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Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A Houthi delegation is set to carry out negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Friday, in the first such visit by the Iran-backed group since its coup in Yemen.

An Omani plane carrying a 10-member Houthi delegation and five officials from mediator Oman headed towards the Saudi capital, AFP reported on Thursday.

The Kingdom wanted to resume its and Oman's efforts to "reach a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen and a sustainable political solution acceptable to all Yemeni parties," the Saudi Press Agency said.

Reuters also said the discussions included paying salaries of the Yemeni employees, opening airports and ports falling under Houthi control, and reconstruction leading to a comprehensive political solution.

Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis in 2021.

According to observers, the continuation of talks reflects Riyadh’s keenness on a political solution in Yemen.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Showcases its Military Capabilities at EDEX 2023 in Egypt

President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Showcases its Military Capabilities at EDEX 2023 in Egypt

President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)
President SIsi is briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is participating, together with its private sector partners, in the Egypt Defense Expo 2023 (EDEX), an international defense and military industries exhibition.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, officials and investors from the military industry sector were present at the opening of the exhibition on Monday.

Sisi was briefed on the products and offerings of national companies participating under the Saudi pavilion, such as GAMI, the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) and the Saudi Chemical Holding Company, which are showcasing the latest advancements in the military industry.

They are working to develop the sector and leverage local capabilities that align with the sector's practical requirements. This effort is responsible for rapid growth of the sector, which aims to attract high-quality investments that contribute to building a robust military economy and a sustainable industry.

GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali said the Saudi participation in the exhibition is bound to attract influential players and will highlight the attractive investment environment in the military industry sector.

The goal is to foster international cooperation with major regional and global companies, offer investment opportunities and facilitate partnerships between local and international counterparts.

The Kingdom's military industry system, led by GAMI and its public and private sector partners, strives to boost cooperation and exchange of knowledge with a strategic objective to spend over 50% on military equipment and services in the Kingdom by 2030.

Gulf

KSrelief Signs Agreement to Drill Artesian Wells, Provide Potable Drinking Water in Somalia

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
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KSrelief Signs Agreement to Drill Artesian Wells, Provide Potable Drinking Water in Somalia

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)
The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz signed on Sunday a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to drill several artesian wells and supply clean drinking water in Somalia.

According to Director of the Health and Environmental Aid Department at KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Muallem, the agreement entails drilling 15 water wells at a depth of 250 meters. Each well will have a 20-cubic-meter concrete upstream reservoir standing at a height of 5 meters.

The agreement also includes the provision of a designated truck loading area, installation of solar energy and power systems, and a 30-horsepower generator in regions including Sahil, Togdheer, Maroodi Jeex and Sanaag.

Some 400,000 individuals will benefit from this project valued at $2,590,000.

This is part of the broader efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, to provide clean drinking water and support water and environmental sanitation projects in countries in need worldwide.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Agree on Boosting Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)  

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed Sunday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed on upscaling the aspirations to advance bilateral ties.

The Saudi minister and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman co-chaired the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the beginning of the meeting, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed the Saudi minister and his accompanying delegation.

Working groups of the council's general secretariat presented their progress on preparatory work and the outcomes achieved recently by the subcommittees and their respective working groups.

The outcomes encompassed targets, initiatives, and memoranda of understanding that are to be signed during the forthcoming meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

During the meeting, they commended the cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the subcommittees and the working groups of the council's general secretariat in both countries.

They also stressed the importance of continuing coordination between the two sides in a way that meets the aspirations of the leadership and serves the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

The Saudi FM arrived in Doha on Sunday to participate in the 158th ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will be attended by foreign ministers.

The meeting serves as preparation for the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC to take place on Tuesday.

For his part, the Qatari FM said in a post on X that the first meeting of the Executive Committee discussed ways “to develop bilateral relations within the framework of the Executive Committee," and "to deepen cooperation through initiatives that would advance relations in ways that meet the aspirations of the leadership of our countries and achieve the interests of our two brotherly people.”

Gulf

Saudi Relief Efforts to Help Palestinians in Gaza Continue

Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
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Saudi Relief Efforts to Help Palestinians in Gaza Continue

Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA
Saudi Arabia has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. SPA

Saudi Arabia, represented by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip to alleviate their suffering.

