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Gulf

Washington: Saudi Arabia’s Openness will Lead the Region to a Promising Future

People attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, on October 24, 2017. The head of oil giant Saudi Aramco said that a lack of recent investments in the oil sector could lead to a shortage of supplies. Fayez Nureldine / AFP
People attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, on October 24, 2017. The head of oil giant Saudi Aramco said that a lack of recent investments in the oil sector could lead to a shortage of supplies. Fayez Nureldine / AFP
    Riyadh - Abdul Hadi Habtoor, Shujaa al-Baqmi and Fatah al-Rahman Youssef
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Washington: Saudi Arabia’s Openness will Lead the Region to a Promising Future

People attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, on October 24, 2017. The head of oil giant Saudi Aramco said that a lack of recent investments in the oil sector could lead to a shortage of supplies. Fayez Nureldine / AFP
People attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, on October 24, 2017. The head of oil giant Saudi Aramco said that a lack of recent investments in the oil sector could lead to a shortage of supplies. Fayez Nureldine / AFP

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s policy of openness and moderation would lead the region to a promising future.

Mnuchin was speaking on Wednesday during the Future Investment Initiative Conference, hosted by Riyadh.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia was the “most important partner in the region in combating the financing of terrorism,” adding that the Kingdom has banned associations that support terrorism and target those who fund al-Qaeda, Hezbollah and Taliban.

Mnuchin said that he came to Riyadh to celebrate the opening of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, which is co-chaired by the US and the Kingdom.

“The establishment of the center is a step forward to stop the funding of terrorist organizations,” he said.

“We have assigned individuals and parties to deal with the IRGC, the Iranian support for terrorist organizations, and human rights violations in Iran.”

Meanwhile, during the second day of the Investment Future Initiative in Riyadh, officials and economic experts discussed the future of capital investments, especially as the world entered a new era of sovereign wealth.

“We have entered a new era in the world of sovereign wealth. We can talk about the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which we are promoting with a range of investments that cover a wide spectrum of opportunities,” said Yasser Al-Rumyan, CEO of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

He pointed out that the PIF not only looks at traditional investments, but also at some developmental investments, and seeks to keep apace with latest changes in the world.

Khalid Al Rumaihi, Executive Chairman of the Economic Development Board and Chairman of the Bahrain Property Investment Committee, said: “We do not just look outside the market, but at the market itself. For example, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which explores opportunities in major cities and the development of the national economy, can do so on a commercial basis.”

Khaldoun Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, said: “There is confidence within sovereign funds clubs. There are relationships that go back to 20, 30 and 40 years. We also have funds operating in Europe, North America and elsewhere.”

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Gulf

Saudi FM: What Brings Us Closer to a Solution in Gaza is a Ceasefire

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations headquarters on November 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Andrea RENAULT / AFP)
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations headquarters on November 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Andrea RENAULT / AFP)
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Saudi FM: What Brings Us Closer to a Solution in Gaza is a Ceasefire

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations headquarters on November 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Andrea RENAULT / AFP)
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations headquarters on November 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Andrea RENAULT / AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has participated in the UN Security Council’s emergency session on the situation in the Middle East, stressing the importance of a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In his statement at the session, Prince Faisal said that the Security Council’s meeting on Wednesday was the second to be held under the same difficult and painful circumstances in Gaza, adding that, since the previous session, the death toll in Gaza has reached more than 14,000, 67% of whom were women and children, with the total number of the displaced exceeding half a million people as a result of the horrific military escalation by the Israeli occupation forces and their continued violation of international charters and resolutions.

The Saudi Minister also underlined that the complete absence of international accountability mechanisms prevails in light of the Council’s inability to take any deterrent measures against these violations.

He also noted that the Kingdom hosted the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11.

He said the resolutions of the summit represent the will of Arab and Islamic peoples that seek to end bloodshed and unconditionally deliver relief assistance, end the violations and the large-scale suffering of the Palestinian people and support them in realizing their legitimate rights and establishing their independent state.
Prince Faisal further said that the message of the Joint Arab-Islamic summit is clear and unified: an immediate and permanent ceasefire that establishes a genuine and credible peace process.

