Saudi Arabia Condemns Storming, Vandalism of Qatari Embassy in Sudan

Members of Sudanese security forces affiliated with the army search a car without a license plate in Khartoum on May 20, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Members of Sudanese security forces affiliated with the army search a car without a license plate in Khartoum on May 20, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Storming, Vandalism of Qatari Embassy in Sudan

Members of Sudanese security forces affiliated with the army search a car without a license plate in Khartoum on May 20, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Members of Sudanese security forces affiliated with the army search a car without a license plate in Khartoum on May 20, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Saudi Arabia has denounced the storming and vandalism of the Qatari Embassy in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced the Kingdom's rejection of all forms of violence and sabotage against diplomatic missions and representations, SPA said.

The Ministry called on all Sudanese parties to engage in the political track to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the crisis in Sudan, the news agency added.



Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
TT

Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held telephone talks on Friday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

They discussed bilateral relations between their countries and ways of boosting them. They also tackled the latest regional and international developments, most notably the conflict in Sudan, reported the Qatari state news agency (QNA).

The leaders underscored the need to facilitate the flow of aid to those affected by the fighting in Sudan, and spare civilians the impact of the war.

They agreed to intensify joint coordination to provide support and assistance to the Sudanese people and mitigate the impact of the crisis, especially on Sudanese refugees.

They urged the need for concerned teams and committees in Egypt and Qatar to start developing mechanisms and plans to ensure that assistance reaches the deserving people in Sudan.


UAE FM Meets Russian, Iranian Counterparts on Sidelines of BRICS Meeting

The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
TT

UAE FM Meets Russian, Iranian Counterparts on Sidelines of BRICS Meeting

The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)
The UAE and Russian FMs meet in Cape Town on Friday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in South Africa's city of Cape Town.

The top diplomats discussed ways of strengthening relations of friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia. They also reviewed an array of latest regional and international developments and exchanged views on them, reported the UAE’s state news agency (WAM).

Agenda items of the Friends of BRICS meeting were also covered during the meeting.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed that Emirati-Russian relations were based on solid foundations of mutual understanding and respect as well as on constructive cooperation.

The bilateral relations have been witnessing rapid growth, particularly following the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2018, he added.

The two countries were determined to take bilateral relations and cooperation to new heights in various fields to serve the mutual interests of their people, he stressed.

The UAE was looking forward to boosting cooperation with the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and support multilateral action to achieve development in communities and preserve international peace and security and build a promising future for next generations, he stated.

Sheikh Abdullah also met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Cape Town.

The discussed ways of driving UAE-Iran relations forward and boosting their cooperation to serve their common interests and support security, stability and prosperity in the region.

They exchanged views on a number of regional and global developments and issues of common concern, as well as the situation in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the UAE's is a firm believer in the importance of establishing constructive dialogue and cooperation with other countries in the region and promoting good neighborliness with the aim of achieving peace, maintaining stability and realizing further development and prosperity for the peoples of the region.


Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia from June 6 –8

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
TT

Blinken to Visit Saudi Arabia from June 6 –8

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers his speech at the Helsinki City Hall, Finland Friday, June 2, 2023. (AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia from June 6 to 8.

He is scheduled to co-host a June 8 meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on combating the ISIS militant group, said a US State Department Statement.

The trip will also include a June 7 US-Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting on Middle East security and integration, it added.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Daniel Benaim told a press briefing that the US cooperates with the GCC on a range of issues to promote regional security, stability, de-escalation, and integration in the Gulf, Middle East, and beyond.

Blinken will also consult with Saudi leaders on a range of bilateral, regional, and global priorities.

“Blinken and others in our government have been engaged intensively of late with Saudi counterparts on Sudan, among other issues, because of Saudi Arabia’s important role in the diplomacy there and in humanitarian and evacuation efforts,” added Benaim.

“More broadly, Saudi Arabia has been our strategic partner for eight decades across US administrations. We continue to consult and collaborate on a wide range of issues. We have a great deal of work to do together. That includes ending the war in Yemen, where US and Saudi support for UN-led peace efforts have helped facilitate now 14 months of dramatically reduced violence, increased humanitarian access, and the quietest period since the conflict began more than eight years ago,” he remarked.

“That includes Saudi Arabia’s support for Ukraine, which has included $410 million in critical assistance and high-profile bilateral visits from leaders of both countries. We also have newer areas of cooperation like tech and telecom, including Open RAN, our cutting-edge collaboration on 5G/6G technologies, green energy cooperation, and space,” he went on to say.

