Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have concluded 12 agreements, with 10 more deals expected to be signed in the near future. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Azerbaijan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Rasim Rzayev said political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries will continue to develop. Speaking on the growing ties between the two member states of the OIC, zayev said that in recent years, these relations have been further strengthened and expanded. Delegations comprising businessmen and managers of major Saudi companies have visited Azerbaijan.
The ambassador said four Saudi companies from various fields are currently operating in Azerbaijan. This year in Baku, they signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of long-term projects in the Kingdom in the field of oil and gas between the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic and the Saudi company Soroof International, he added.
“The friendly relations between the two leaders of these countries play an important role in the development of bilateral relations. Also, there is ongoing cooperation in the field of medicine. Azerbaijani doctors in Saudi Arabia hold high respect for this country. By working here, they have proved that they have sound knowledge and rich experience.”
The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan is a member of the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), whose Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu visited Azerbaijan in June this year. During his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Ihsanoglu emphasized OIC support for a just solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He noted that this support will continue in future.
The ambassador said Azerbaijan continues supporting programs and initiatives of the OIC in the fulfilment of its tasks. Recently, Azerbaijan voluntarily contributed $ 3 million to support the activities of the OIC General Secretariat.
The ambassador also discussed the growth and development of bilateral relations over the last 20 years and also alluded to the upcoming Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the world being celebrated every year on Dec. 31. Dubbed “The Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the world,” it symbolizes the unity and cohesion of the Azerbaijani people and national sympathy and loyalty to their motherland.
Ambassador Rzayev, who was posted here recently, told Arab News that 20 years ago on Feb. 24, 1992, the Republic of Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom, which was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan. In April 1994, the Azerbaijani Embassy opened in Riyadh, followed by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Baku in June of 1999.
He said the visit of former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev in 1994 to Saudi Arabia opened new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries signed the first General Agreement on cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, technology, culture, youth and sports.
“Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia combine comprehensive brotherhood,” he observed. “This relationship of mutual respect and sincere friendship strengthens our similar histories and common Islamic heritage. Our peoples have similar roots in the culture and tradition, as well as in religion,” he added. During the pilgrimage season between 1998-1999, 250 pilgrims from Azerbaijan visited Makkah and Al-Madinah as a guest of the late King Fahd.
Referring to the situation in Armenia vis-a-vis Azerbaijan, the ambassador said Saudi Arabia has always supported their position during the voting process at the UN General Assembly on “the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan,” as well as the OIC and other international and regional organizations. In this context, the ambassador explained how the Saudi government condemned the so-called presidential elections in the “Nagorno-Karabakh republic” and once again supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to provide active humanitarian assistance. From 1994-1999, Saudi Arabia, starting with the program under King Fahd, repeatedly provided humanitarian assistance to refugees and IDPs and provided them with food, medicine and other necessities. Several disabled persons of the Karabakh war in 1999 were treated in Saudi Arabia.
In 2002, within the framework of projects for the construction of secondary schools in Baku, the “Saudi Fund for Development” (SFD) extended a loan amounting to SR 35.7 million riyals to the Government of Azerbaijan. In 2005, the Saudi government provided Azerbaijan financial assistance worth $ 50,000 for demining operations and also for the rehabilitation of people in the liberated territories of the country.
He said the first session of the intergovernmental commission between the Azerbaijan Republic and the Kingdom was held in 2001 in Baku. A new stage in the development of bilateral relations followed the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Saudi Arabia in 2005.
During the visit, an agreement between the two governments was signed on the “Promotion and Protection of Investments” and the loan agreement between “Saudi Fund for Development” and Azerbaijan to finance the construction of a water channel in Azerbaijan.
“It should be noted that the relationship between the two countries also extends to the field of culture,” said the ambassador. “ Azerbaijani Culture Days were held on 10-17 November 2007 in Riyadh, as well as in the cities of Jeddah and Dammam. The event was attended by a large delegation from the faculties of arts and sciences. Furthermore, the cultural days of Saudi Arabia were held on 17-21 June 2008 in Baku. The Minister of Culture and Information also led a 100-member delegation to Azerbaijan.”
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, also awarded the Saudi Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ali Hassan Jaafar Ahmad, the “Order of Glory” award for his contribution to the development of friendly relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Rzayev said relations between the parliaments of the two countries are still growing. The Chairman of the Majlis-e-Shoura Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh led a delegation to Azerbaijan on an official visit in 2010. Subsequently, the speaker of the “Milli Majlis” (national parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Oktay Asadov, paid an official visit to the Kingdom as the head of an official delegation.
