contacts between Saudi demand and French supply. It therefore relies on the French partners of the consulate: Business France and the Saudi-French Business Group of Jeddah, also known as CAFSDA.

There is also long-running and extensive cultural and academic cooperation between the two countries. Currently, several hundred Saudi students are studying in France, specializing in subjects such as medicine, law, engineering and various branches of science.

In the field of heritage, France is participating in seven Franco-Saudi archaeological missions at locations such as Hegra, Al-Bad’, Al-Hima, the Farasan Islands, and the Camel Site in Jouf, with the dual objectives of promoting the Kingdom’s heritage and training Saudi archaeologists.

The consulate works hard to showcase French culture as well as the value of Saudi culture. Notable events and projects that it is involved with include: A longstanding partnership with the 21,39 Jeddah Art Festival; the Red Sea International Film Festival and its 48-hour Film Challenge; a range of events and activities focusing on French gastronomy; sending young Saudi artists to the Cite Internationale des Arts artist-in-residence center in Paris; and the staging of high-profile concerts and performances.

This year, we are proud to have organized the first World Music Day festival in Saudi Arabia, on June 21, in partnership with the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah.

In addition, there are several places in Jeddah where you can learn the French language, including The French International School of Jeddah (which has 1,000 students), and other French-speaking schools (2,000 students). The Alliance Francaise specializes in teaching French to adults and in 2018, 1,200 students were enrolled with it. It has also launched French-language courses at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

- Mostafa Mihraje is the consul general of France in Jeddah.


Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Updated 19 January 2025
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Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman each sent a cable of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The King and the crown prince expressed their deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Kuwaiti leadership and the family of the deceased.

The crown prince sent a cable of condolences to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Abdullah Rakan Naif Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah died at the age of 14 years old.


Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti

Updated 19 January 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Djibouti

  • They discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, the dean of the diplomatic corps and ambassador of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Oman’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al-Said in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting was held to mark the conclusion of Al-Said’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

 


Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah

Updated 19 January 2025
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Palestinian president honors Saudi ambassador with Star of Al-Quds medal in Ramallah

  • Mahmoud Abbas praises Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi’s efforts to strengthen relations between Palestine and Saudi Arabia

LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, the Saudi ambassador to Palestine, in Ramallah on Sunday.

Abbas honored Al-Sudairi with the Star of Al-Quds medal during his visit to the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.

 Al-Sudairi became the first non-resident Saudi ambassador to Palestine and consul-general of Jerusalem since 1948 when he was appointed in August 2023.

Last September, he visited Ramallah for the first time to present his credentials to the Palestinian president.

Abbas extended his greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian people and their cause, the Palestine News and Information Agency reported.

He also praised Al-Sudairi’s efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between Palestine and Saudi Arabia, the agency reported.


More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah

Updated 19 January 2025
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More than 84,000 visitors attend Hira Winter events in Makkah

RIYADH: The Hira Winter events, organized by the Hira Cultural District and which recently concluded in Makkah, attracted more than 84,000 visitors.

Highlights included the Revelation Exhibition, which used cutting-edge technology to simulate the story of Prophet Muhammad’s revelation, blending tradition and innovation.

The exhibition featured a pavilion detailing the Cave of Hira and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, along with a depiction of the first revelation.

Rare historical artifacts, such as a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses, gave visitors a unique experience that combined the past and present.

Poetic performances inspired by Arab heritage underscored poetry’s role as the Arabs' diwan (repository of culture) and a tool for documenting events and emotions.

Poetic jousts highlighted live interaction and pride in the Arabic language and literature, enriching the cultural experience.

The Caravan Experience revived the cultural heritage of camel caravans, underlining their role in ancient Arab trade and society.

Visitors were taken back to ancient trade routes where camels played a key role in transporting goods and facilitating travel.

The Challenge Zone attracted adventure enthusiasts with various games blending entertainment and competition.

The Winter Theater delighted visitors with interactive performances, including contests and games inspired by winter traditions.

The district also featured a Crafts and Heritage Industries Market, where visitors explored local products, bought souvenirs, and enjoyed traditional and contemporary food and beverages, creating a holistic experience of entertainment, culture and shopping.

The Hira Cultural District is an area of approximately 67,000 sq. meters near Jabal Hira, one of Makkah’s most famous landmarks. It is a tourist and educational destination, bridging the past and present, and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and visitor experiences.


Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka

Updated 19 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador to Japan expresses high hopes about Expo 2025 Osaka

TOKYO: Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Bin Faisal Binzagr told Arab News Japan that he has high hopes of achieving the goals for which he was appointed general commissioner of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

“We are striving to create an amazing experience for our visitors,” he said. “We are capturing the essence of our Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and bringing it live to Japan.”

Binzagr shared that the construction work on the Kingdom’s pavilion is progressing rapidly, with around 85 percent already complete. This progress is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to the Expo, and we can all look forward to the grand opening in April.

Binzagr extended a warm invitation to visitors to “come and immerse themselves in our past, our present, and our future. Experience our rich heritage, our diverse food, our vibrant music, our colorful culture, and our ambitious future aspirations.”

This invitation is an opportunity to discover the beauty and potential of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi ambassador expressed his sincere hope that visitors would be inspired to visit the Kingdom. This desire reflects the warm welcome and value the Kingdom places on its visitors.

“We want you to experience our pavilion,” he said. “We are confident that when you do, you will want to visit Saudi, perhaps even do business, partner with us, dream with us, or work with us to make a wonderful world.”

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s culture, traditions and transformation and look towards a sustainable form of human development.

Binzagr’s responsibilities as the general commissioner of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka include supervising efforts and initiatives to strengthen relations between the Kingdom and Japan and ensuring the successful representation of Saudi Arabia at the Expo.

• This article also appears on Arab News Japan