Saudi FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Agreement with Iran sign of joint will to resolve disputes through dialogue

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 13 March 2023
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Saudi FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Agreement with Iran sign of joint will to resolve disputes through dialogue

  • The agreement was reached through China’s sponsorship and mediation

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the Saudi-Iranian agreement to restore diplomatic relations underscores the joint desire by both sides to “resolve disputes through communication and dialogue.”

He added, however: “This does not mean that an agreement has been reached to resolve all pending disputes between them.”

Riyadh and Tehran agreed in Beijing on Friday to reestablish ties that were severed in 2016. They also agreed to reopen their embassies within two months.

In his first interview since the China-sponsored agreement was reached, Prince Faisal said he was looking forward to meeting his Iranian counterpart soon to build on the deal.

“We are preparing to restore our diplomatic ties within two months, so it is normal for us to exchange visits in the future,” he remarked.

On his latest visit to Kyiv and Moscow and talks about a Saudi mediation to stop the Ukraine-Russia war, he stressed that the Kingdom was “prepared to exert efforts and work with the two countries to reach a political solution that ends the crisis and fighting and saves lives.”

Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies within two months. What is Saudi Arabia’s direct interest in such a deal? Will it pave the way for a new phase in the region, on the political and economic levels, and in complicated regional files?

Diplomatic ties are at the core of relations between countries. This is doubly significant for two neighboring countries of the size of Saudi Arabia and Iran. They share several religious, historic and cultural ties.

So, the agreement was reached through China’s sponsorship and mediation and after several rounds of talks over the past two years in Iraq and Oman.

Saudi Arabia is forging ahead in the path of de-escalation it has chosen because of its sense of responsibility in bolstering regional and international security and stability.

Agreeing to restore diplomatic ties does not mean we have reached a solution to all disputes between us. Rather, it is a sign of our joint will to resolve them through communication and dialogue and peaceful and diplomatic means.

We, in the Kingdom, hope to open a new chapter with Iran and bolster cooperation that would consolidate security and stability and push forward development and prosperity, not just in both our countries, but the entire region.

When will you meet with the Iranian foreign minister to activate the agreement and arrange for the exchange of ambassadors? Will we soon see you in Tehran?

I am looking forward to meeting with the Iranian foreign minister soon to build on the agreement. We will prepare to restore diplomatic relations within the next two months. It is natural to exchange visits.

Riyadh and Tehran stressed in their joint statement “non-interference in the affairs of other countries and respect for their sovereignty.” Washington has cast doubt on Iran’s commitment. Does the agreement have any conditions related to meddling in the affairs of others and do you believe Iran will respect this?

One of the most important demands for opening a new chapter in ties with Iran is committing to the agreement signed between us. There is no doubt that both our countries and the region have an interest in activating joint cooperation and coordination and focusing on development instead of hegemony.

Such an approach will achieve the aspirations and hopes of our peoples and generations to come for a better future that is secure, stable and prosperous. We hope the Iranians share our hope and goals and we look forward to working with them to achieve them.

Iran has for some time now been grappling with several crises, such as the collapse of the negotiations over its nuclear program and internal problems that have led to one crisis after another, as well as its struggling economy. Some voices, especially western ones, believe this new agreement may be a lifeline to the Iranian regime. What do you think?

I won’t reply to most of what was brought up in the question because they are mostly related to Iran’s internal affairs. What I can say is that Iran is a neighboring country, whose stability and development will benefit the interest and development of the region. We, in Saudi Arabia, only wish it well.

As for Iran’s continued development of its nuclear capabilities, this, no doubt, is cause for alarm. We have repeatedly called for the Gulf region and Middle East to be free of weapons of mass destruction. We call on Iran to commit to its nuclear pledges and intensify its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. We will continue to work with allies and friends to ensure that.

China is not in the habit of throwing its diplomatic weight in initiatives aimed at resolving regional crises. The question is: Why was China specifically the mediator, not another country?

