RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as China’s biggest economic partner in the region with the bilateral trade standing at $70 billion annually. The one-belt, one-road strategy could add new mileage to their relations.
In 2014, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visited China when he was then the crown prince for a four-day visit to further cement the strategic historic relationship between the two countries.
Thanks to the strategic proposal of Chinese president Xi Jinping to establish a “1+2+3”cooperation pattern under the Belt and Road framework, which takes energy cooperation as one core, infrastructure construction and trade and investment facilitation as two wings, and sets to make breakthroughs in three high and new tech fields, including nuclear energy, aerospace and new energy.
Saudi Arabia, located at the key juncture point of the Belt and Road, is the leader of regional development. It is also one of the most significant partners in the construction of the Belt and Road.
According to Chinese Ambassador Li Chengwen, China is counting on the pivotal role of the Kingdom in taking the relations forward to the next level to strengthen peace and cooperation through the Silk Road. When completed, it could act as a major intercontinental trade route linking Asia, Europe and Africa.
In a related development, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) opened a branch in Riyadh, becoming the first Chinese bank to establish its presence within the framework of China’s international diplomacy. It will provide funding to investors, both Chinese and Saudis, who wish to launch projects in the Kingdom.
As Ambassador Chengwen points out, China is currently one of the fastest growing economies by diversifying its economy through infrastructure, which will lead to job creation. Within the framework of this macro approach, Ambassador Li Chengwen held a high-profile meeting with Saudi and Chinese entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and the Chinese side signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the protection of the Saudi consumer. Its aim is to check the entry of counterfeit goods and safeguard the interest of the business community on both sides.
Later, addressing the entrepreneurs, Chengwen said: “You have to work hard. Our businesses can develop only on the basis of mutual respect and innovation thanks to the rapidly growing relationship and mutual confidence.” And to underline his firm commitment to the deal, Chengwen said those found guilty of violating the accord “will be blacklisted.”
As for the one belt and road policy, he said it will help the Kingdom and the region as well as China to accelerate the pace of development and make their economies sustainable.
He added: “Last year also marked the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and the Kingdom. In the past 25 years … the two nations have become strategic partners and have achieved fruitful results of cooperation in various fields.
“Mutual respect is a major premise of Sino-Saudi relations. Despite different national conditions, China and the Kingdom adhere to the principle of mutual respect and equality. We respect for each other’s cultural traditions, social systems and core interests and concerns,” Chengwen added.
He said: “Representing Chinese civilization and the Islamic civilization separately, we both advocate respect, harmony and dialogue among civilizations. The friendly relationship between China and the Kingdom becomes a model of accommodation between different civilizations. Mutual respect and tolerance between China and the Kingdom guarantees the right direction of Sino-Saudi relations.”
The ambassador said China is counting on the pivotal role of the Kingdom in lending a new momentum to the initiative of peace, cooperation, tolerance and mutual learning to revive the Silk Road, one of the most important trade crossings in the continents of the ancient world, Asia, Europe and Africa.
“China is working to establish the free trade area of the Asia-Pacific in the current year. Approval of APEC members in the roadmap represents a historic step for the official launch of this process and emphasizes the APEC confidence and determination to push forward regional economic integration,” Chengwen added.
On Chinese-Arab level, he said that in building a belt and the road they will make the Arab states led by Saudi Arabia the focal point in this great road linking the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa.
On the Group of 20 nations summit (G-20) in Australia, the ambassador stressed that the Kingdom is the only Arab country in the G-20, which has an important place in the global economic structure and energy.
In this context, CRCC Saudi Branch is implementing five projects in Saudi Arabia, including Riviera-1 Compound Alkhobar project.
They include development of the Ministry of Interior's Security Headquarters (phase five); renovation of 78.4 km railway line number two between Dammam and Riyadh; expansion of Dhahran Residential Community – 240 residential villas (package number four), Dhahran Camp, and renewal of 91 km of mainline number two between Dammam and Riyadh, with a contract value totaling $ 3 billion.
As cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia deepens, CRCC sees more opportunities to get involved in various infrastructure projects here. It is contributing to the Kingdom’s prosperity, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation by building a bridge along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road for the realization of the China Dream and the Global Dream.
One-belt, one-road strategy adds mileage to historic relationship
One-belt, one-road strategy adds mileage to historic relationship
Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president
- Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Cameroon, Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, on Saturday presented his credentials to President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya, wishing the people of Cameroon and the government continued progress and prosperity.
Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity
- Forum highlights Saudi commitment to Shariah education, support for Muslim minorities
RIYADH: The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims is being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the theme “Shariah education in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its impact on preserving identity,” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
Organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the three-day event brings together ministers, scholars, researchers and specialists from Arab, Islamic, Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The conference promotes Islamic education among Muslim minorities, the religion’s role in preserving identity and social cohesion, and addressing challenges facing Muslim minority communities.
Saudi Arabia’s presence reflects its commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims, promoting moderation and balance, and strengthening the connection of Muslim minority communities to Islamic values that foster harmony, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Awwad Al-Anzi, undersecretary for Islamic affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented the Kingdom and delivered the opening speech on behalf of Minister Abdullatif Al-Asheikh.
He said that education is the “foundation of virtuous deeds,” guiding correct beliefs and practices, and highlighted the role of Shariah education in clarifying concepts and combating ignorance.
Al-Anzi praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education, noting its mandatory education policy and substantial investment in the sector, which has positively impacted society.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied sciences and scholarships, enabling it to produce distinguished graduates across various fields.
Additionally, he underscored Saudi Arabia’s global contributions to education, including building schools and universities, offering scholarships to Muslim students and fostering scientific partnerships.
Al-Anzi reviewed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ efforts in spreading Shariah education worldwide through its cultural and Islamic centers.
Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi, head of the Islamic Dawah Center, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in bolstering religious and educational institutions.
He highlighted the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its diligent oversight of mosques and religious institutions in the region.
Al-Saifi saids that the forum aims to address challenges in teaching Arabic and Shariah sciences, and establish Shariah and Arabic language departments in major universities to meet the growing demand for Shariah education.
He expressed hope that the conference would produce scientific recommendations and scholarly works that support its mission.
Federal Deputy Vicentinho Paulo da Silva delivered a speech on behalf of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting the respectful relationship between the government and Brazil’s Muslim community, and acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development.
He noted the strong ties between Brazil and Saudi Arabia, built on solidarity, sovereignty and mutual respect, highlighting Brazil’s high regard for Arabs, particularly through its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Delegation leaders praised Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, for sponsoring the event and enriching it with contributions from ministry experts and Saudi university professors.
Hassan Musa, deputy chairman of the Swedish Fatwa Council, expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and promoting moderation worldwide.
Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network
- $22bn, energy-efficient Metro system will be a world leader, official says
RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.
Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.
The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.
The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.
The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.
Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).
The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption.
Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy.
Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.”
Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said.
“This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.”
Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.
“We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said.
“In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.”
He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program.
These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service.
“To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added.
“The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.”
Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network.
“Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said.
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Inspiring story
The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman.
The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh:
My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you.
I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic.
Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system.
First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train.
Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods.
The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation.
Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you.
Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh
Salman bin Abdulaziz
20/10/2009
A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage
- Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
- Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.
Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.
The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.
The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.
Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.
“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.
Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.
Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.
Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia
- Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region for selling amphetamine and methamphetamine
RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, Border Guard patrols intercepted 240 kg of qat.
Security patrols in Jazan arrested a citizen with qat hidden in his vehicle in Al-Aridah governorate.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a citizen in the Northern Borders’ Tarif governorate with amphetamine.
The directorate also arrested a Pakistani resident in Tabuk for selling methamphetamine, a narcotic substance commonly referred to as “shabu.”
Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region for selling amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Two citizens were arrested in Asir for selling regulated tablets.
Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities.
Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
