Saudi crown prince condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon

Short Url
Updated 11 November 2024
Follow

Saudi crown prince condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon

  • In his opening statement at Arab and Islamic summit, the crown prince criticized obstruction of humanitarian agencies in Gaza
  • The international community must ‘immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,’ he said

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of Israeli attacks in Gaza and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty on Monday.
In his opening statement at an extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit hosted by Riyadh, the crown prince criticized the obstruction of humanitarian agencies’ work in Gaza and and rejected diminishing the role of the Palestinian Authority.
“The Kingdom condemns the obstruction of the relief efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Palestinian territories, as well as the obstruction of the work of humanitarian organizations providing aid to the Palestinian people,” Prince Mohammed said. 
Israel has formally notified the UN of its decision to sever ties with UNRWA after Israeli lawmakers backed the move last week.
The international community must “immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon”, the crown prince said, condemning Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “genocide.”
“We condemn the Israeli military operations that targeted Lebanese territories and we reject anything that threatens Lebanon’s stability and safety as well as anything that violates its territorial integrity.
“Israel’s continued criminal actions against innocent people, its violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its undermining of the Palestinian Authority’s pivotal role in all Palestinian territories will hinder efforts to secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and establish regional peace,” the crown prince said. 
He also condemned attacks on Iran, saying that the international community should oblige Israel to respect “the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and cease all hostile actions on Iranian territories.
“We stand with our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,” the crown prince added.
The crown prince also said that Palestine qualifies for full membership in the UN, and stressed the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state.
“We launched a global initiative to support the two-state solution,” he said.
Saudi Arabia has succeeded in calling more peace-loving countries to recognize a Palestinian state, through the UN General Assembly, considering that Palestine is eligible for a full membership, the crown prince said.
 

 

Arab-Islamic leaders arrived in Riyadh on Monday ahead of a Saudi Arabia-sponsored follow-up summit focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan; Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council President; Bashar Assad, president of Syria; Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, prime minister of Iraq; Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain; and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, president of Egypt, arrived in Riyadh on Monday to join the extra-ordinary summit.
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Iran First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi also arrived on Monday in Riyadh. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, also arrived for the event.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Sunday, so did Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister of Guinea Morissanda Kouyate, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama.

 

The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom’s capital on Sunday after performing Umrah and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday.


Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan

Updated 3 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan

  • Saudi Arabia to 'provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people'
  • Ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan date back to 1932

RIYADH: The Saudi embassy in the Afghani capital, Kabul, resumed its diplomatic activities on Sunday.

"Based on the desire of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22," the embassy posted on X platform on Sunday.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan date back to 1932 when the Kingdom became the first Islamic country to provide aid to the Afghan people during their ordeals.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia launched numerous projects in Afghanistan through its humanitarian arm KSRelief, focusing on aid relief, health, education services, water and food security.

Riyadh also participated in all international donor conferences and called for establishing security and stability in Afghanistan following years of armed conflicts.

Saudi Arabia withdrew its diplomats from Kabul in August 2021 when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal from the country.

However, it said it was resuming consular services in the country in November 2021 and also provides humanitarian aid through its King Salman Relief Center organization.


Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa

Updated 17 min 21 sec ago
Follow

Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa

  • Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: A Saudi delegation headed by an advisor from the Royal Court met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, at the People’s Palace in Syria on Sunday, according to an Al Arabiya report.

Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria,” he told the newspaper’s Bissane El-Cheikh during an interview the the Presidential Palace in Damascus.

“There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals,” he added.


Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals.
Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

  • Aseel Al-Maghlouth breaks glass to break through in the local art scene

RIYADH: Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth is hammering a niche for himself by using glass as his canvas.

He stumbled upon the technique while working on his graduation project in mechanical engineering. “I discovered the potential to employ broken glass to create distinctive artistic designs,” he told Arab News.  

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired him to create shapes and visuals and developed a technique that reflected his artistic vision.

Al-Maghlouth turns broken glass into stunning art, showcasing the beauty in fragility and redefining artistic norms. (Supplied)

Al-Maghlouth had a love for drawing from a young age, but it was not until he discovered his ability to express ideas in unconventional ways that his true passion for art crystallized.

“I have always drawn inspiration from the surrounding nature and the intricate details of daily life,” he said. This connection to his environment, combined with his experiences in exploring artworks, helped shape his unique style.  

He finds beauty in the mundane and translates that into his creations, often using glass to convey emotions and narratives that might resonate with viewers.

HIGHLIGHT

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired.

This newfound fame has allowed him to sell his works and create custom pieces for clients, including various artists and celebrities. “Creating for such esteemed individuals is an honor, and it motivates me to push my artistic boundaries,” he said.

"Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.” (Supplied)

“The best work I own is the painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Frankly, I consider it the most valuable painting I have ever owned, but I refuse to sell it because it was a special gift from me to the crown prince,” he said.

“I have received many offers but I refuse to sell it. As for the rest of my paintings, I prefer not to mention the prices because the value of art for me is not limited to a number. Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.”

One of the greatest challenges Al-Maghlouth faced as an artist was transforming his creations into messages that resonated with his audience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that my art conveyed a clear idea,” he said.

I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030.

Aseel Al-Maghlouth, Saudi artist

Through experimentation with the nature of glass fractures and the control of his technique, he minimized errors and created pieces that told meaningful stories.

Each strike of the hammer is deliberate, aimed at producing not just a fragment but a narrative that can be interpreted and appreciated by those who view it.

“I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030,” he added, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in his work.

Al-Maghlouth’s vision for the future is ambitious. He aspires to participate in international exhibitions, representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage. “I dream of organizing a personal exhibition in Riyadh to showcase my works and exchange inspiration with other artists,” he said.

For emerging artists, Al-Maghlouth has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Each piece of art reflects a part of you.”

He encourages newcomers to continue developing and learning from every experience, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

His journey is testament to the idea that creativity flourishes in an environment where risks are taken and failures viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Al-Maghlouth’s work serves as a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials and methods, encouraging others to explore their creativity without constraints.

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, he challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth remains committed to honoring the stories behind each piece, proving that even the most broken fragments can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

 


Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

  • Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council

RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.

During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.

He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.

Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.

The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.


Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

  • The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers

RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.

The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.

On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”

A gathering of experts, specialists, and stakeholders attended the Saudi Lawyers Conference, held in Riyadh. (SPA)

With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.

It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.

Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.

He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.

“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.

The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.

These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.