“The presence of a female Saudi astronaut – the first Muslim woman to visit space – launched in partnership with the United States, speaks to our shared ambition to broaden our work together into new areas, all of which, if successful, can deliver benefits that extend beyond our two countries,” stressed Benaim.

“We’re redoubling our emphasis on regional integration and structure, as National Security Advisor Sullivan recently explained, and whether through the Negev process or the GCC Interconnector linking Iraq with the Gulf and the rest of the region, or otherwise. We’re looking for ways to capitalize on the current moment, which is full of dialogue, newfound ties, mended ties, to encourage our neighbors’ efforts to connect to each other and the region’s efforts to connect to the wider world in important new ways,” he continued.

“We’re working to deepen business partnerships that benefit hundreds of thousands of American workers. The Boeing deal with Saudi Arabia announced in March, valued at nearly $37 billion, will support over 140,000 jobs across the United States,” he said.

“Our defense cooperation remains strong; our security relationship with Saudi Arabia remains a bedrock of our approach to regional defense and security and protecting the more than 80,000 US citizens living and working in the Kingdom.”

“I would also note that hundreds of thousands of Saudis have studied in – at US universities over the past few decades. These educational and people-to-people ties are among the most important investments that we can make together in the future, and we will look to build on them.”


Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Means to Boost Relations

The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
TT

Saudi, Iranian FMs Discuss Means to Boost Relations

The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Iranian FMs meet on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday.

The officials discussed means to bolster bilateral relations in several fields.

They followed up on the China-brokered agreement that was signed between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations.

The FMs said they look forward to intensifying their consultative meetings and to looking into further cooperation to strengthen their ties to serve the interests of their countries and peoples.


Moroccan Delegation Visits Abu Dhabi in Preparation for COP28

The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
TT

Moroccan Delegation Visits Abu Dhabi in Preparation for COP28

The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)
The Moroccan delegation in Abu Dhabi. (COP28 on Twitter)

A Moroccan delegation visited Abu Dhabi as part of preparations for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be organized in the UAE in November.

Headed by the director of Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation, Ismail Chekkori, the delegation included Secretary General of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection Nazha Alaoui, Director of Partnerships at the Foundation Kenza Khalafi, Director of Partnership, Communication and Cooperation at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Rachid Feradi, and Director of Climate Change Biodiversity and Green Economy at the Ministry Razi Bouzkari.

The delegation held discussions with Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-Designate of the COP 28, Adnan Amin, CEO of the COP28, and Majid Al Suwaidi, the Conference director-general.

The visit was an opportunity to study practical ways to support the UAE's presidency of the COP28, and to prepare for Morocco's participation at the conference.

During the meetings, officials reviewed Morocco’s experience in organizing the COP22, the initiatives taken by the country in this context, as well as the partnerships it forged in the field of combating climate change.

Emirati officials expressed their praise and appreciation for Morocco’s involvement and commitment to international and regional efforts aimed at combating climate change, in accordance with the vision of King Mohammed VI.


Kuwait’s Elections: Candidates Face Voter Reluctance

Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
TT

Kuwait’s Elections: Candidates Face Voter Reluctance

Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)
Electoral campaigns in the previous elections (Photo: Mirza Al-Khuwailidi)

With the start of the countdown for Kuwait’s legislative elections, 207 candidates, including 15 women, are in a race against time to persuade undecided voters to cast their ballots.

The elections to select members of the National Assembly are expected to be held on June 6.

Some observers and analysts noted that the lack of enthusiasm among the voters was due the political atmosphere in the country, which led to the formation of three legislative councils during the last four years, with the dissolution of parliament twice and the annulment of the elected National Assembly in 2022 based on a decision by the Constitutional Court.

On March 19, the Court issued a ruling annulling the elections of 2022, and the return of the speaker and all members of the former National Assembly (Majlis 2020), which was previously dissolved in August of the same year.

This was not the first time that the Constitutional Court in Kuwait had annulled an election and reinstated a council that was dissolved by decree. In 2012, the court issued a similar ruling to nullify the elections, dissolving the elected legislature, which was dominated by the opposition.

As the date of the upcoming elections is approaching, electoral campaigns have started, with candidates trying to persuade reluctant voters to cast their votes.

In this context, Kuwaiti writer Jassem Al-Hamar told Asharq Al-Awsat: “I do not see any reluctance to participate in the elections.”

He added: “So far, the people’s participation in electoral seminars and campaigns on social media show a desire to renew the blood and support highly qualified candidates.”

