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Ukraine’s Zelensky speaks at Arab League summit, urges support for his country

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the summit. (SPA)
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by Saudi dignitaries upon his arrival in Jeddah for the 32nd Arab League summit being hosted by the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by Saudi dignitaries upon his arrival in Jeddah for the 32nd Arab League summit being hosted by the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by Saudi dignitaries upon his arrival in Jeddah for the 32nd Arab League summit being hosted by the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was welcomed by Saudi dignitaries upon his arrival in Jeddah for the 32nd Arab League summit being hosted by the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 19 May 2023
Arab News
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Ukraine’s Zelensky speaks at Arab League summit, urges support for his country

  • Ukrainian leader met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • Held talks with UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq representatives
Updated 19 May 2023
Arab News

JEDDAH: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was in Saudi Arabia for the 32nd Arab League summit being hosted by the Kingdom on Friday, ahead of an expected trip to Japan for a G7 meeting.

Zelensky was welcomed by Saudi dignitaries as he stepped off the French government aircraft that flew him from Poland.

“Beginning my first-ever visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance bilateral relations and Ukraine’s ties with the Arab world. Political prisoners in Crimea and temporarily occupied territories, the return of our people, Peace Formula, energy cooperation. KSA plays a significant role and we are ready to take our cooperation to a new level,” Zelensky posted on his Twitter account.

In an address to the summit, Zelensky urged more support for his people.

“I am sure we can all be united in saving people from the cages of Russian prisons,” he said, speaking in English.

“We will not submit to any foreign country or colonizers. Our goal is to protect the Ukrainian people. Ukraine did not choose war and did not engage in any hostilities inside the territory of other countries,” he continued.

“What is happening in our country is a war, not just a conflict, Ukraine is forced to continue fighting.

“We do not possess the missiles that the enemy possesses, and we do not have air capabilities equal to the capabilities of the enemy, but we remain strong because we know that the truth is on our side.

“We are trying to push the invaders from our land, anyone who defends his land and protects his children from enslavement, such a warrior is on the path of justice, and I am proud to say that I represent these warriors and fighters and all the Ukrainian people,” he added.

The Ukrainian leader met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has mediated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict before, especially with the release of prisoners of war last year, including 10 foreigners captured by Russia in Ukraine.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a significant role and we are ready to take our cooperation to a new level,” Zelensky said wrote on Twitter shortly after arriving in Jeddah.

Zelensky thanked the crown prince for backing Ukraine's sovereignty, a statement from the presidency said.

“The President thanked the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine,” Zelensky's office said, adding that he had invited the crown prince to visit Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, in a post on social media, welcomed the Ukrainian leader as guest of the Arab League’s 32nd regular session.

Anatolii Petrenko, Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, meanwhile said Zelensky’s visit was a milestone for Ukrainian-Arab relations.

The envoy added that the “Global South and Ukraine are consistently building up their ties while consolidating efforts to effectively tackle the critical issues of global and regional significance” in a post on social media.

Zelensky also met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Sudani, who he thanked for “Iraq’s solidarity” and its “firm position in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.”

Zelensky also held talks with the heads of the delegations from the UAE, Oman and Kuwait, with whom he discussed Ukraine’s peace formula. The formula refers to Zelensky’s peace plan, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders.

The Ukrainian leader discussed issues relating to trade and investment as well as “global food security and the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative” with the UAE delegation head.

He “emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s peaceful efforts by the countries of the region” in discussions with Oman’s Asaad bin Tarik Al-Said.

Zelensky also “expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its consistent support... repeatedly confirmed in the course of voting for the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly.”

* With AFP and Reuters

Topics: Arab League 2023 Arab League Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky

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Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

Updated 23 November 2024
Khaldon Azhari
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Saudi Orchestra performance in Tokyo helps ‘bridge cultural boundaries,’ CEO says

Updated 23 November 2024
Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, who is in Tokyo with the Saudi National Orchestra, says music “bridges cultural boundaries and has a very important part to play in each of the three main pillars of Vision 2030” as it represents a proud nation, a vibrant society and diversified economy.

