Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)

Saudi Arabia provided an additional financial contribution of $8 million to the UN Development Program (UNDP) to address the threat of the Safer oil tanker anchored off the coast of Yemen.

The Assistant General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for Operations and Programs, AhmedaAl-Baiz, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Arab Countries Abdullah al-Dardari signed the memorandum of the additional financial contribution submitted by the Kingdom.

The additional aid comes as an extension of the efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address the environmental and economic threat associated with the Safer tanker on the Yemeni coast and neutralize its potential dangers.

Dardari stressed that Saudi Arabia's contribution is a step towards solving the Safer problem that threatens the Red Sea environment.

He noted that the oil was transferred from the corroded and leaking tanker to a new oil vessel, indicating that the meeting addressed the best solution for treating the remaining oil in the new tank and using its revenues.

Dardari lauded Riyadh's efforts in addressing the problem of the Safer oil tanker, which allowed the UNDP to achieve positive results.

The official also thanked Saudi Arabia, represented by the KSrelief, for stressing the depth of the strategic relations between the Program and the Center, highlighting its essential and extensive partnership worldwide, not only in the Arab region.

He asserted that the two programs work together in the Arab region, especially in conflict areas, describing it as a solid partnership with a promising future that benefits all.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.