Kuwaiti Emir Starts State Visit to Egypt on Tuesday

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
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Kuwaiti Emir Starts State Visit to Egypt on Tuesday

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (KUNA)

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah will start on Tuesday an official visit to Cairo, where he is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.

The upcoming visit will be the Emir’s first since assuming power last December, Kuwait's ambassador to Cairo, Ghanim Al-Ghanim told the Kuwaiti news agency, KUNA.

“This visit was welcomed both officially and by the people in Egypt,” he stressed.

Al-Ghanim said the Kuwaiti-Egyptian relations are characterized by their close and enduring historical bonds, spanning decades and serving as a model for Arab-Arab relations.

“The Emir’s visit would enhance the excellent relations between the two countries, expanding into broader areas,” the ambassador said.

He then noted the alignment of positions between the leaderships of both countries regarding all regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian issue.

The visit also affirms the Kuwaiti leadership’s commitment to enhancing communication and consultation between Cairo and Kuwait regarding regional and international developments, Al-Ghanim said, adding that it also involves discussing mutual interests and developing bilateral relations in various fields, which would benefit both countries.

The Ambassador praised Egypt’s efforts to improve its investment climate and welcome Arab and foreign investments, particularly those from Kuwait. “The Kuwaiti private sector has confidence in Egypt’s investment environment, particularly due to the economic reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government,” Al-Ghanim affirmed.

He told KUNA that his country holds a prominent status among Arab investments in Egyptian markets, reflecting the Kuwaiti investor’s confidence in the Egyptian economy and the available investment prospects.

The Ambassador also spoke about the financing programs offered by the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development (KFAED), which support more than 50 strategic projects, significantly contributing to the Egyptian economy.

Al-Ghanim hoped the Emir’s visit to Cairo and his meeting with the Egyptian President would be successful.



Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
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Saudi Arabia: $26,600 Fine for Issuing Visit Visas to Individuals Attempting to Perform Hajj

Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)
Saudi Arabia is keen to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment (Photo: Mohammed Al-Mana)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that a fine of up to SAR100,000 ($26,600) will be imposed on anyone who applies for any type of visit visa on behalf of individuals who perform, or attempt to perform, Hajj without a permit, or who enter or stay in Makkah and the holy sites.

The fine will be multiplied according to the number of individuals for whom visit visas were issued and who violate these regulations, the ministry said on Saturday.

It urged upon everyone to adhere to the regulations of the Hajj season and to cooperate with the competent authorities in ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims, affirming that any violation of these instructions will subject the offenders to legal penalties.

It also encouraged the public to report any violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also underscored that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims.

The ministry explained that the permit system is a critical component of crowd management and the balanced distribution of pilgrims across the holy sites. This structure ensures that field services are fully prepared to meet the needs of specific Hajj campaigns at the correct times and locations.

The ministry cautioned that violating these regulations not only exposes offenders to legal penalties but also compromises the security of the broader pilgrimage population and the efficiency of the service infrastructure.


Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses its Keenness on Lebanon's Internal Stability

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)
Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan. (NNA)

Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Yazid bin Farhan renewed on Friday the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability, and commitment to the Taif Accords.

The Kingdom will exert all possible diplomatic efforts to save Lebanon and its people, he was quoted as saying by Lebanese MPs who met him in Beirut.

MP Fouad Makhzoumi wrote on X that he had a “fruitful” meeting with Prince Yazid bin Farhan that was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed al-Bukhari.

“We expressed our deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the United States, on their significant role in supporting Lebanon’s stability and efforts to restore calm and end hostilities,” he added in reference to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He hailed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the need to limit the possession of weapons to the state’s legitimate authorities.

The members of the National Moderation bloc also met with Prince Yazid bin Farhan, saying that talks focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region, especially the US-led negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

A statement from the bloc, said the Saudi envoy expressed the Kingdom’s keenness on Lebanon’s internal stability and commitment to the Taif Accords.

He urged the need to steer clear of rhetoric that would fuel internal divisions or harm civil peace.

The bloc is comprised of MPs Mohammed Suleiman, Ahmed al-Kheir, Sajih Attieh, Abdulaziz al-Samad and its Secretary Hadi Hbeish.

The National Consensus bloc of MP Faisal Karami also met with the Saudi envoy for talks on the latest local and regional developments.


Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
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Qatar Emir, Trump Discuss Washington-Tehran Ceasefire

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump. (QNA)

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed developments ‌in ‌the Washington-Tehran ceasefire ‌agreement ⁠in a phone call ⁠with US President Donald Trump, ⁠Qatari state ‌news ‌agency reported ‌on ‌Friday.

He added that Qatar would ‌continue coordinating with partners to ⁠support ⁠mediation efforts led by Pakistan to achieve regional security and stability.

Sheikh Tamim stressed the need for easing tensions and supporting peaceful solutions.