Bringing the Saudi National Orchestra to Tokyo, he said, gives people the opportunity “to communicate with our language and it allows everybody to come together and share an experience that allows us to appreciate each other’s cultures and really to be in harmony. And that’s why I think it’s so special that the orchestra is here for the first time.”

The program includes traditional music directed by Saudi Director Reab Ahmed, as well as the Japanese Imperial Court Orchestra “Gagaku.”

“We’re able to show Saudi culture on one of the most prestigious stages in one of the world’s great cultural capitals here at Tokyo Opera City, and we’re doing that with authentic Saudi music, authentic traditional Japanese music with Gagaku,” he said. “But also with that great fusion between the two sets of musicians coming together and doing something really unique and beautiful.”

“The Saudi National Orchestra and choir is really at the vanguard of developing the music landscape in Saudi Arabia as it builds the depth and richness and uniqueness of its beautiful culture, both traditional and modern.”

Pacifico said it was “an honor” to share the stage with the Imperial Orchestra Gagaku performers. “It also shows how our cultures are different and yet similar, the regard for tradition and modernity, the appreciation of music, the sense of formality in public, but warmth and a sense of fun as well in private.”

He hopes that Friday’s performance is not a one-off but becomes the foundation of a rich and long-standing collaboration with “our Japanese friends, the Tokyo College of Music, who we’re collaborating with on this concert.”

“We hope that Saudi artists will start to have opportunities to play on stages here in Tokyo, like the Blue Note and Billboard Live and the Cotton Club, or festivals like Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock. And equally, we’d love to see Japanese artists playing more in Riyadh and all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a very exciting story to tell.”

• This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan

Topics: Saudi Arabia Japan

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Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 

Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 

Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has helped a Yemeni prosthetics center provide medical services to 536 people in October.
The Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Taiz Governorate provided various medical services Yemeni beneficiaries who have lost limbs, the Saudi Press Agency said.
During the project, 1,757 services were provided including measuring, manufacturing, fitting, delivering and maintaining artificial limbs and prosthetics, in addition to rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.
KSRelief also signed a deal with a Yemeni civil-society organization to provide shelter for the neediest families affected by floods and torrents in Hadhramaut.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yemen

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KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News
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KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

  • KSrelief provided medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals
Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its humanitarian activities in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon with the provision of medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals.

At Jordan’s Zaatri Camp, the Saudi aid agency provided medical services to 2,738 patients during the second week of November. General practitioners treated 657 patients, internists saw 125 patients dealing with diabetes, hypertension and asthma.

The pediatric clinic examined 270 children, while the emergency department attended to 297 patients. Meanwhile, dentists attended to 183 patients

The gynecology clinic served 182 women while ear, nose, and throat doctors clinic treated 57 patients for conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and otitis media.

The ophthalmology clinic assisted 51 patients and provided them with medications. The cardiology clinic received 27 patients, and the diagnostic radiology clinic conducted examinations for 25 patients.

Other medical services provided also included laboratory tests, x-rays and vaccinations.

In Afghanistan, 200 shelter kits and 200 tents have been handed out for the benefit of 1,200 individuals as part of a project for returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan and those affected by flooding.

In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 530 purchase coupons to orphans and people with disabilities in Akkar region, Beirut, central and western Bekaa and Armoun.

The coupons allow recipients to buy winter clothing of their choice from approved stores.

Topics: KSRelief Jordan Afghanistan Lebanon

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Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

Updated 22 November 2024
Arab News
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Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

  • Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to Kingdom’s entertainment sector honored
Updated 22 November 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.

Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”

He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.

The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.

Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.

Topics: Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority (GEA) MENA Effie Awards

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Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
Updated 22 November 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
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Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

  • Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years
Updated 22 November 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi

RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.

Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.

“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”

HIGHLIGHT

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.

Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’ (Supplied)

Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.

“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”

Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.

Maan AlQurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi. (Supplied)

“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.

“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.

“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”

Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.

 

 

Topics: pokemon go Saudi Arabia

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