As the joint statement said, Saudi Arabia welcomed the initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It worked with it as an extension of the negotiations that it has been holding with the Iranians for two years. It is no secret that China enjoys positive relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran that has helped achieve rapprochement and highlight the Kingdom’s legitimate concerns.

We hope China’s sponsorship of the agreement would bolster coexistence and security in our region, and good neighborliness between countries. The three countries have a joint interest in preparing a regional environment that is marked by peace, security and stability so that they can work on building and developing regional and international partnerships that achieve economic development and prosperity for the people.

You had proposed an initiative in Moscow to end the Ukraine conflict. Can you shed more light on your diplomatic efforts there, specifically how accepting the warring parties were of any Saudi role? Have you made progress in this area and are you optimistic over your success?

We were and are still ready to exert efforts and to work with both countries to reach a political solution that would end the crisis and fighting and save lives.

The efforts of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, led to a prisoner exchange between the two sides. The Kingdom has been focusing on meeting the immediate humanitarian needs that emerged from the war. Our humanitarian response in Ukraine is evidence of this drive.

The situation requires both parties, as well as the international community, to stop the dangerous escalation that has harmed the two countries and Europe’s security and weakened international cooperation.

This article was first published on Asharq Al-Awsat


Reseda alba, an aromatic herb found across Saudi Arabia, plays vital role in fighting desertification

Updated 11 April 2025
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Reseda alba, an aromatic herb found across Saudi Arabia, plays vital role in fighting desertification

  • Known by the common name white mignonette, it thrives in both sandy and clay soils
  • The plant blooms in spring, attracting bees and pollinators to enhance ecological balance

ARAR: Reseda alba, a flowering aromatic herb, is found naturally in several regions of Saudi Arabia and is a key part of local vegetation in the Northern Borders.

Known by its common names of white mignonette or white upright mignonette, the plant has small, white, fragrant flowers and is also cultivated as an ornamental. It blooms in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators, enhancing the ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.

Thriving in both sandy and clay soils, the plant is well suited to the desert climate of the Northern Borders region. It also plays a vital role in combating desertification by stabilizing the soil.

Reseda alba flowers in springtime, attracting bees and other pollinators, thereby enhancing ecological balance. (SPA)

A perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter high, reseda alba is also native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It can be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species. 

Nasser Al-Mujlad, chair of the Aman Environmental Association, said the expanding growth of reseda alba was a key element of the region’s natural botanical heritage.

The plant’s aesthetic appeal added significant value to the region’s tourism and environmental significance, he added.

Al-Mujlad pointed out that many plants previously at risk of extinction have made a comeback, thanks to the establishment of reserves and the implementation of new regulations and laws aimed at protecting the environment and conserving its natural resources.


How Saudi Arabia is protecting users’ privacy and data from harmful AI

Updated 10 April 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is protecting users’ privacy and data from harmful AI

  • AI technologies often collect sensitive personal data, raising concerns over consent, surveillance, and potential misuse
  • Saudi Arabia is leading AI regulation in the region with ethical principles and a personal data protection law

RIYADH: As artificial intelligence seeps deeper into everyday life — from smart assistants and facial recognition to online shopping and AI-generated selfies — so too do the threats to personal data and privacy.

The dazzling capabilities of AI come at a cost many users do not fully grasp: exposure to data collection, surveillance, and potential misuse. And in a world where convenience often trumps caution, experts are urging users and organizations alike to slow down and scrutinize the digital tools they engage with.

“AI systems often depend on vast amounts of data, including sensitive personal information, which raises significant privacy issues,” Osama El-Masry, who leads data protection and privacy practice delivery for the Middle East region at the IT consulting firm Cognizant, told Arab News.

“Many users are unaware of how their data is collected, stored, and utilized, leading to fears of unauthorized access or misuse. For example, technologies like facial recognition can infringe on individual privacy without consent, posing risks of surveillance and tracking.”

This warning comes amid growing concerns about how AI software processes user data — especially in apps and platforms that seem harmless at first glance.

While regulation and ethical oversight are often viewed as a government or corporate responsibility, El-Masry stresses that users must also play an active role.

