Saudi FM Meets with Singaporean Counterpart, Signs MoU to Establish Strategic Partnership Council

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Wednesday with his Singaporean counterpart. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Wednesday with his Singaporean counterpart. SPA
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Saudi FM Meets with Singaporean Counterpart, Signs MoU to Establish Strategic Partnership Council

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Wednesday with his Singaporean counterpart. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Wednesday with his Singaporean counterpart. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday with Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.

The two officials reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance them in various fields to achieve the aspirations of the two leaderships and their peoples.

Following the meeting, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Strategic Partnership Council between the two countries. This reflects the commitment of both the Kingdom and Singapore to advance their relations across multiple domains, and aims to increase the volume of trade exchange, which reached $1 billion in 2024, thereby opening new horizons for cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting concluded with a press briefing delivered by Prince Faisal, during which he highlighted that the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council represents a valuable opportunity to enhance cooperation and partnership across various sectors, particularly within the framework of initiatives linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Prince Faisal also emphasized that Singapore is one of the world’s most important financial hubs and that the Kingdom looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Singapore to achieve broader economic benefits.



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
TT

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.