Saudi-Africa Summit…Strategic Collaboration Across All Domains

The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi-Africa Summit…Strategic Collaboration Across All Domains

The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)
The President of Mauritania arrives in Riyadh (SPA)

Riyadh is hosting a summit between Saudi Arabia and African nations, signaling the beginning of a strategic partnership covering political, economic, investment, security, and cultural domains.

The Saudi-Africa summit, which launches on Friday, aims to strengthen shared interests, foster development, and ensure stability.

Saudi Arabia enjoys significant trust and respect among African leaders, being considered a linchpin for both the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Kingdom pursues a wise policy focused on economic and developmental interests, according to Khaled Manzlawiy, the assistant secretary-general for international political affairs at the Arab League.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Manzlawiy highlighted that the Kingdom’s hosting of a substantial number of African leaders in Riyadh signals the establishment of a strategic collaboration that serves the interests of both parties.

“As we know, Africa is a focal point for major powers such as the US, China, and Russia, in addition to emerging nations,” said Manzlawiy.

“Saudi Arabia's growing global role necessitates expanding relations with both the East and the West, including the African continent,” he added.

The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and African countries reached SAR 74.735 billion ($20 billion) in 2023.

Exports accounted for SAR 53.071 billion ($14 billion), while imports totaled SAR 21.664 billion ($5.8 billion).

This underscores the increasing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations, reflecting the mutual benefits derived from their collaboration.

In a demonstration of Saudi leadership, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has actively supported international and regional efforts aimed at establishing security, stability, and resolving conflicts in the African continent.

This commitment resulted in the historic Jeddah Agreement for Peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Moreover, negotiations between conflicting parties in Sudan resumed in Jeddah, aiming to reach a political agreement that ensures security, stability, and prosperity for Sudan and its people.



Saudi Arabia Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission

Saudi Arabia has denounced all violations committed against the Palestinian people, with the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, predominantly women and children, in the Gaza Strip.

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah, delivered on Wednesday the Kingdom’s statement during a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, reiterating Saudi Arabia's firm rejection of the tragic situation and stressing the urgent need to put an end to it.

Baakdah highlighted the Kingdom’s hosting of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which adopted resolutions showing the unified will of Arab and Islamic nations.

She underscored the summit’s plea for an end to bloodshed, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to reclaim their occupied territories and establish their independent state.

The diplomat said the Kingdom lauded the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on May 10, backing the eligibility of the Palestinian state for full membership in the United Nations.

Baakdah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for actions taken by Norway, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Armenia in acknowledging the Palestinian state, while urging other nations to follow suit with bilateral recognition.

Recognizing the collective duty to actively support the realization of an independent Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia -- in collaboration with its partners in the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza Strip developments, as well as Norway and the European Union -- initiated a global alliance to push for the implementation of a two-state solution. The Kingdom calls upon all parties to join the initiative.