Saudi Arabia, Iraq Stress Importance of Combating Extremism, Securing Borders

The Council Chairmen from the Saudi and Iraqi sides stressed the importance of strengthening the relations that bind the two peoples in all fields - SPA
The Council Chairmen from the Saudi and Iraqi sides stressed the importance of strengthening the relations that bind the two peoples in all fields - SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Iraq Stress Importance of Combating Extremism, Securing Borders

The Council Chairmen from the Saudi and Iraqi sides stressed the importance of strengthening the relations that bind the two peoples in all fields - SPA
The Council Chairmen from the Saudi and Iraqi sides stressed the importance of strengthening the relations that bind the two peoples in all fields - SPA

Saudi Arabia and Iraq held the fifth session of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council on Thursday in Jeddah, which was organized upon the directives of the Saudi leadership and Iraq's Prime Minister.

The final communique of the meeting stated a Saudi-Iraqi agreement to continue cooperation in confronting extremism and terrorism as an existential threat to the regional countries and the world, and to support Iraq's efforts, in cooperation with the international coalition, to combat terrorism and extremism, stressing the importance of cooperation in securing the borders between the two countries.

It also confirmed the two sides' plans to boost relations in all fields, and reiterated the importance of expanding and enhancing bilateral cooperation to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries and peoples in various fields, mainly at the political, security, trade, investment, cultural, educational, tourism and energy levels.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq praised the successful efforts of the countries of the OPEC+ Group in promoting the stability of the global oil market, stressing the significance of continuing such cooperation and the need for all participating countries to adhere to the OPEC+ agreement in a way that serves the interests of producers and consumers alike to support the growth of the global economy.

Iraq renewed its invitation to Saudi companies to invest in promising opportunities provided in various fields in Iraq.

For its part, the Kingdom praised the economic reforms pursued by the Iraqi government.

In this regard, the meeting hailed the role of the Saudi Commercial Attaché and the Saudi Companies Center in Baghdad, which contributed to the development of intra-trade and investments by enabling Saudi companies to open branches in Iraq and facilitating access to investment opportunities and projects.

The Kingdom and Iraq agreed to boost cooperation and the exchange of views on matters and issues of concern to the two countries in the regional and international arenas in a way that contributes to supporting and strengthening security and stability in the region and the world.

The two sides agreed to continue communication and exchange visits to complement bilateral consultations at the highest levels, to expand and follow up areas of cooperation in a way that serves the interests of the two countries, in addition to enhancing coordination in mutual support within the framework of multilateral diplomacy, especially for positions in international organizations.

A number of Princes, ministers and members of the Council and heads of the sub-committees from the Saudi and Iraqi sides were present at the meeting.

The Saudi side was headed by Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, while the Iraqi side was headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning, and Chairman of the Council Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Tamim.



Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Kicks off Official Visit to Morocco, Tunisia

Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah attends a news conference to announce the Kingdom's Hajj plan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 12, 2021. (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah attends a news conference to announce the Kingdom's Hajj plan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 12, 2021. (File photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Kicks off Official Visit to Morocco, Tunisia

Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah attends a news conference to announce the Kingdom's Hajj plan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 12, 2021. (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah attends a news conference to announce the Kingdom's Hajj plan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 12, 2021. (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah began an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Tunisia.
Dr. Al-Rabiah will hold a series of meetings with a number of officials and relevant authorities in both countries to discuss the ways of facilitating the arrival procedures for Moroccan and Tunisian pilgrims and visitors to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to SPA.

The visit comes within the international communication efforts to build bridges of communication with the Islamic world, and highlight unprecedented services and facilities that the Kingdom provides to pilgrims and visitors.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Germany on Unity Day

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walks to receive on the day he meets the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's former President and Chairman of the People's Council, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2023. (Reuters)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walks to receive on the day he meets the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's former President and Chairman of the People's Council, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Germany on Unity Day

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walks to receive on the day he meets the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's former President and Chairman of the People's Council, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2023. (Reuters)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walks to receive on the day he meets the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan's former President and Chairman of the People's Council, at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2023. (Reuters)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of his country's Unity Day, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

He wished him continued good health and the government and people of Germany steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Steinmeier a similar cable on the occasion.


GCC Secretary General, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Meet in Riyadh

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Secretary General, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Meet in Riyadh

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi received on Tuesday Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Saudi Arabia Christophe Farnaud.

Meeting at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh, the officials discussed the agenda of the 27th joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the EU that will be held in Muscat on October 9-10, said a GCC statement.

"Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC countries and EU are always seeking to increase cooperation and develop relations based on the previously signed Partnership Agreement,” said the statement.

They reviewed ties between the GCC and EU and political issues of common interest.