“This means reading privacy policies and being aware of what personal information is collected and how it may be used or shared,” he said.

“A critical aspect of this responsibility is limiting the sharing of personal data when using AI tools. Users should strive to provide only the minimum necessary information required to achieve their desired outcomes, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data.”

In short, treat AI tools like you would any new technology: with a mix of curiosity and caution. The onus is on users to learn how their data is handled and to be wary of oversharing. On the flip side, organizations must prioritize privacy from the very beginning of product design.

“This involves implementing strong data protection measures, ensuring transparency and explainability in data usage, and adhering to AI and privacy regulations/principles,” El-Masry said. “Organizations should also clearly communicate their data practices to users, fostering an environment of trust.

“Ultimately, a collaborative approach, where both parties understand their roles and responsibilities regarding privacy, is essential for protecting personal information in the age of AI.

“By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”

Take the current obsession with AI art filters, for instance. Millions of users upload their photos to apps that transform them into anime characters or classic oil paintings. But what happens to those original images?

“Many users may not realize that while the effect is fun, their original images are still being processed and may be retained by the app,” said El-Masry.

“This underscores the importance of being mindful about which platforms and applications are trusted with personal images and data. By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse.”

It’s a simple but powerful reminder: Just because something looks like harmless fun, doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Every interaction with AI — no matter how trivial it seems — carries data implications.

As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe. (Pexels illustration image)

Users are also advised to challenge the information they receive from AI platforms. While many tools promise personalization and convenience, they can just as easily perpetuate bias or inaccuracies.

“Continuous education about AI ethics and privacy implications empowers users to make informed choices about their interactions with these technologies,” said El-Masry. “Users should also advocate for ethical data practices within their communities, promoting accountability among developers and organizations.

“It’s important to recognize that AI applications vary widely, with some being non-privacy-related, such as telecom network enhancements and medical diagnostics, and others being privacy-sensitive, like marketing profiling and predictive analysis.

“Users should be particularly cautious when interacting with AI technologies in privacy-sensitive fields, as these applications often involve the handling of personal data that can impact privacy rights.”

There are ways to navigate the AI landscape safely. One approach is to seek out AI tools that prioritize user privacy through transparent practices and robust protection measures.

“By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse,” said El-Masry.

The stakes are higher than many realize. As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe.

El-Masry lists several privacy threats tied to AI applications, including “unintended biased decisions, unethical AI use cases, data leaks, decisions ambiguity, and the use of AI with vulnerable data subjects.

“This is becoming a global concern and the driver for the issuance of the different ethical AI regulations/principles by many policymakers across different regions and countries to mitigate the above risks associated with the use of AI.

Osama El-Masry. (Supplied)

While much of the world is still struggling to keep pace with innovation, Saudi Arabia has moved to regulate and promote the ethical use of data and AI.

“The Kingdom introduced the Personal Data Protection Law, which establishes clear guidelines for data collection, processing, and sharing, ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are protected,” said El-Masry.

“This framework aligns with international standards, signaling a commitment to responsible data management.”

The country’s National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence is another critical piece of its governance efforts. It aims to build a culture of innovation without compromising ethical boundaries.

“Notably, SDAIA has issued a set of ethical AI principles that emphasize fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy,” said El-Masry. “These principles guide the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically.”

Despite Saudi Arabia’s leadership, data privacy in the broader Middle East remains patchy. Many countries still lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect users’ rights.

El-Masry believes that’s an area ripe for action. “Governments should establish comprehensive AI and data privacy laws and regulations that align with international standards, providing clear guidelines for data processing.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Saudi Arabia has introduced the Personal Data Protection Law to safeguard user privacy and regulate data use responsibly.

• The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI promotes innovation while ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable AI practices.

• SDAIA’s ethical AI principles emphasize fairness, privacy, and governance, guiding responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

He also advocates for coordinated public-private collaboration to raise the bar for compliance and innovation across the region.

“Organizations must prioritize compliance and even go beyond compliance and acknowledge the value of investing in implementing data responsibility practices and technologies that ensure robust privacy compliance and AI governance in conducting business, which has a direct impact on their revenues and sustainability. There are clear examples of private organizations who adopted this approach and (have) proven to be competitive and successful.

