King Salman Asserts Saudi Support for Trump’s Firm Iran Policy

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet's session in Riyadh on October 17, 2017. (SPA)
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet's session in Riyadh on October 17, 2017. (SPA)
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King Salman Asserts Saudi Support for Trump’s Firm Iran Policy

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet's session in Riyadh on October 17, 2017. (SPA)
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet's session in Riyadh on October 17, 2017. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia said it supports and welcomes the recently announced United States strategy towards Iran, its hostile behavior, and funding of international and regional terror, said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz when chairing a cabinet session on Tuesday.

He also confirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to collaborating with US partners in an effort to achieve objectives announced by US President Donald Trump.

At the outset of the cabinet session, King Salman briefed ministers on the telephone call he had with Trump during which the monarch emphasized Riyadh’s support of his firm strategy towards Iran, its aggressive activities and support for terrorism in the region and worldwide.

He also stressed the Kingdom's full commitment to continue working with its partners in the US to achieve the desired goals announced by Trump.

The King also briefed the cabinet on the results of his meeting with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, during which they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed overall regional events.

The cabinet was briefed on the telephone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during which the Palestinian leader reviewed with King Salman the recently signed Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement.

King Salman gave great emphasis to “unity” in paving the way ahead for the Palestinian Authority to further serve its citizens. He said that the Kingdom is looking forward to this important reconciliation, which realizes the hopes and aspirations of all Palestinians.

The King briefed the cabinet on a telephone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi during which he stressed Riyadh’s support for Iraq's unity, security and stability. He underlined the adherence of all parties to the Iraqi constitution for the interest of Iraq and its people.

The Cabinet also reviewed a number of regional and international developments, including outcomes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual and the World Bank (WB) meetings in Washington.

Meetings focused on the development of the Kingdom's economy and its efforts in implementing its transformation Vision 2030, affiliated operational programs and initiatives.



Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
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Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century.

As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards.

A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.

To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex.

The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.