Pointing out that historically and also culturally, Islam has always been a major factor in promoting peace and tolerance in the world, he said it has made a great contribution to the harmony and prosperity of all nations regardless of their faith. “Consolidation of our efforts within the OIC to prevent Islamophobia is strongly needed,” he observed.
Due to its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan had played a bridging role between Eastern and Western civilizations for centuries. Azerbaijan has always promoted Islamic cultural and spiritual values in the world. Along with other Muslim countries, Azerbaijan has provided significant assistance to the recently opened “Islamic art” section of the Louvre museum in Paris, which contains works of architecture, art and other cultural expressions of Islamic civilization.
“We would once again like to express our sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the people of the Kingdom for their valuable support to the just cause of Azerbaijan in the ongoing conflict with Armenia who currently occupies twenty percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. Around one million indigenous Azerbaijanis have been expelled and ethnically cleansed from their native lands and thousands of Azerbaijani cultural and historical monuments, including Islamic heritage sites, were devastated and looted.”
Speaking on his country’s “Day-of-Solidarity-with-Azerbaijanis” around the world, the envoy said: “This remarkable day, commemorated annually during the last 21 years on the initiative of our national leader Heydar Aliyev, warms the hearts of all our compatriots around the world. It underlines the warmth of the motherland and inculcates love of the independent Azerbaijan.”
“The government of Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the national unity of our compatriots and always keeps the diaspora in focus,” he added. “The Third Congress of World Azerbaijanis held in Baku last summer laid the foundation for a new phase of organizational development of our compatriots living in foreign countries and strengthened their ties with the motherland.”
The Congress provided an assessment on the activity of diaspora institutions and made important decisions that gave an impetus to efficient and organizational mobilization of the people.
He added that it is very encouraging to witness the spirit of Azerbaijanism among compatriots living away from home and that their sense of national sympathy is growing stronger by the day. “Today, our compatriots living abroad are gradually stepping up their position in the public, political, cultural and business life of their respective countries and contributing a lot to the popularization of Azerbaijan in the world and to the promotion of our culture.”
“Azerbaijanies have cultivated their age-old, ethnic, native lands which constitute Great Azerbaijan for thousands of years. Yet following war, revolution and military conflict, a percentage of Azerbaijanis were exiled and separated from one another as a result of division. Others, in their search for jobs and education for their children, have left their native land and settled down in other countries. And for the entire duration of history, Azerbaijanis from the great land of Azerbaijan have been dispersed around the world. Now, Azerbaijanis live in almost every country of the world. Large communities of the diaspora have been formed in Russia, in other countries of Commonwealth Independent States, in the Caucasus, in neighboring Georgia, Dagestan, Iran, Turkey, Europe, America and in oriental countries. National feelings grow among them day by day. They have tried to establish closer relations among themselves and feeling increasingly united.”
“The victory of our representatives at the prestigious international cultural competition - the Eurovision-2011 song contest - in the spring of last year has been facilitated by our compatriots living in European countries,” he observed.
Last year, Azerbaijan widely celebrated the 20th anniversary of their independence. “The progress Azerbaijan has achieved over the years demonstrates to the world the industriousness, high intellectual capacity and desire of our citizens to build and create. The crisis that gripped the country in the early years of independence and the difficulties and hardships our people faced are now in the past. The level of poverty and unemployment has been reduced to a minimum.”
“The prudent and planned reforms covering various spheres and the government programs and the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects have turned Azerbaijan into a dynamic, strong and democratic state and asserted the position of our country as a reputable and reliable business partner in the world. The fact that Azerbaijan, which achieved a major victory at last year’s election in becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the year 2012-2013, was supported by 155 nations is vivid evidence of the respect and trust of the international community in our country.”
“The power of the Azerbaijani state and the creative potential of our people inspire confidence that we can achieve all our goals. Nevertheless, we are still facing an unresolved problem - the restoration of our territorial integrity - which has been impaired as a result of Armenian military aggression and the return of our refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. There is no doubt that our country will stand steadfast in the resolution of these problems and will put an end to the occupation and the injustice perpetrated against us before the eyes of the world,” the ambassador concluded.
Saudi-Azerbaijan ties touching new heights
Saudi-Azerbaijan ties touching new heights
Saudi Arabia chairs first meeting of Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers in Riyadh
- Head of Kingdom’s National Cybersecurity Authority says aim of Saudi proposal to establish council is to safeguard vital regional interests and foster cooperation
- Participants include senior officials and ministers in Arab League states, and the organization’s secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by Majid Al-Mazid, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, chaired the inaugural session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers in Riyadh on Monday.
