Regional, World Countries Support Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative Summit

Dignitaries pose for a group photo ahead of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit. (SPA)
Dignitaries pose for a group photo ahead of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit. (SPA)
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Regional, World Countries Support Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative Summit

Dignitaries pose for a group photo ahead of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit. (SPA)
Dignitaries pose for a group photo ahead of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit. (SPA)

Governments of the Middle East, region and world stressed on Monday their strong support to Saudi Arabia’s initiatives that are aimed at preserving the environment and combating climate change.

The Kingdom hosted on Monday the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Several senior officials from the region and world attended the event to throw their backing behind Saudi Arabia’s leading role in easing the impact of climate change and helping support global efforts to protect the environment.

John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, told the summit that the Middle East Green Initiative differs from others because it reflects the dire situation facing the world.

He hailed the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in hosting the Summit and bringing together leaders to take part in the initiative.

He thanked Saudi Arabia for its commitment to reach zero-net emissions by 2060 through circular carbon economy. “It cannot be underestimated what it means to have one of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers step up at a moment when all countries need to step up,” he said.

“This is very simple. This is about science, and it’s about physics and mathematics and those telling us that we must accelerate - that we can still get the job done, but only if we make the key decision and it is implemented over the course of the next few years.”

Kuwait
Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, said the Kingdom is hosting the Middle East Green Summit as the world endures extraordinary circumstances that demonstrate the need for sustainable plans and for attention to be focused on the climate, environment and economy.

He said it is no longer a secret that climate change is leading to a series of disasters, such as forest fires, floods, drought, water shortages, famine and the spread of diseases.

He underscored Kuwait’s full support to Saudi Arabia and its initiatives that are aimed at protecting the environment. It places its trust in the Kingdom in leading efforts in this vital issue.

Moreover, he stressed that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the summit reflects its pivotal role in the region and entire world as it consolidates the concept of comprehensive humanitarian, economic, climate and environmental security.

Greece
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined the importance of the Middle East Green Summit, noting that it was being held days before the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.

He stressed his country’s commitment, as a member of the European Union (EU), along with the EU members, to make Europe a net zero carbon continent by 2050, and reduce greenhouse gases by 55 percent by 2030.

Morocco
Prime Minister of Morocco Aziz Akhannouch expressed his country’s gratitude for Riyadh’s Middle East Green and Saudi Green initiatives that reflect the Kingdom’s efforts in protecting the environment.

He expressed Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development and shift towards a green economy in line with international efforts.

He cited Morocco’s planting of 300,000 palm trees and plan to plant 500,000 more annually. He said funding remains a decisive factor in fighting climate change, therefore stressing the need for redirecting investments towards activities that balance between economic and social goals.

Pakistan
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted his country’s afforestation efforts along with other countries.

“We have planted over half a billion trees in Pakistan,” he declared, revealing plans to plant 10 billion.

Khan noted that ten percent of the world’s countries are responsible for 80 percent of the total carbon emissions. He acknowledged that Pakistan is, unfortunately, among that 10 percent and that its climate change efforts have so far not been up to par.

In the past ten years, Pakistan has witnessed around 152 severe climate events, sustaining economic losses of more than 2.3 billion dollars, he remarked. Pakistan needed to take action in this regard.

It set a goal of transforming 60 percent of all its energy to clean energy by 2030. There won’t be any new coal projects in Pakistan, he vowed.

“Humanity faces one of the biggest crises,” said Khan. “Unfortunately, this crisis was quite visible 20 years ago, but, somehow, we were all in self-denial. No one thought that this would actually happen.”

Tunisia
Prime Minister of Tunisia Najla Bouden said climate challenges have had repercussions beyond the economic and social spheres and the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated these problems, especially on developing countries.

Responding to and working on sustainable energy demands all sides to assume their responsibilities to ensure the swift shift towards the green economy, she added.

She called for supporting global research and innovation in developing sustainable energy solutions that support the green economy, while also highlighting the important role digital technology can play to that end.

Jordan
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II stressed the importance of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, hoping that it would achieve its desired goals.

He hoped that it would find solutions that would help achieve cooperation between all countries to confront the challenges of climate change that know no borders.

He highlighted Jordan’s national environment plan that covers several sectors, including agriculture, energy, waste management and water.

Iraq
Iraq’s deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ayad Allawi said the Middle East Green Initiative was significant in the region’s green transformation.

He said Saudi Arabia proposed its initiative during a historic moment for mankind as it seeks to confront climate change, which is the world’s greatest challenge. “We have no choice but to fight it together.”

“Iraq is determined to work with the Summit participants to secure a better environment for coming generations,” he vowed.

Qatar
Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi said the Middle East Green Initiative is a major leap forward in global joint environment work.

Collective work is the most important way to confront climate change, he stated.

The Middle East Green Initiative is an important opportunity to achieve a number of environment goals in the region, he added, while underscoring Qatar’s commitment to plant a million trees before the 2022 FIFA World Cup that it is hosting. It plans to plant 10 million trees by 2030.

Egypt
Egypt’s Environment Minister Dr. Yasmine Fouad said the shift towards a greener world lies in adopting the right policies and through the contribution of all segments of society.

She said Egypt is seeking to complete its climate goals by 2050. The government has so far implemented 691 green projects, amounting to 15 percent of government investments.

By 2024, 30 percent of government projects will be green and 100 percent by 2030, she added.



Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.


Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” Israel’s seizing of 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

It said in a statement that “such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.”

The Kingdom “called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.”


Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a telephone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts exerted in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday the credentials of a number of ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

The Crown Prince welcomed the ambassadors in the Kingdom and wished them all success in their missions to enhance and develop relations between Saudi Arabia and their countries.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed the greetings of their leaders to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Crown Prince, expressing their thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Chief of the Royal Court Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa.


Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Reiterates Support for Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its welcome of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The ministers underscored Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in cooperation with its partners in the region and world, to find a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The cabinet also reviewed the latest regional and international developments.

It discussed domestic affairs, indicators of performance in several key sectors, and their contributions to achieving national goals aimed at boosting progress, prosperity, and development and growth in all areas.

It emphasized the state's ongoing interest in and continuous support for national efforts and initiatives aimed at providing housing for the most needy families in the Kingdom, including working towards achieving the targets of the "Jood Regions" campaign under the "Jood Eskan" platform.

It highlighted the annual day of the Saudi Green Initiative, which falls on March 27, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to environmental issues locally and globally and supporting its approach to leading the green era and climate action.