“We are expecting a change in the political class, and a new approach to political action,” he concluded.

The presence of prominent names such as former speakers Ahmed Al-Saadoun and Marzouq Al-Ghanim, along with a number of parliamentary blocs, constitutes a motive to mobilize the eligible voters to participate in the elections.


General Presidency of Grand Mosque Launches Greatest Operational Plan for Hajj

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
TT

General Presidency of Grand Mosque Launches Greatest Operational Plan for Hajj

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque launched on Thursday the greatest operational plan ever for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan is designed to accommodate millions of pilgrims according to an integrated system of services prepared by the Saudi leadership.

President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Prophet's Mosque Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais unveiled the plan to the media on Thursday.

The plan is based on main pillars connected to the Presidency’s 2024 strategic goals, which are inspired from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Al-Sudais said the plan is an extension of the great successes and achievements made possible under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The leadership is closely monitoring all services offered to the pilgrims to ensure that they have a smooth journey.

Al-Sudais added that the plan seeks to enrich the experience of the pilgrims through various services.

He underlined the importance of volunteers and humanitarian work in ensuring the success of the plan, adding that the two mosques will attract the largest number of volunteers in the world during the Hajj. This reflects the Presidency’s faith in the abilities of the Kingdom’s youth in serving the pilgrims, he stressed.

The integrated services will cover six main areas at the two mosques: The outer courtyards, prayer areas, tawwaf area, Saudi portico, al-Masaa and the Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque. Services will also cover permanent and mobile exhibitions, libraries and others areas with the aim of enriching the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.

The plan boasts 185 programs and initiatives that will be provided at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque during the Hajj. They will employ AI technologies, and make use of digital programs and apps that would facilitate and enrich the experience of the pilgrims. Programs will be available in several languages.

Around 14,000 workers will implement the 2023 plan, while over 8,000 opportunities are available for volunteers, who collectively could dedicate a total of 200,000 hours during the Hajj.

The Presidency has sought to provide some 300,000 Qurans at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque. Lessons in teaching, reciting and memorizing the Quran will be available. Lectures and other lessons, spanning 300 hours, will be held in cooperation with the Council of Senior Scholars.

The lessons will also be available on the Manarat Al-Haramain platform. Users will have access to over a thousand hours of lessons that are available in ten languages.

On the ground, the Presidency offers guides and translation services in 51 languages at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.

Al-Sudais added that the Presidency is seeking to distribute 40 million liters of Zamzam water during the Hajj. Over a million bottles of Zamzam water will be handed out daily.

A variety of electronic services, apps and social media platforms are available to the pilgrims throughout their holy journey, he stated.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted the cooperation between his ministry and the Presidency in implementing the Hajj plan, stressing their keenness on ensuring that the best services are provided to the pilgrims.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Russian Counterpart

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Cape Town. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Cape Town. SPA
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Russian Counterpart

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Cape Town. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Cape Town. SPA

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met on Thursday with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed aspects of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them in all fields. They also discussed consolidating bilateral and multilateral work regarding many fields of common interest.

During the meeting, Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom's position in support of all regional and international endeavors to find a political solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

The two sides also discussed the key issues raised in the Ministerial Meeting, held under the slogan "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.”

The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multiple International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Saudi Ambassador to South Africa, Sultan Al-Luyhan Al-Anqari, and Director-General of Prince Faisal's office Abdulrahman Al-Daoud.


11th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The aid is in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
The aid is in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
TT

11th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The aid is in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
The aid is in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA

The 11th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport on Thursday, carrying 30 tons of foodstuff and medical supplies, as part of the Saudi relief aid operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to help the Sudanese people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aid is in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, SPA said.

Delivering aid reflects the noble humanitarian role played by the Kingdom through KSrelief in all countries in need, the news agency added.


Saudi FM Participates in BRICS Friends Ministerial Meeting in South Africa

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud attends a news conference at the Arab Gulf Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud attends a news conference at the Arab Gulf Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo
TT

Saudi FM Participates in BRICS Friends Ministerial Meeting in South Africa

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud attends a news conference at the Arab Gulf Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud attends a news conference at the Arab Gulf Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah heads to South Africa on Thursday to participate in the two-day ministerial meeting of BRICS Friends in Cape Town.

A number of Foreign Ministers of friendly countries will attend the meeting that will be held under the theme “Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism," the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi Foreign Minister will discuss with his counterparts the most important developments in the world, and boosting multilateral action to achieve prosperity in all countries, SPA said.

He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of friendly countries, the news agency added.