Saudi Interior Minister, Madinah Governor Congratulate Saudi Leadership on Successful Hajj Season

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
TT

Saudi Interior Minister, Madinah Governor Congratulate Saudi Leadership on Successful Hajj Season

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif congratulated the Saudi leadership on the successful completion of this year's Hajj season without any issues that could have disrupted or compromised the security and safety of the pilgrims.

The Minister sent cables to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extending his congratulations on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha and the end of a successful Hajj season.

He attributed the success of this year's Hajj season to the grace of God, followed by the Saudi leadership's direct supervision and wise guidance after the directive to return the number of pilgrims to the pre-COVID-19 status.

PrinceAbdulaziz explained that all the parties participating in the Hajj mission were able to implement all security, preventive, organizational, health, and preventative measures to accommodate the 1,845,045 pilgrims and provide services to them with the highest quality standards, which enabled them to perform their rituals with ease.

The Minister commended the integrated work among all military and security sectors in cooperation with public and private employees that contributed significantly to the success of the Hajj security plan this year, saying they performed their assigned tasks with the utmost professionalism.

The Hajj season did not witness anything that affected the safety and security of the pilgrims, and no epidemiological or quarantine cases were recorded, said the Minister.

Furthermore, Madinah Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince on the occasion of the success of the Hajj season.

Prince Faisal said the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince to harness all capabilities and provide the latest technologies ensured a successful Hajj season, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals in security and tranquility through an integrated system of services.

 

 



Saudi Crown Prince, Canadian PM Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Crown Prince, Canadian PM Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in Jeddah on Thursday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held official talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Jeddah on Thursday.

Discussions focused on regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards them.

They also tackled bilateral ties between their countries and opportunities to develop them in various fields.

Carney’s office had previously said talks will address bilateral relations with focus on energy, critical minerals, investment, infrastructure, advanced technologies and defense cooperation.

The visit reflects the strength of relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada and the keenness of their leaderships on bolstering political coordination and expanding economic cooperation and investments amid the regional and international changes.

The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s political and economic standing and its pioneering role on the international stage. It reflects Ottawa’s desire to bolster consultations with Riyadh on issues of common interest and elevate bilateral ties.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed and Carney also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs): 

First: An MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Canada, signed by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. 

Second: An MoU between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of Canada on establishing the Saudi-Canadian Coordination Council as a platform to implement a joint action document serving as a roadmap for the next phase of bilateral relations, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Anand. 

Third: An MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, on artificial intelligence investment and skills development, signed by Saudi Data and AI Authority President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi and Anand. 

The meeting of talks was attended by Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, and Saudi Ambassador to Canada Amal Almoallimi. 

The meeting was also attended by Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jean-Philippe Linteau, Member of Parliament Sameer Zuberi, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Marc-André Blanchard, Foreign and Defense Policy Advisor at the Privy Council Office Jennifer May, Chief Executive Officer of the Defense Investment Agency Doug Guzman, and Prime Minister's Senior Advisor on Foreign, Defense, and Security Policy Scott Gilmore. 


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA
The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Jeddah on Thursday with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand to review bilateral relations and discuss ways to expand cooperation and partnership between Saudi Arabia and Canada.

The two officials discussed developments in the region, condemning and denouncing the Iranian violations targeting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz alongside the heinous attacks targeting a number of countries in the region.

They stressed the need to de-escalate tensions, return to the negotiating track, and prioritize dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement that consolidates regional and international peace and security.


Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Saudi Arabia Calls for Accountability, End to Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Session

The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. File/Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil participated in the Security Council session on sexual violence in areas of armed conflict, during which he delivered the Kingdom's statement affirming that such violence threatens international peace and security and necessitates holding perpetrators accountable to end impunity.

He stressed the importance of full adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, alongside the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid, SPA reported.

He also commended the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in supporting those affected by conflicts, including victims of sexual violence, in cooperation with international organizations.

Furthermore, Alwasil pointed out that violations in the Palestinian territories, including sexual violence, constitute a grave breach of international law, calling for urgent international action to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.

He concluded by emphasizing that protecting civilians from sexual violence is a shared legal and moral responsibility, requiring enhanced international cooperation and a response to the suffering of victims.