Saudi Govt Reviews State’s 2024 Pre-budget Statement

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in NEOM. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Reviews State’s 2024 Pre-budget Statement

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in NEOM. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in NEOM. (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet reviewed on Tuesday the state’s general pre-budget statement for the 2024 fiscal year and its estimates and targets in support of the comprehensive development process in the Kingdom.

This includes improving the quality of services provided to citizens and residents and carrying on with economic growth and diversification while maintaining financial sustainability.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in NEOM.

The cabinet reviewed the two messages received by King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from the presidents of Benin and Chad that focused on bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the meeting, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari said the Cabinet discussed the work of coordination councils' committees in which the Kingdom and several countries are taking part, and their initiatives aimed at strengthening joint work in various fields to meet the aspirations and interests of their peoples.

The ministers discussed the labor market indicators in the second quarter of this year, which showed a decrease in the unemployment rate among Saudis, to 8.3% compared to 9.7% in the same period of last year, as a result of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives and programs, he added.

Al-Dosari said the cabinet sees the establishment of the first electric vehicles factory in the Kingdom as testimony to the success of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the economy, attracting investment, ensuring sustainability and localizing modern technologies.


Saudi Leadership Condemns Ankara Terrorist Attack

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Leadership Condemns Ankara Terrorist Attack

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz condemned on Monday the terrorist attack that struck Ankara on Sunday.

In a cable to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he stressed the “Kingdom’s solidarity with Türkiye and its brotherly people.”

He wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar cable to Erdogan.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the Turkish capital on Sunday, while a second assailant was killed in a shootout with police.

The attack occurred hours before Parliament was set to reopen after its three-month summer recess with an address by Erdogan.

Two police officers were slightly injured during the attack near an entrance to the Ministry of Interior Affairs.


OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden
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OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned what it described as "the provocative act of desecration of copies of the Holy Quran, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Malmo, Sweden.

OIC said this happened despite the repeated calls on the Swedish authorities "to prevent the recurrence of such despicable acts."
In a press release OIC said that its Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha "reaffirms the position of the OIC as stated by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in the resolution it adopted at its 18th Extraordinary Session, held on July 31, 2023, and devoted to the repeated incidents of desecration of copies of the Holy Quran".

The report added that "OIC’s call on the Swedish authorities to take immediate measures against such provocative acts, which constitute acts of religious hatred, in violation of international law, and to prevent their recurrence".


Saudi King Receives Letter from President of Benin

Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
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Saudi King Receives Letter from President of Benin

Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, received a letter from President of Benin Patrice Talon highlighting the bilateral relations between the two countries, and the ways to promote mutual cooperation to address matters of joint interest.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received the letter during a meeting in Riyadh on Sunday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Shegun Adjadi Bakari.

The discussions focused on bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Benin, and the latest developments at the regional and international arenas.


Royal Saudi Air Force to Participate in ‘Sindh Shield’ Exercise in Pakistan

The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
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Royal Saudi Air Force to Participate in ‘Sindh Shield’ Exercise in Pakistan

The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) will participate in the “Sindh Shield 2023” military exercise, which is taking place in Pakistan.
In farewell to the participating group in the exercise upon their departure from King Khalid Air Base, the Deputy Commander of the RSAF, Major General Pilot Talal bin Suleiman Al-Ghamdi, was present, SPA reported.
The Deputy Commander of the RSAF reviewed the participating equipment, assessed the readiness of the personnel, and inspected the preparations and arrangements.
He encouraged the participants to exert their efforts and make full use of the exercise, benefiting them in carrying out their combat duties effectively, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of execution.
The exercise, set to commence later this week and last for nearly a month, aims to train in aerial combat operations within an international coalition, applying the concept of joint operations in an environment similar to real warfare.
Additionally, it involves the exchange of military expertise in planning and execution with participating friendly nations, enhancing the readiness and combat efficiency of aircrews and supporting technical teams, and strengthening international relations among the participating countries.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack in Ankara

 Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack in Ankara

 Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that struck the Turkish capital, Ankara.

It also condemned the second failed attack that was thwarted by security forces.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in Ankara on Sunday, while a second assailant was killed in a shootout with police, the interior minister said.

The attack occurred hours before Parliament was set to reopen after its three-month summer recess with an address by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Two police officers were slightly injured during the attack near an entrance to the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the Kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

It reiterated its support to all efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism and extremism in all their forms and drying up their sources of funding.

It wished the injured a speedy recovery and hoped security and stability would prevail in Türkiye.


Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden, an act carried out with the knowledge of the local authorities.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of such flagrant acts, which are repeated systematically in a number of European cities under the guise of freedom of expression and inflame the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Kingdom, the ministry said, calls on the Swedish authorities to urgently deal with such acts and stop giving permission to extremist groups to carry out acts that fuel hatred and racism, reported the Saudi Press Agency.