He added: “Countries that seek peace and justice, and seek to preserve the legitimacy and solidity of the international system, whose credibility has been shaken as a result of its slow approach to this humanitarian crisis must add their voices to ours."

The Saudi Foreign Minister also welcomed the humanitarian truce reached in Gaza, voicing in the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US, which came as the first step to free prisoners and detainees and enable the return of the displaced and deliver adequate assistance to them. Prince Faisal said this step is not enough in light of the ongoing restrictions of the numbers of trucks entering Gaza.

He underlined the need for an unobstructed and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and removing all unjustified restrictions and additional complications as the situation of civilians can no longer tolerate any delay in the arrival of urgent aid to them, stressing the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 2712, and building on it to reach a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire.

The Prince said that the truce does not relieve the Israeli side of its responsibilities within the framework of international law and international humanitarian law, and that the baseless pretexts for self-defense are unacceptable and unreasonable in light of the humanitarian tragedies repeated on a daily basis in Gaza.

Prince Faisal also stressed that allowing the military escalation to continue immediately after the end of the truce, and taking two steps back, would constitute a disgrace to the United Nations and the Security Council.

“We heard during this session that water, food, and medicine will not bring us a solution, so what will lead to a solution? More deaths, more suffering for civilians. No, what brings us closer to the solution is a ceasefire, and Israel’s response to decades-long peace efforts,” the minister said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented the Arab Peace Plan at the Fez Arab Summit in 1982. The Arab Peace Initiative was also presented at 2002 Arab Summit in Beirut, and was supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Palestine Liberation Organization also recognized the state of Israel in 1993. Where is the Israeli peace plan? Where is the Israeli recognition of the state of Palestine? We are advocates of peace, and peace has always been our strategic choice, and we want it to be the choice of the other side as well.”

Prince Faisal called for an international recognition under a Security Council resolution of the independent state of Palestine, and for it to gain full UN membership, renewing the call for holding a UN-organized international peace conference through which a serious and reliable peace process would be launched to guarantee the implementation of the two-state solution on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions.

Gulf

Emir of Qatar, German President Assert Efforts to Resume Regional Peace Process

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (QNA)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (QNA)
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Emir of Qatar, German President Assert Efforts to Resume Regional Peace Process

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (QNA)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (QNA)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have emphasized the necessity of resuming the comprehensive peace process in the Middle East, to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Sheikh Tamim announced in a post on his official X account on Wednesday that he had had extensive talks with the German President, focusing on the cooperation between the two countries in investment and energy.

They discussed the latest developments in Gaza, emphasizing together the need to resume the comprehensive peace process in the Middle East, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under international legitimacy resolutions.

The German President arrived in Doha from Muscat, where he spent an official three-day visit and met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop them in all fields, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

They also addressed the latest regional and international developments and matters of mutual interest.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said on X that the German President’s visit to Oman and the comprehensive discussions will undoubtedly deepen and expand the partnership, especially in energy and tourism.

The German President and his wife visited the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah in the al-Dakhiliyah Governorate.

They were briefed on the facility’s design inspired by the rugged topography of the al-Hajar Mountains. They toured the History Hall and the Renaissance Hall, which present interactive displays to the visitors.

They saw antiques and manuscripts demonstrating the depth and authenticity of Omani history. They were briefed about modern technologies that characterize the museum and the services that the museum provides for visitors.

They also visited the Nizwa Fort and listened to a brief explanation of its history.

After their visit, Steinmeier and his spouse signed the Senior Visitor’s Register, conveying their thanks for the hospitality and expressing happiness at learning about the history of the Sultanate of Oman.

Gulf

Kuwait’s Emir Hospitalized Due to Emergency Health Problem

Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Kuna
Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Kuna
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Kuwait’s Emir Hospitalized Due to Emergency Health Problem

Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Kuna
Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Kuna

The Emir of Kuwait was hospitalized Wednesday “due to an emergency health problem” but later reported to be in stable condition.

Wednesday night, authorities put out a new statement urging the public to only take information from “official sources” about Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah’s health.

They also added he was receiving the medication he needed.

