Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Efforts to Bolster Cooperation between Countries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Efforts to Bolster Cooperation between Countries

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s support for efforts to bolster joint cooperation between countries around the world.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet was briefed on the content of the messages Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received from the presidents of Guinea and the Maldives, which both discussed ties.

The cabinet discussed the overall work of the state in recent days, especially efforts exerted to strengthen cooperation with different countries and organizations, and to improve the speed and effectiveness of collaborative work.

It praised the results of the first strategic dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the World Health Organization (WHO). Both sides agreed to continue coordination and identify joint initiative.

They emphasized the commitment to supporting international efforts and continuing cooperation to improve regional and global health and deal with health crises.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and global developments, and discussed Saudi Arabia's ongoing diplomatic efforts with other countries and international organizations to support Sudan, including the delivery of humanitarian aid and putting an end to hostilities. These efforts are in line with the decisions of the previous Jeddah talks and with international humanitarian law.

Moreover, the ministers reviewed the performance of several government agencies that demonstrated great progress in serving citizens and residents, improving digital platforms, boosting the quality of life, facilitating business practices, boosting competitiveness, and increasing efficiency.

The cabinet commended the launch of a program to upgrade major avenues and ring roads in Riyadh, to improve transportation and the flow of traffic, and to help the capital’s growth and economic development. These improvements will solidify Riyadh's position as a leading global metropolis.

The government also deemed the stable inflation rate of 1.5% in July as evidence of Saudi economy's resilience and of the effectiveness of measures taken to counter global price increases.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.