Saudi Arabia Welcomes ‘Jeddah Talks’ to Resolve Ukraine Crisis

The Cabinet was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Tuesday. SPA
The Cabinet was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Tuesday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes ‘Jeddah Talks’ to Resolve Ukraine Crisis

The Cabinet was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Tuesday. SPA
The Cabinet was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Tuesday. SPA

The Saudi Cabinet has welcomed the talks held between the United States and Ukraine, hosted by the Kingdom as part of its efforts to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The Cabinet, which was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Tuesday, discussed the outcomes of the talks between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Kingdom stressed its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine and achieving lasting peace. Moreover, both countries commended the strength of their economic ties and welcomed the re-establishment of the Joint Business Council in 2025.

The Cabinet also welcomed the commencement of talks between the US and Ukraine, saying this initiative reflects the Kingdom’s balanced relations with various stakeholders, its leading role in promoting global security and peace, and its commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of conflict resolution.

The Cabinet commended the statement issued by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting recently held in Jeddah, and emphasized the Kingdom’s complete rejection of calls to displace the Palestinian people from their land. It affirmed the Kingdom’s continued work with friendly countries to advance the implementation of the two-state solution.

It also lauded measures taken by the Syrian leadership to preserve civil peace in the country and complete the process of building state institutions to achieve security and stability. It reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

The Cabinet also discussed the positive growth rates achieved by economic activities in 2024, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and the progress made in major projects and national strategies.



UN Secretary-General Visits KSrelief Headquarters in Riyadh

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs  - SPA
Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA
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UN Secretary-General Visits KSrelief Headquarters in Riyadh

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs  - SPA
Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs - SPA

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and his accompanying delegation visited the headquarters of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the visit, he met with Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, as well as a number of the center’s senior officials, in the presence of Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, SPA reported.

Al Rabeeah discussed with Guterres topics of mutual interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between KSrelief and the various UN organizations.

During the meeting, a visual presentation was given on the center’s projects and programs, which have so far reached 3,881 projects in 109 countries, with a total value exceeding $8 billion.

These include specialized initiatives such as the Prosthetic Programs, the Masam Project for clearing landmines in Yemen, the program for reintegrating Yemeni children previously associated with armed conflict, in addition to voluntary medical programs, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, and the establishment of digital humanitarian, volunteer, documentation, and international registration platforms, among many other significant humanitarian initiatives.

Guterres then toured the permanent exhibition in the center’s main hall, which features an interactive map showing countries benefiting from KSrelief projects, audiovisual storytelling stations showcasing impactful humanitarian stories, a screen highlighting the center’s volunteer programs, and a section allowing visitors to write humanitarian messages.

The exhibition also includes virtual reality goggles that let visitors experience the daily lives of refugees and displaced people.

He also met with several Saudi medical volunteers participating in medical missions implemented outside the Kingdom and listened to their personal experiences in carrying out the center’s volunteer projects.

Afterward, he visited the offices of KSrelief’s partner organizations and international agencies, where representatives briefed him on their joint work with the center.

Guterres later affirmed in a press statement to SPA that the Kingdom has maintained its firm commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, particularly during these challenging times in which humanitarian aid is, regrettably, no longer as widespread globally as it once was.

Guterres noted that KSrelief stands as a prominent model of generosity, dedication, efficiency, and the exceptional quality of services it provides to those affected and most in need in numerous countries, including Yemen, Somalia, Syria, and others. He added that visiting the center offers a clear view of the remarkable humanitarian work it carries out and reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this noble approach.

He also praised the center’s success in building an extensive global network of partnerships, demonstrating its professionalism and leadership in humanitarian work.


OIC Strongly Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans in Occupied West Bank

The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
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OIC Strongly Condemns New Israeli Settlement Plans in Occupied West Bank

The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, seen from the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation authorities’ approval of annexation and expansion plans via the construction of 764 new settlement units, as well as a plan for 17 new settlements in the occupied West Bank over the next five years, as part of attempts to foist their so-called sovereignty on the occupied Palestinian territory.

The OIC stressed that the Israeli colonial settlement policy constitutes a war crime and flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, notably Security Council resolution no. 2334 and the legal opinions issued by the International Court of Justice, SPA reported.

The OIC renewed its call on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibility and take immediate measures to end all the crimes and violations being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, their territory, and holy sites.


Saudi, UK FMs Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi, UK FMs Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Britain’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

The call included a discussion of the regional and international developments and matters of shared interest, SPA said.