Efforts to resolve Syrian crisis tackled in meeting of Saudi FM, UN envoy

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Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to exert all efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis to preserve its unity, security, stability and Arab League affiliation. (SPA)
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Updated 18 September 2023
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Efforts to resolve Syrian crisis tackled in meeting of Saudi FM, UN envoy

RIYADH: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, met on Sunday with the UN special envoy for Syria to discuss the latest developments on the political solution to the Syrian crisis, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The meeting with Geir Pedersen, which was held on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York city, also discussed the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations in this regard, including the outcomes of the Arab Summit held in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to exert all efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis to preserve its unity, security, stability and Arab League affiliation, and achieve progress and prosperity for its people.

Separately, the Saudi foreign minister met with Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov.

The officials discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and consolidating bilateral and multilateral work, in addition to the latest developments.


Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

Updated 4 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

  • Company recognized for meeting international quality, safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Agricultural Services was awarded certifications from the International Organization for Standardization on Wednesday.

AgriServ, which provides services to farmers, breeders and agricultural enterprises, received eight ISO certifications for achieving quality standards and meeting international specifications of safety and efficiency.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, minister of environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of AgriServ, was present at the award ceremony.

The company obtained certifications in eight categories: anti-bribery, compliance, information security, quality, energy, environment, occupational health and safety, and customer satisfaction, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Omar Al-Suhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, said that the achievement was a result of the company’s efforts to enhance internal procedures and implement the highest quality standards.

He highlighted AgriServ’s commitment to international standards in its regulations, policies and procedures, the SPA added.


Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Updated 19 March 2025
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Thunderstorms expected across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

  • Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday, leading the General Directorate of Civil Defense to urge the public to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid flood-prone valleys and watercourses, and refrain from swimming in them.

It emphasized the importance of following official instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail and winds, causing dust and sandstorms.

Similar conditions are expected in the Riyadh region.

The directorate indicated that the regions of Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Qassim, and the Eastern Province will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Moderate rain is expected in the Najran region while the Hail region will have light showers.


Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

  • Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority is stepping up inspections on foreign trucks in Saudi Arabia to enforce land transport regulations.

Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Each offense resulted in a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and immediate impoundment of the vehicle, the SPA added.

In Riyadh, 86 inspections revealed 24 offenses and impoundments, while in Jeddah, one offense and impoundment were recorded from eight inspections.

The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which results in a SR10,000 fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

Repeat offenses result in escalating penalties: SR20,000 and 30 days for the second offense; SR40,000 and 60 days for the third; SR80,000 and 60 days for the fourth; and SR160,000 and 60 days for the fifth. Persistent offenders face having their vehicles confiscated.

These nationwide campaigns enhance transport oversight, ensure fair competition, and support the national carrier, the SPA reported.

In collaboration with relevant bodies, the authority has set four key regulations for foreign truck operations: obtaining an electronic transport document via “bayan.logisti.sa,” limiting transport to return journeys, complying with local carrier rules, and settling offenses before entry or exit.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

Updated 19 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

  • In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families
  • In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh, 200 packages were distributed, while 685 baskets were given to needy families in Lebanon.

In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also distributed 1,100 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan. The project will distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning to their homes.


Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

Updated 19 March 2025
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Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

  • New pact inked with entertainment firm Sela
  • Promotions to take place at Anime Japan 2025

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, has signed a new strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia entertainment company Sela.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration with renowned Japanese companies and create new opportunities for their participation in Riyadh Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Potential collaborations will enable Japanese companies to engage with Saudi Arabia and international audiences through events and experiences in the Kingdom with the facilitation of Manga Productions, the SPA reported.

In 2022, Sela unveiled a 33-meter-tall statue of the anime character Grendizer, which set a Guinness World Record during Riyadh Season of that year.

This year, Manga Productions announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025, one of the world’s leading events in the creative industry.

During the event from March 22 to 25, the company’s booth will promote investment opportunities, according to the SPA.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan