Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad joins Arab leaders for historic summit in Jeddah

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Updated 19 May 2023
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Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad joins Arab leaders for historic summit in Jeddah

  • Assad’s attendance seals Syria’s return to the Arab fold after a 12-year suspension
  • 22-member league recently reinstated Syria and welcomed Assad back into its ranks

JEDDAH: President Bashar Assad of Syria arrived in Jeddah on Thursday to take part in the Arab League summit, his first visit to the Kingdom since Syria’s conflict began in 2011.
Assad’s attendance at the summit on Friday seals Syria’s return to the Arab fold after a 12-year suspension,and opens a new chapter in relations after more than a decade of tensions.
The 22-member league recently reinstated Syria and is now poised to welcome Assad back into its ranks. The Syrian president was officially invited to attend the summit last week.Saudi Arabia cut ties with Assad’s government in 2012 in response to the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests that triggered the civil war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. It was also the reason Syria was suspended from the Arab League.

The steps leading to Syria’s reintegration into the Arab fold go back to at least 2018, but the process picked up speed after two deadly earthquakes struck Syria and Turkey in February, prompting an influx of aid from the region.
After the quakes, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said a consensus was building in the Arab world that a new approach to Syria requiring negotiations with Damascus would be needed to address humanitarian crises.
Assad’s arrival was preceded by that of several Arab leaders and heads of state. First to arrive was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, followed by Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Bahrain’s King Hamad, the President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik Al-Said, and Tunisian President Kais Saied. 

After arriving in Jeddah, Bahrain’s king said the summit was a “good occasion” for leaders to consult, exchange opinions, and enhance joint coordination in order to support Arab action.

The summit coincides with a desire for greater unity and sense of purpose in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia’s growing authority and its support for “home-grown” solutions to regional problems have provided much of the impetus for this collective call for cooperation, analysts told Arab News.

“Since its establishment in 1945, all previous Arab League summits had been marred by regional crises and much disagreement within the pan-Arab body to the point that many of those meetings had been either canceled or yielded no tangible outcomes,” said Omar Ayasrah, a Jordanian lawmaker and political analyst.

“But the summit in Jeddah seems to be different. It has been preceded by a number of Saudi-led initiatives and practical steps aimed first at laying down positive grounds for the meeting and consequently building a unified Arab position on regional crises and the necessary collective framework to address them.”


Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 52 min 46 sec ago
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Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has arrived in Washington on an official visit, Al-Ekhbariya reported on Monday.

The visit aims to strengthen US-Saudi relations, and Prince Khalid will discuss issues of common interest during it.  


Saudi Arabia pivotal in achieving peace, New Zealand deputy PM says as new Russia tariffs announced

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters spoke to Arab News during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. (AN photo)
Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia pivotal in achieving peace, New Zealand deputy PM says as new Russia tariffs announced

  • On strengthening cultural ties in the education sector, the minister spoke dimly of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diminishing numbers of Saudi students attending New Zealand universities
  • As an active member of the UN, New Zealand is looking for what Peters called “an illegal war” to end immediately

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in achieving peace in an increasingly insecure world, New Zealand’s deputy prime minister told Arab News the same day his country announced new tariffs on Russia.

“This is a very dramatically changing world with greater insecurity than ever for a long, long time. And so, we’re looking at countries that are playing a pivotal role as Saudi Arabia is, and the Gulf states, in terms of peace here and world peace itself,” Winston Peters told Arab News during a state visit on Monday.

“I know these aspirations sound to be big and large objectives, but we have got to keep on trying to improve the world we’re in, and we’re looking and observing with a great deal of admiration of the new role in terms of stability that Saudi Arabia appears to be playing.”

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The deputy prime minister reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The new sanctions announced by New Zealand target 52 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s military and energy industries, as well as North Korean support.

The minister firmly stated: “You will hear all manner of propaganda about Ukraine, but there was an invasion of Crimea in 2014, no one reacted.

“And then we had, just over three years ago ... the beginning of a war.

“Now we’re hearing that the so-called guilty party is utterly innocent, that somehow their soldiers coming over the border into Ukraine is an act of innocence.”

As an active member of the UN, New Zealand is looking for what Peters called “an illegal war” to end immediately.

Certain “uncertainties” from Russia’s point of view about where they fit in the NATO-sphere of nations and Ukraine’s position relevant to the alliance are, according to the Peters, irrelevant at this point in time.

The minister also touched on New Zealand’s stance on the war in Gaza, reaffirming his country’s support of a two-state solution.