Gulf

FMs of Arab, Islamic Countries Meet with UN Chief, China FM to Discuss Gaza

The Arab and Islamic ministers meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. (SPA)
The Arab and Islamic ministers meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. (SPA)
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FMs of Arab, Islamic Countries Meet with UN Chief, China FM to Discuss Gaza

The Arab and Islamic ministers meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. (SPA)
The Arab and Islamic ministers meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. (SPA)

Members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held talks in New York on Wednesday with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Meeting at the UN headquarters, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings and what the humanitarian truce achieved in the release of some prisoners and their return to their families.

They tackled efforts exerted towards an immediate ceasefire, and the importance of the international community fulfilling its responsibility towards the commitment in protecting civilians and ensuring the application of the rules of international law and international humanitarian law.

The meeting focused on the importance of implementing UN resolution on the protection and security of the Palestinian people from violations committed by the Israeli forces, and returning to the path of peace by implementing international resolutions related to the two-state solution and enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The members of the Ministerial Committee reiterated their demand for the importance of the international community taking all effective measures to ensure securing relief corridors for the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, stressing their categorical rejection of all forms of blatant settlement and forced displacement of the Palestinian people.

The committee members included its chairman Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Qatari Prime Minister and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ayman al-Safadi, Palestinian FM Riad Malki, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, Indonesian FM Retno Marsudi, Malaysian FM Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The committee later met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to also discuss Gaza.

The officials were in New York for a UN Security Council meeting focusing on Gaza.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prince Faisal said the aid entering Gaza was "far less than is needed."

"The danger is that if ... this truce expires we will return to the killing at the scale that we have seen, which is unbearable," he said. "So we are here to make a clear statement that a truce is not enough. What is needed is a ceasefire."

Guterres warned that the Gaza Strip was in the midst of an "epic humanitarian catastrophe," as calls grew for a ceasefire to replace the temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants.

"Intense negotiations are taking place to prolong the truce – which we strongly welcome - but we believe we need a true humanitarian ceasefire," he told the Security Council.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia: Attack on Gaza Greatly Damaged Credibility of Int’l Community 

Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ziad Al-Atiya delivers his remarks at the conference in The Hague. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ziad Al-Atiya delivers his remarks at the conference in The Hague. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia: Attack on Gaza Greatly Damaged Credibility of Int’l Community 

Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ziad Al-Atiya delivers his remarks at the conference in The Hague. (SPA)
Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ziad Al-Atiya delivers his remarks at the conference in The Hague. (SPA)

Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ziad Al-Atiya underlined on Tuesday the Kingdom’s firm position for the need to bolster international cooperation to ban all forms of weapons of mass destruction and prevent their proliferation.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s call to transform the Middle East into a region free of these weapons.

He made his remarks during his participation in the 28th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-28) in The Hague.

He underlined Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip and its violation of the very essence of the international system and its legal foundations.

He said the attack greatly damaged the international community’s credibility and left a deep wound in humanity and its faith in an international community that is ruled by law.

This therefore demands an immediate ceasefire and the need to tackle the humanitarian catastrophe, Al-Atiya went on to say.

Moreover, he said no signatory of the Chemical Weapons Convention should be allowed to shirk its responsibility towards its obligations. Israel is a signatory of the agreement, but it has not ratified it.

Israel doesn’t have the right to hide behind its signature. This does not exempt it from its responsibility in any violation, added the envoy.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s rejection of the calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza. He renewed its condemnation of the continued attacks against innocent civilians there, stressing the need to open safe corridors immediately and deliver humanitarian aid to the people.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince, Brazilian President Hold Talks, Witness Signing of Bilateral MoU

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace. (SPA)
Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Brazilian President Hold Talks, Witness Signing of Bilateral MoU

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace. (SPA)
Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace. (SPA)

