Riyadh set to host African leaders with a view to strengthening trade and diplomatic ties

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Leaders of Arab and African nations have gathered in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi-African Summit. (SPA)
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Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger and his accompanying delegation arrive in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
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Updated 10 November 2023
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Riyadh set to host African leaders with a view to strengthening trade and diplomatic ties

DUBAI: Leaders from 50 nations throughout the Middle East and Africa will gather in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi-African Summit on Nov. 10.

Saudi and African officials hope the meeting will lead to a long-term partnership between the Kingdom and the African Union, capitalizing on pre-existing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations while setting out to forge new ones.

Separated by the narrow expanses of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, the geographical proximity of Saudi Arabia and the African continent means they have a long history of shared cultural and linguistic ties that pre-date the birth of Islam.

“Africa and Saudi Arabia share a common geography, common culture, and common traditions,” Yahaya Lawal, the Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

“We are bound together by history. Islam spread to Africa. Saudi Arabia and Africa are bound together through Islamic culture and tradition.”

Formal ties were first established between the Kingdom and several African nations in the 1960s, when they secured independence from European colonialism.

Lawal said: “Our relations have been growing ever since. Saudi Arabia is a very important partner for us.”

INNUMBERS

  • 50 world leaders from the Middle East and Africa will meet in Riyadh.
  • $13.5bn — the sum provided to 54 African nations by the Saudi Fund for Development.

During a ceremony to celebrate Africa Day in May this year, Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, the Saudi vice minister of foreign affairs, said the Kingdom recognized the need to support the development of African nations.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Saudi Fund for Development has provided 580 loans and grants with a total value of approximately $13.5 billion to more than 54 African countries.

The Kingdom currently enjoys diplomatic relations with 54 African countries, operates 31 resident missions, and is working on opening 13 further missions in the near future, El-Khereiji added. A further range of projects, loans, and grants worth more than $800 million are also in the pipeline.

The Arab world consists of 22 countries, of which 10 are in Africa — Comoros, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. These nations form an important cultural bridge between the continents.

“As a member of the Arab League and an African nation, both summits are important to us,” Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

“The relationship between Africa and Saudi Arabia is not new,” he added, noting it had been “very strong” since the independence of Djibouti 40 years ago.

The first Saudi-African Summit aims to enhance political coordination between the Kingdom and the continent, fostering joint action, economic development, and investment cooperation.

Bamakhrama said: “This summit has long been awaited by African nations.”

The fifth Arab-Africa Summit, which was planned to take place on Nov. 11 after a seven-year hiatus, has been postponed. A statement said this was due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and a commitment to prevent regional political events from impacting the Arab African partnership focused on developmental and economic dimensions. The summit was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its new date has yet to be announced.

The fourth Arab-Africa Summit took place in November 2016 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. It concluded with the endorsement of the Malabo Declaration, with Arab and African countries pledging to enhance cooperation in areas of sustainable development, security, and peace.

“Riyadh is now one of the most important capitals in the Middle East region and in the world. To have these two summits side by side in Riyadh is very important for all African countries,” Bamakhrama added.

The Islamic Development Bank, or IsDB, established in Jeddah in 1975, has long financed projects in Africa. It provides loans and credit to member countries to support the development of both social and physical infrastructure. Among its 57 member countries are 27 African nations.

From 1975 to June 2022, the IsDB has advanced financing worth approximately $65 billion to African countries, including $20 billion for trade financing activities as well as energy, education, health, and road transport projects.

On May 25, the African Union celebrated its 60th anniversary. Upon its creation it set out to liberate the continent from colonialism, strengthen African solidarity, eliminate economic underdevelopment, and elevate the continent in international decision-making.

Six decades later, while much work still needs to be done, the continent is on the rise and has immense economic potential. Covering an area larger than China, Europe, the US, and India combined, Africa also has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population.

According to the UN, by 2050 one in four people will be African. While birth rates are declining in richer nations, Africa’s population is expected to double to 2.5 billion over the next 25 years.

Africa’s youth is bursting with new ideas, eager to jumpstart initiatives and work across a variety of sectors. The continent’s cities are also rapidly expanding, creating space for new markets and industries.

Saudi Arabia has been quick to recognize Africa’s potential for increased economic, social, and political partnerships, and African officials are eager to encourage investment.

“These two summits are quite significant because they’ll bring and solidify the existing bridges that have always existed between the Arab Peninsula and the African continent,” Lawal said.

It is not just trade and investment that will feature on the agenda at the forthcoming summit. Security issues, including regional conflicts and extremist insurgencies, are also a source of shared concern.

“We have common challenges to discuss. I believe we will discuss many of our issues during the summits. Saudi Arabia has always been a great partner and is already pursuing mediation initiatives in several African conflicts,” Lawal added.

Saudi Arabia has been involved in brokering talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which plunged Sudan into violence and humanitarian catastrophe in April.