“Observing this constant strife, decade after decade after decade, we all want a solution that is in the best interests of the people involved … No matter the government back in New Zealand, we have always been for a two-state solution,” he said.

But the minister said that the purpose of his visit was to take part in Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day weekend celebrations.

“It is a very important celebration … and also to see progress on Vision 2030, which we, even in a brief amount of time, can see so much has advanced from the point of view of economic and social progress,” he said.

He also discussed a recent free trade agreement between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

New Zealand and the GCC concluded negotiations on an FTA on Oct. 31 of last year, and trade ministers on both sides are expected to sign the agreement in the coming months.

On strengthening cultural ties in the education sector, the minister spoke dimly of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diminishing numbers of Saudi students attending New Zealand universities.

“As a consequence, what used to be 6,000 students a year has dwindled away to a much lesser number, less than a thousand.

“So, we are going to have those talks going forward.”

Peters also touched on Saudi Arabia’s equestrian heritage, after watching New Zealand’s James McDonald perform in the Saudi Cup over the weekend.

“The Arabian horse is unique; it’s got stamina and can run enormous distances … From that, we’ve bred the best in the world.”

He also highlighted Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker’s two-round win over Martin Bakole in Riyadh on Saturday.

 


Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah

Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah

  • The ministry also urged people to book an appointment via the Sehhaty app to receive the vaccine at adult vaccination clinics

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has highlighted the necessity of receiving the meningitis vaccine for those intending to perform Umrah during Ramadan.

It is part of efforts to enhance preventive health measures and limit the spread of infectious diseases, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The ministry urged the importance of getting vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling for Umrah to ensure the required immunity is achieved.

It said that people vaccinated within the past five years do not need a booster dose, as the vaccine remains effective throughout this period.

The ministry also urged people to book an appointment via the Sehhaty app to receive the vaccine at adult vaccination clinics, highlighting the importance of adhering to preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthy Umrah experience.

The directive aligns with the ministry’s efforts to protect the health of Umrah performers, raise health awareness, and develop an integrated healthcare system that enhances quality of life and healthcare services.

 


Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills

Updated 24 February 2025
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Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills

  • Woodworkers, tin shapers delight visitors to four-day event
  • Festival reflects Kingdom’s support for traditional crafts

DHAHRAN: Qatif buzzed with excitement as it hosted a celebration of handicrafts, showcasing the talents of local artisans.

Under the patronage of Qatif Gov. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the four-day festival, which ended on Sunday, was held at the Anak Event Hall.

More than 200 booths displayed all manner of handcrafts, from traditional tools and knitted hammocks to jewelry, artisanal perfumes and incense.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

The event emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and their role in the local economy, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Among the artisans was Mohammad Moghais, a 47-year-old woodworker who builds miniature versions of old-fashioned homes and shops painted in vibrant colors.

“I started woodworking at 16. Back then, there were no modern tools like today’s oscillating saws. All we had were basic hand saws,” he told Arab News.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s support for traditional crafts and their economic role. (AN photo)

Moghais’ first project was a small chair and from there he progressed to making tables, wardrobes and sofas.

“The focus at first was on traditional crafts. We would take discarded wood and repurpose it,” he said. “I always find ways to improve my craft.”

Moghais said he was motivated by the changes he saw to his neighborhood following a renovation project that threatened its character.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

“It really hurt me to see that,” he said. “So I started making wooden fixtures, decorative pieces and items that reflected our traditional artistry, just like our forefathers used to make. That’s how I’ve continued my work over the years.”

Mohammad Alosaif is another of Qatif’s artisans, who showcased his expertise in crafting tin into everyday items like kettles and pots, a skill he learned from his father.

“I feel that the Kingdom’s ongoing support for these traditional crafts is essential, as they form the foundation of many modern industries,” he said.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

“It may be an old craft, but it evolves alongside modern industries. For example, tin was once used for oil cans, butter containers and paint cans. Craftsmen would cut the tin into sheets, shape, press and refine it, then mold it into various forms, emboss it and polish it to create useful items.”

For visitors, the event provided a rich tapestry of craftsmanship that told stories of heritage and artistic expression. There were also workshops at which people engaged in a range of activities, like macrame and making incense holders and soap.

The festival also featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost.

 


Saudi fund chief receives UN official

Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi fund chief receives UN official

  • The two sides discussed ways to enhance development cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad received UN-Under Secretary-General Haoliang Xu and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance development cooperation, the Saudi fund wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Ambassador of Spain to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia and the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom Mohamed Zarkani to discuss matters of mutual interest in Riyadh on Monday, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.