Saudi, Italian officials highlight growing economic ties at ongoing talks

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Updated 29 April 2025
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Saudi, Italian officials highlight growing economic ties at ongoing talks

  • Talks will solidify strategic pacts, says ambassador Prince Faisal
  • Officials from both nations optimistic about cementing relations

MILAN: Government and business officials from Saudi Arabia and Italy are continuing talks, which began on Monday and ends on April 30, to cement economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

On Monday, Milan hosted the Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Lombardy.

Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, said that over 300 companies wanted to participate, signaling considerable enthusiasm for collaboration.

However, the organizers were only able to accommodate 150 companies, according to Al-Munajjed.

High-profile attendees included Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Italy Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who underscored the significance of the visit to Italy.

Prince Faisal told Arab News the talks “reinforce” the commitment to advance the strategic partnerships signed previously by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“The Saudi-Italian Business Council events in Milan and Turin lay the groundwork for future cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, renewable resources, and other strategic sectors.

“This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Italy’s industrial agenda, fostering long-lasting partnerships and new synergies,” said Prince Faisal.

Valerio de Molli, CEO and managing partner of The European House - Ambrosetti & TEHA Group, a leading management consulting firm in Italy, said there was significant potential for joint business ventures.

De Molli said that considerable expertise can be provided by his firm which organizes over 850 events annually, involving thousands of experts and entrepreneurs.

Members of Saudi Arabia’s delegation also expressed optimism about the talks.

Sultan Al-Mousa, a Saudi Arabia author and angel investor, said: “What I liked the most was the networking after we finished the forum itself. Everything was amazing.”

He added that he was looking for partnerships with Italian companies.

An Italian government official, Giorgio Silli, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs and international cooperation, thanked the Saudi-Italian Business Council for organizing the forum.

Silli said it was a “valuable platform for generating dialogue between our business communities.”

He said these meetings were “very important” on all levels and that commerce was the “glue” which connects the two countries.

“I am really in love with the Saudi culture. And I really think that together we can look to the future in a complementary way without forgetting who we are, which is our story.”

Antonio Franceschini, head of office at CNA, emphasized the importance of fostering connections between Italian and Saudi SMEs.

He said: “We think the very interesting opportunity between our countries is to develop and to share the experience in the sector of small and medium enterprises and the craft sector.”

Franceschini also announced plans for a new business mission in Riyadh next November.

Raffaele Cattaneo, undersecretary to the presidency of the Lombardy region with responsibility for international and European relations, highlighted the significance of the relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Cattaneo told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia is an open country with a lot of opportunities … This is another important step in the right direction.”

He stressed the need for cooperation to build bridges between Western and Eastern countries, promoting peace and prosperity through shared business interests.

Amanda Simoncelli, a student at Bocconi University, told Arab News about her research on the alignment of perceptions between Italian investors and Saudi policymakers.

“I think relations between Saudi and Italy are extremely important because we can create invaluable value for the entire community,” she said.

Elena Murelli, senator in the Italian parliament, highlighted the significance of the forum, saying: “It’s important because we have 90,000 companies in Italy, small and medium enterprises ... Saudi companies can invest in Italy and help these little companies to access new markets.”


Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
Updated 21 June 2025
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Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

  • The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

MADINAH: The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

 


New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

Updated 21 June 2025
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New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

  • Nationwide effort aims to curb threats to heritage sites and artifacts

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the “Aadat” national awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of the importance of Saudi antiquities.

The campaign underscores the vital role of artifacts in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural and national identity, reflecting the succession of civilizations across its land over millennia.

It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the commission to spotlight Saudi antiquities and raise awareness of threats they face, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking.

HIGHLIGHT

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It adopts a comprehensive approach using various media and outreach tools, including field campaigns in public areas, markets, malls, and universities across multiple regions.

The commission also plans to introduce interactive pavilions to showcase key archaeological sites and highlight the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity.

It stressed that the campaign continues its ongoing efforts to safeguard artifacts, which are rich in symbolic and cultural meaning.

Each artifact, the commission noted, tells a story from the past, and its preservation is essential to maintaining the national memory for future generations.

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom.

This milestone underscores the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to documenting and preserving these sites.

The newly registered sites are spread across several regions: Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Jouf (10).

Stressing the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation, the commission urged citizens and residents to report unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, social media, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

 


Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

  • Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry

PARIS: A delegation from the Saudi civil aviation sector, led by General Authority of Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, visited the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, as part of the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, which ends on June 22.

The visit strengthens cooperation with France in areas such as manufacturing, technology transfer, and localization of the aerospace industry, Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry.

 

 


Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

  • Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.

The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.

The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.

In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.

Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.


Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.