“Organizations should communicate their data practices clearly to build public trust. Additionally, mandating that organizations document AI use cases involving personal data and ensuring periodic reviews of AI algorithms can help maintain compliance with privacy regulations.

“Governments can support this by providing resources, consultation, and training to enhance organizations’ privacy and AI governance capabilities.”

While legislation and corporate responsibility are critical, El-Masry says individuals must also be empowered to take charge of their own digital lives. He calls for greater awareness and education around data privacy.

“By adopting a proactive and unified approach, both organizations and governments can create a safer digital environment that prioritizes privacy for all,” he said.

As AI becomes increasingly entangled in the infrastructure of modern life, protecting privacy is no longer a niche concern — it’s a collective responsibility. From the laws that govern AI to the choices we make about which apps to trust, the future of digital safety depends on everyone playing their part.

As El-Masry puts it: “By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
 

 


Saudi and French experts explore opportunities for cooperation in sustainable agriculture

Updated 10 April 2025
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Saudi and French experts explore opportunities for cooperation in sustainable agriculture

Saudi Arabia’s National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, also known as Estidamah, welcomed a delegation from the French National Federation of Seed Potato Growers for an official visit during which they discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation and exchanges of expertise.

The visitors learned about the center’s activities, including its research and technical programs and prominent projects that support the development of sustainable agricultural solutions in the Kingdom.

The center said the visit reflected its commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, and the sharing of experience that can contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and improved food security.

The French federation, which specializes in support and development of potato seed production, oversees a number of research and technical institutions.


AlUla Skies Festival 2025 returns next week 

Updated 10 April 2025
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AlUla Skies Festival 2025 returns next week 

  • The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla’s iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment

RIYADH: AlUla Moments has announced the return of the “AlUla Skies Festival 2025” from April 18 to 27, featuring a variety of new experiences.

The festival highlights the area’s clear, light-pollution-free skies and AlUla’s deep, ancient connection to astronomy, as it is home to Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon, the first designated Dark Sky locations in the Middle East, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying AlUla’s status as a global hub for astro-tourism.

The festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to stargaze in a pristine natural environment, showcasing IDA-certified locations such as Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon.

These spots are among the first official Dark Sky Sites in the region, reinforcing AlUla’s role as a leading destination for stargazing tourism.

Visitors can head to the Gharameel Reserve to view the Milky Way in one of the clearest skies in the region. The experience also includes night walks, camping sessions and grilled dinners around campfires.

The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla’s iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment.

For more information about the AlUla Skies Festival, visitors can check the official website: https://www.experiencealula.com/en.


SFDA CEO meets German food safety president 

Updated 10 April 2025
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SFDA CEO meets German food safety president 

  • The meeting took place as part of the bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, held in Chile from April 9-11

RIYADH: The chief executive officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, on Thursday met in Santiago with President of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Dr. Andreas Hensel.

The meeting took place as part of the bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum, held in Chile from April 9-11. 

According to a press release from the SFDA, both sides underscored the crucial role of regulatory authorities in forging robust partnerships with the private sector.

This collaboration is vital for developing and improving product quality, driving progress, and enhancing operational efficiency within a unified system that prioritizes product safety.

Discussions also centered on the importance of establishing an integrated regulatory system underpinned by reliable reference data, accurate quality testing, and transparent regulatory frameworks.

This foundation will foster greater confidence in regulatory information, improve the capacity for proactive risk assessment and response, and ultimately enhance product reliability and food safety.

Officials from the SFDA delegation also conducted a series of bilateral meetings with several counterpart regulatory bodies, including the UK Food Standards Agency, the Chilean Food Safety and Quality Agency, the New Zealand Food Safety branch of the Ministry of Primary Industries, and the Portuguese Economic and Food Safety Authority.

These meetings were geared toward fostering cooperation frameworks and enhancing integrated work with international organizations to serve food quality and safety objectives.