Since the war broke out more than six months ago, several rounds of talks have been held in Jeddah to establish a ceasefire and to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The US and Saudi-sponsored talks, together with the African Union, restarted on Oct. 30.

“The Kingdom is not only contributing to peace initiatives and to resolving conflicts but also to the development of Africa,” Lawal said.

Stability and development will be key to unlocking Africa’s full potential. But to equip young Africans with the tools they need to transform their societies, investment is needed in educational programs — which is why the issue will feature on the summit agenda.

Bamakhrama said: “Without education you can’t understand the world we live in. Education is vital for the development of Africa.”

Staging the twin conferences sends a strong signal to the African continent that Saudi Arabia is committed to building upon its existing relationships and identifying new ways to forge a common vision for development.

“There is already important Gulf Cooperation Council investment in Africa. Through these summits we will be able to deepen our cooperation and make our investments stronger and more practical,” Bamakhrama added.


Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

Updated 5 sec ago
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Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Vice Speaker Mishaal Al-Sulami met in Riyadh with an EU Political and Security Committee delegation, led by its chair Delphine Pronk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The delegation included ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and the EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud.

Al-Sulami highlighted the Shoura Council’s oversight and legislative roles and emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation.

The delegates praised the Kingdom’s significant developments and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The talks addressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU, ways to enhance collaboration between the Shoura Council and the European Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.

Earlier, the EU delegation visited the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, where they discussed ways to counter extremism.

The delegation also visited the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh, where they discussed joint efforts to tackle global challenges.


Saudi aid targets schools in Yemen, health in Somalia

Updated 3 min 45 sec ago
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Saudi aid targets schools in Yemen, health in Somalia

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to implement the third phase of the Back to School project in Yemen.

The initiative will be executed in the Al-Mukha district of Taiz governorate, Thamud district in Hadramout governorate, and the governorates of Shabwah, Abyan and Lahj, benefiting about 6,000 individuals.

KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz signed the agreement on the sidelines of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The agreement includes the provision of 60 fully equipped classrooms, the outfitting of 10 schools to create a suitable learning environment, and the distribution of 6,000 school uniforms and bags containing essential supplies.

Additionally, job opportunities will be provided to low-income families — previous beneficiaries of training and empowerment projects — who will produce the school bags and uniforms.

This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, led by KSrelief, to support the educational process, reduce dropout rates, and ensure a safer learning environment in Yemen.

In a separate agreement, KSrelief and the International Medical Corps signed a $1-million partnership to equip Garowe General Hospital in Somalia with dialysis machines and enhance its dialysis center. This project is expected to benefit 3,666 individuals.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and International Medical Corps President and CEO Nancy Aossey, also during the conference in Riyadh.

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to support health care services for those in need in Somalia.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministry of foreign affairs expressed said the Kingdom welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon in a statement posted on X on Wednesday. 

The Kingdom expressed appreciation for all international efforts made for the ceasefire, adding that it hoped it would lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution (1701) and the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability and the return of the displaced to their homes in safety and security.

Resolution 1701 calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.


Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia

Updated 27 November 2024
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Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia

  • As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh

RIYADH: The introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef to the Saudi market was marked by an exclusive evening at the residence of Morino Yasunari, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The event was hosted by Fam Foods, the only authorized reseller in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the Kobe Beef Association and highlighted the deepening cultural and culinary partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere that blended heritage and contemporary celebration. They were welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee, a gesture reflecting the nations’ shared value of hospitality, while the decor also combined their traditions.

They were also treated to a culinary journey featuring authentic Japanese techniques, including teppanyaki preparations demonstrating the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship behind Kobe beef. The renowned Kimono Butcher captivated the audience with a masterful demonstration of beef cutting, symbolizing the precision and dedication synonymous with Japanese culinary heritage.

Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, chairwoman of Fam Foods, said during her address: “This evening celebrates more than just the introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef; it embodies the rich culinary and cultural partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia. At Fam Foods, we are committed to innovating while safekeeping tradition — together, we are transforming premium dining experiences in the Kingdom.”

Shinnosuke Murakami, president of the Sanda Meat Center Export Expansion Consortium which oversees the export of Kobe from Japan, said: “Kobe beef represents the pinnacle of Japanese wagyu beef, renowned worldwide for its exceptional flavor, rich aroma and unparalleled tenderness.

“We are deeply grateful to His Royal Highness Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Her Highness Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, and the Fam Foods team for their ongoing support in this partnership and providing us the opportunity to share this wonderful delicacy with the people of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.”

Traditional performances also added depth to the evening, connecting attendees to the cultural roots of Japan, with the serene melodies of a koto performance and the elegance of a flute recital bringing the event to life.

As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh. The venture is set to redefine Japanese dining in Saudi Arabia, offering an elevated culinary experience that brings the artistry of Japanese beef to the forefront.


Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

Updated 27 November 2024
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Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

  • Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.

The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.

The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.