In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, KSrelief on November 2 launched a fundraising campaign through "Sahem" platform for the relief of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah announced a donation of SAR30 million to this campaign by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and SAR20 million by the Crown Prince, while donations from the public totaled SAR544,710,000, and the number of donors participating in the campaign has exceeded one million.

In this context, KSrelief operated an airlift to El Arish International Airport in Egypt, which included 24 relief planes carrying food baskets, shelter bags, tents, blankets, mattresses, winter clothing bags, dried baby formula, dates and medical materials, weighing a total of 573 tons. The center also sent ambulances, including 14 that entered the Palestinian enclave, out of 20 that will arrive in Gaza.

The KSrelief also sent three ships from Jeddah Islamic Port to Port Said Port in Egypt carrying 401 containers, 258 of which contained medical supplies to meet the needs of hospitals there, and 143 stocked with foodstuffs and shelter materials (tents, blankets, mattresses, shelter bags), to be transported to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, KSrelief signed four cooperation agreements with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Food Program, with a total value of SAR150 million to provide relief to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

KSrelief signed the agreement with the UNRWA to fund the agency's food, shelter, water, and environmental sanitation activities in the Gaza Strip.

With a total value exceeding SAR56 million, the agreement aims to provide ready-to-eat meals, distribute blankets, mattresses and personal care and hygiene kits, procure medications, provide doctors and nurses in the 97 UNRWA shelters in Gaza, and ensure the physical and mental well-being of the residents and displaced individuals.

The second agreement was signed with the World Food Program (WFP) to support emergency response in providing food to displaced Palestinians in the territory. The aim is to fulfil their food and nutrition needs by distributing meals and food baskets. The agreement was valued at SAR18.75 million.

The third agreement, valued at SAR37.5 million, was signed to support WHO in treating malnutrition and improving health in the Gaza Strip. The objective is to provide life-saving medicines, medical supplies, and support for urgent health interventions. This aid includes strengthening primary and secondary health care programs, treating malnutrition in vulnerable groups and supporting mental health.

The fourth agreement was signed between KSrelief and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in response to an urgent humanitarian appeal for aiding Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Valued at SAR 37.5 million, the agreement primarily focuses on supporting hospitals, providing medical personnel, offering medical care for the wounded and burn victims, supplying intensive care kits and ambulances, ensuring water purification and access to clean drinking water, and raising awareness about the risks of explosive remnants.

These efforts are part of the Kingdom's ongoing humanitarian projects through KSrelief, assisting the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. They affirm the historical role played by the Kingdom in extending support during crises, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

Gulf

OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)

On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on member states, pertinent OIC institutions and international organizations to intensify efforts to achieve social justice, according to a press release by OIC.

The event, observed every year, since 1992, on December 3 pursuant to a UN resolution, aims to raise awareness about these issues facing disabled persons and the need to intensify efforts to integrate them in the society, SPA reported.

Efforts to that end entail implementing resolutions, policies and programs to support disabled individuals and conducting awareness-raising activities to facilitate their integration into their communities.

Taha also emphasized the difficult humanitarian situation experienced by the Palestinian people, "arising from the killing of innocent children, women, elderly, disabled, and youth, and also repression, violence, destruction of health, cultural, sport and services infrastructure", focusing particularly on the difficulties experienced by disabled individuals.

According to the release, the OIC ministerial conference on social development, held in Egypt in June 2023, adopted resolutions in support of disabled individuals.

These resolutions encourage member states to share experiences and best practices regarding the integration and rehabilitation of disabled persons within their respective nations.

Gulf

KSrelief Continues Delivering Humanitarian Aid in Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
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KSrelief Continues Delivering Humanitarian Aid in Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued to support the operation of aid projects by the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Yemen's Hadhramaut Governorate to deliver medical services to hundreds of beneficiaries from Yemen who had lost limbs during September.

Throughout the project, a total of 1,380 services were rendered, with 60% provided to males and 40% to females. Among these, 17% were displaced individuals, while 83% were residents. Notably, 14 patients received comprehensive care, including the manufacturing, installation, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, encompassing delivery, measurements, and maintenance.

Moreover, the initiative extended physical therapy services, comprising sessions and specialized consultations, which benefitted 348 patients.