The participants included senior officials and ministers responsible for cybersecurity in member states of the Arab League, as well as Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the organization’s secretary-general.
In his opening speech, Al-Mazid emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing Arab security through collaboration in the cybersecurity sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He added that the Saudi proposal that led to the establishment of the council was rooted in a vision for safeguarding the vital interests of the region and fostering cooperation among Arab nations.
Al-Mazid said cybersecurity is not only a pillar of national security but essential for ensuring prosperity, development and stability across the Arab world.
“The Arab leaders’ support for the establishment of this council is a clear affirmation of the importance of cybersecurity in creating a secure and prosperous future for our countries,” he added.
Al-Mazid thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support and guidance in promoting Arab cooperation and enhancing regional security.
Aboul Gheit underscored the sense of urgency required in efforts to strengthen joint Arab efforts relating to cybersecurity, particularly in the face of evolving global threats and challenges.
He said that collective action will be key to building a resilient and secure cybersecurity framework for the region, expressed confidence that the council will prove to be a vital addition to Arab national security systems, and commended Saudi Arabia for its leadership in launching the initiative.
The council reviewed a number of working papers submitted by member states and made several key decisions during its inaugural session. One of the primary outcomes was the initiation of efforts to develop an Arab Cybersecurity Strategy, with the aim of providing a unified approach to challenges across the region.
The council also approved plans for member states to conduct joint cyber-related exercises, and the operational structure and mechanisms of the council were formalized.
Spanish content creator immerses himself in Saudi lifestyle
- Millions of viewers see another side of Saudi Arabia
- Aims to build bridges and counter stereotypes
RIYADH: Spaniard Gus Franco moved to Saudi Arabia out of curiosity in early 2024 and soon fell in love with its rich culture, documenting his experiences and sharing his adventures with millions of viewers on social media.
Franco spoke to Arab News about how he had searched for accurate information about the Kingdom before his move, only to find media overshadowed by stereotypes.
To his surprise, he found the reality was “completely different” to the stereotypes, which inspired him to create his own content and change the narrative.
“That’s how ‘Gus in Saudi’ was born: a project to showcase the Kingdom through a relatable lens,” he said.
“The results speak for themselves: almost 100 million views and followers from over 60 nationalities and countless messages from people saying they now want to visit or work here.”
The content creator and business consultant says his inspiration comes from things that catch his attention: traditions and places as well as Saudi and international followers who guide him through the city and his content.
Saudi Arabia stands out for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, which coexist in fascinating ways.
Gus Franco, Spanish content creator
“Saudi Arabia stands out for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, which coexist in fascinating ways. The pride in preserving traditions, combined with the excitement of Vision 2030, creates a dynamic and evolving atmosphere.
“My Arab followers have been incredibly supportive. They were the first to encourage me and help me refine my content. Even critiques are constructive and teach me about cultural nuances I hadn’t considered.”
Franco has become so fond of the Kingdom, that he is now writing a book inspired by his travels.
“I’ve grown attached to this country and feel that through my work, I can contribute to its image and progress... I still have many projects I want to develop. For instance, I’ve written a 400-page book about the country, which I’m still refining.”
From a small Spanish town to the bustling city of Riyadh, he said he has always had the urge to explore beyond his surroundings, taking over 100 trips globally to more than 150 cities.
“Living in the UK and Belgium shaped my curiosity about regions I knew less about, especially the Middle East.
“Saudi Arabia stood out for its rich traditions and rapid transformations. Thanks to a government program, I arrived nearly a year ago, and it’s been a journey of discovery and growth ever since.”
Franco says life in the Kingdom feels “both familiar and distinct”, noting the city layout, reminiscent of an American style, is car-centric, with social gatherings happening in specific “plazas” or “stirahas”.
He added: “Weekdays follow a structured rhythm of work, gym, and routine, while weekends come alive with vibrant and comforting activities: whether it’s having dinner at 2 a.m., grabbing coffee at 10 p.m., or heading out for a picnic (kashta) in the desert. These experiences add a unique charm to life in Saudi.”
Franco mentioned the rich history between Spain and Saudi Arabia, highlighting Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula, and strong family values.
“Both are peninsulas with cultures shaped by diverse influences. Growing up in southern Spain, I found it easy to relate to the warmth and social connections here...I’ve learned so much about Saudi culture, especially the role of religion and the importance of hospitality.
