Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and the US have agreed to enhance cooperation in outer space exploration and use for peaceful purposes and in commercial opportunities for space industries.

The announcement came during the official visit of the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission, Abdullah al-Swaha, to the US.

Swaha chaired a delegation representing the digital economy, space, and innovation system in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh and Washington issued a joint statement focusing on enhancing cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and discussing signing a framework agreement on bilateral cooperation in space for peaceful purposes.

Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, and it agreed with the US to expand discussions on potential collaborative activities in space, earth sciences, and space missions.

The Saudi Minister confirmed that the joint statement reflects the ambitions of the two friendly countries to expand the strategic partnership to empower people, protect the planet, and form new horizons for cooperation in space, earth sciences, and exploratory missions.

Swaha indicated that this step would contribute to the sector's sustainability, enhance research and development activities, and accelerate the growth of space-related technologies. It would also develop talents and qualify national cadres through exchanging and transferring experiences between the two sides.



Governor of Hadhramaut Launches Military Operation to Take Control of STC Positions

A supporter of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) stands in the back of a pickup truck in the Khor Maksar district of the second city of Aden on August 29, 2019. (AFP file)
A supporter of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) stands in the back of a pickup truck in the Khor Maksar district of the second city of Aden on August 29, 2019. (AFP file)
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Governor of Hadhramaut Launches Military Operation to Take Control of STC Positions

A supporter of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) stands in the back of a pickup truck in the Khor Maksar district of the second city of Aden on August 29, 2019. (AFP file)
A supporter of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) stands in the back of a pickup truck in the Khor Maksar district of the second city of Aden on August 29, 2019. (AFP file)

The Yemeni News Agency said on Friday that the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, issued a decision assigning the Governor of Hadhramaut, Salem Al-Khanbashi, to assume the general command of the National Shield forces in the governorate.

The official agency stated that the decision grants Al-Khanbashi “full military, security, and administrative powers to achieve the restoration of security and order in the governorate”.

It added that the decision stipulates that the assignment will end “once the reasons that led to it cease, or upon the issuance of a decision by the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, canceling this assignment”.

In a recorded speech following his appointment, Al-Khanbashi confirmed that the Southern Transitional Council deliberately rejected all responsible solutions aimed at de-escalation. He pointed out that STC forces had prepared plans intended to create widespread chaos in Hadhramaut.

He also announced that the National Shield forces had launched a military operation called “Receiving the Camps,” aimed at taking over military sites in a peaceful and organized manner. He added that “the military operation is not a declaration of war, but a responsible preventive measure”.

He further stressed that “the operation does not target any political or social component, nor civilians” in Hadhramaut.

This came after the National Field forces had expressed their readiness on Thursday to take over military sites and checkpoints from the Southern Transitional Council forces in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah.

 


Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Discuss Fraternal Ties, Regional and Global Developments

Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Discuss Fraternal Ties, Regional and Global Developments

Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received a phone call on Thursday from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed ways to strengthen fraternal ties between the two countries and addressed recent regional and international developments.


Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.