With the support of KSrelief, Al-Jadah Health Center clinics in Midi district in the Yemeni governorate of Hajjah also provided treatment services to 1,980 beneficiaries during the period from November 1 to 7, 2023.
The emergency clinic reviewed 1,064 patients, the internal medicine clinic had 245 beneficiaries, the pediatric clinic attended to 386 children, the infectious diseases clinic treated 85 patients, the women's and maternity clinic had 178 cases, and the obstetrics department handled 22 cases, SPA reported.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, the Riyadh-based center continued implementing the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project in the fourth stage for 2023 in Akkar Governorate and Miniyeh District in Lebanon.
The project distributed 150,000 bundles of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugee families and the host community in northern Lebanon, benefiting 125,000 individuals.
These projects come within the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, to improve the living conditions of people in need in various locations.

Gulf

GCC’s 158th Ministerial Meeting to be Held in Qatar on Monday

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC’s 158th Ministerial Meeting to be Held in Qatar on Monday

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

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has confirmed the convening of the 158th Ministerial Meeting in Qatar on Monday.

This gathering serves as preparation for the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, slated to take place in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, holds the chairmanship for this current session, with the participation of the GCC Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Albudaiwi clarified that the GCC ministerial meeting will discuss various reports, including the implementation status of decisions issued by the Supreme Council of the GCC during the 43rd summit in Riyadh, as well as memoranda and reports presented by ministerial and technical committees along with the General Secretariat.

The meeting's agenda extends to topics concerning dialogues and strategic relations between the GCC nations and other countries and blocs. Furthermore, it will address the latest developments in the region and the world.

Gulf

KSrelief Sends Third Saudi Relief Ship to Palestinian People in Gaza

Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
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KSrelief Sends Third Saudi Relief Ship to Palestinian People in Gaza

Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) dispatched its third Saudi relief ship from the Jeddah Islamic Port on Saturday as part of the Saudi Sea Bridge initiative to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.

The vessel is currently heading to Port Said in Egypt, transporting 300 sizable containers with a total weight of 1,246 tons. Two hundred containers are holding vital medical supplies earmarked for Gaza's hospitals, while the remaining 100 are stocked with essential food items, powdered infant formula, and materials for shelter. The provisions are aimed at aiding the distressed Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian aid stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's steadfast dedication to assisting the Palestinian people during periods of crisis.

Gulf

France’s Macron Says He Is Going to Qatar to Work on New Gaza Truce

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
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France’s Macron Says He Is Going to Qatar to Work on New Gaza Truce

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that France was "very concerned" by the resumption of violence in Gaza and that he was heading to Qatar to help in efforts to kickstart a new truce ahead of a ceasefire.

Macron also told a press conference at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai that the situation required the doubling down on efforts to obtain a lasting ceasefire and the freeing of all hostages.

A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Friday after mediators were unable to extend the pause. Israel and Hamas have traded blame over the collapse.

Macron also urged Israel to clarify its goals towards Hamas.

"We are at a moment when Israeli authorities must more precisely define their objectives and their final goal: the total destruction of Hamas, does anyone think it is possible? If this is the case, the war will last 10 years," he said.

"There is no lasting security for Israel in the region if its security is achieved at the cost of Palestinian lives and thus of the resentment of public opinions in the region. Let's be collectively lucid," Macron added

Asked for a response to that remark, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters Israel does not want to see Gaza civilians caught in the crossfire as battles resume.

"Israel is targeting Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization that has committed the most horrific violence against innocent civilians. Israel is making a maximum effort to safeguard Gaza's civilians," said Regev.

Gulf

Morocco's King Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win in Hosting Expo 2030

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
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Morocco's King Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win in Hosting Expo 2030

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI congratulated on Friday Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Riyadh’s win in hosting the World Expo 2030.

In a cable to King Salman, he underscored the great confidence the world has shown in Saudi Arabia in hosting the global event.

This reflects its recognition of its distinguished standing in the region and world and the accomplishments it has achieved under its wise leadership, he added.

He stressed that Morocco was ready to offer its full support to contribute with Saudi Arabia in ensuring the success of the landmark economic and trade event, which will be an opportunity to introduce the world to Saudi culture, he said.