“Saudis are incredibly humble, generous, and welcoming. Trust and family are central to their lives, much like in Spain.”
In Spain, coffee is almost sacred, he added. “My brother and I can go through two or three coffee pots a day. In Saudi Arabia, coffee holds a similarly significant role, which made me feel at home instantly.”
During his time in the Kingdom, Franco said he learned about Saudi culture and the Arabic language organically through interacting with locals.
“I’ve never taken formal lessons, but now I can read, write, and have a vocabulary of over 1,000 words, even if my Arabic is still broken. Words like khalas, inshallah, alhamdulillah, and bismillah are part of daily vocabulary. They represent not just the language but also the deeper values I’ve come to appreciate.
“I still laugh when I think about the comments about being ‘heavy-blooded’ (dam thaqil) or ‘light-blooded’ (dam khafif). At first, I didn’t understand, but now I know it means whether you’re funny or not. It’s been a fun way to learn and connect with the humor here. Alhamdulillah!”
He said reactions to his content creation have been mostly positive, but not everyone fully understands the balance he tries to maintain between social media and real life.
“I know that sometimes it has bothered people close to me. It’s something I’ve learned to handle it better. Also, my mother’s opinion matters deeply to me. She’s always supported me and reminded me to stay grounded and take breaks when needed, which has been invaluable as I navigate this journey.
“Anyway, with my return home for holidays, I’m sure they’ll have plenty of questions about Saudi Arabia, Arabic, and my content. It will be fun to see their reactions!”
Although Franco’s time in the Kingdom may come to an end since his contract is ending soon, he is currently evaluating the options on the table.
“If I stay, I want to take my projects to the next level, increasing their impact and contributing even more to the country. If I leave, I’d like to remain connected to Saudi Arabia in some way.
“This country has become a part of me: culturally, professionally and emotionally. Vision 2030 is marked on my calendar, and I hope to be a part of its story.”
Franco said he would like to be remembered as someone who embraced Saudi culture wholeheartedly, built bridges between the Kingdom and the rest of the world, and showcased its warmth and social connections.
“I’d like to think of myself as a part of Saudi’s ongoing journey.”
Kuwait’s communication minister receives GCC secretary general
- Discussions between the officials focused mainly on the upcoming Gulf meetings in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY: The GCC’s Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi was received by Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar in Kuwait on Monday.
Discussions between the officials focused mainly on the upcoming Gulf meetings in Kuwait for the ministerial committees on digital government, postal services, and communications, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also explored ways to enhance GCC cooperation in these fields, and reviewed the digital transformation efforts of member states to achieve the council’s vision and objectives.
KSrelief to host 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum in February 2025
- Themed “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” the forum will coincide with KSrelief’s 10th anniversary
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center will host the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Feb. 24-25 next year, under the patronage of King Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Themed “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” the forum will coincide with KSrelief’s 10th anniversary and is being organized in partnership with UN humanitarian agencies.
It will bring together global leaders, donors, humanitarian workers, and experts to address pressing challenges in humanitarian aid.
The event will also feature high-level panel discussions with renowned researchers and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Topics will include the role of humanitarian diplomacy in mitigating conflicts and disasters, strategies for effective delivery of aid and relief supplies, and addressing displacement amid escalating conflicts and natural disasters, SPA added.
KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian arm, continues to play a pivotal role in addressing crises and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide, and the forum underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation in the humanitarian sector.
The previous edition of the forum in 2023 concluded with recommendations to minimize funding gaps in relief aid and leverage science and innovation for quicker response and improved coordination in humanitarian efforts.
Muslim World League chief meets Pope Francis in Vatican City
- During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna
RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, in the Vatican to discuss mutual cooperation and shared interests.
During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna.
The ceremony was attended by the university’s president, the law faculty’s dean, academics, and religious leaders from both Islamic and Catholic communities.
The honor recognized Al-Issa’s efforts in advancing the goals of the UN Charter, promoting peace, reducing cultural tensions, and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among communities.
The MWL chief emphasized that the reasons for awarding him the post-doctoral fellowship in law from one of the most prestigious Western universities “reflect our Islamic values, which we must clarify to everyone.”
As part of his visit, Al-Issa launched the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award at the Catholic University of Milan.
The event was attended by high-level Vatican officials, marking the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to promote the teaching of the Arabic language and Islamic studies in Europe.
Islamic leaders described the award as a long-awaited step on an influential platform within Christian communities. The award includes categories that clarify Islamic concepts and promote the beauty and importance of the Arabic language.