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah palace, SPA said on Tuesday.
An official welcome ceremony was held for the Brazilian president.
The Crown Prince extended a warm welcome to the Brazilian President at the beginning of their meeting and wished him and his accompanying delegation a pleasant stay.
The Brazilian president expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm hospitality and gracious reception received.
The two men reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federative Republic of Brazil and discussed joint coordination to enhance cooperation in various fields.
They explored promising investment opportunities in both nations to serve mutual interests. They also addressed the regional and international developments, as well as issues of common interest and the efforts directed towards them.
Attending the talks were Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy; Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member; Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior; Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard; and Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense.
The meeting was also attended by the Saudi Minister of State, Cabinet's Member and National Security Advisor, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; Minister of Commerce, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli; Minister of Investment, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih; Minister of Finance, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan; and the Saudi Ambassador to Brazil, Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam.
From the Brazilian side, the attendees included President of the National Congress Rodrigo Otavio Soares Pacheco; Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office Rui Costa; Minister of Finance Fernando Haddad; Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho; Minister of Agriculture Carlos Favaro; Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira; and various other senior Brazilian officials.
Afterwards, the Crown Prince and the Brazilian President witnessed the signing ceremony of a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of energy between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Prince Abdulaziz signed the MoU from the Saudi side while Silveira signed from the Brazilian side.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Stresses Need for Comprehensive End to All Military Operations in Gaza 

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Need for Comprehensive End to All Military Operations in Gaza 

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underlined on Tuesday the remarks by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and leaders of invited BRICS members on the situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on Gaza.

Crown Prince Mohammed had called for a complete halt of military operations in Gaza and stressed the need to protect civilians.

He also reiterated the Kingdom's unyielding stance that the only way to achieve security and stability was through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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

The ministers were briefed on the telephone call Crown Prince Mohammed received from the Ukrainian president earlier this week. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between their countries. Saudi Arabia underscored its keenness on and support to international efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.

The cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in several international meetings and events as part of its efforts to “bolster solidarity between brothers and cooperation between friends,” reported the Saudi Press Agency.

After the meeting, Media Minister Salman Al-Dosary said the cabinet reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment, made during the G20 virtual meeting under India's presidency, to continue its comprehensive efforts to address climate change.

It reiterated its commitment to prioritize implementing the joint framework for addressing debts in a way that highlights interest in deepening international cooperation in various fields and reaching tangible solutions to support the global economy.

The cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Fifth Arab Water Conference held in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom's proactive role in addressing water challenges at both the regional and international levels. This includes the initiative to establish the Global Water Organization and the development of technological solutions to achieve sustainable water security.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia and US Strengthen Partnership in Research, Development and Innovation

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, met in the United States with the Director of the US National Science Foundation.
The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, met in the United States with the Director of the US National Science Foundation.
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Saudi Arabia and US Strengthen Partnership in Research, Development and Innovation

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, met in the United States with the Director of the US National Science Foundation.
The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, met in the United States with the Director of the US National Science Foundation.

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha , met with the Director of the US National Science Foundation, to discuss the partnership between the two sides and empowering innovative scientists and researchers in priority fields, SPA said on Wednesday.
This came during Eng. Al-Swaha's current visit to the United States of America.
Al-Swaha also met with the Director of the National Institute of Health, to discuss research projects and innovative solutions in the field of health.
Discussions also focused on the promotion of innovations to serve humanity by finding urgent solutions for the global health challenges in line with the national priorities for research, development and innovation announced by Saudi Arabia.

Gulf

Gulf Countries Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Winning Bid to Host Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
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Gulf Countries Congratulate King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Winning Bid to Host Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)

Gulf countries and organizations congratulated on Tuesday Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Saudi Arabia winning its bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh. 

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a message of congratulations to King Salman on the occasion. 

Sheikh Mishal stressed that this distinguished achievement is a source of pride and honor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries and the sisterly Arab countries.  

It symbolizes the great confidence of the international community in the competence of the Kingdom and its great capabilities in organizing international events and hosting the World Expo, he added.  

He wished for King Salman continued health, hoping he will achieve all progress and prosperity for the Kingdom and its honorable people under the wise leadership.  

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also sent King Salman a similar cable on the occasion. 

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also congratulated King Salman on the winning bid. 

In a cable to King Salman, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described the success as an embodiment of the Kingdom’s significant international standing. 

It is the latest in the series of achievements it has accomplished in all fields, he added. 

King Hamad praised the close historical and fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and their brotherly peoples and the high level they have reached in all fields. 

He wished the Kingdom and its people continued progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. 

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent a similar cable to King Salman and another to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 

Oman congratulated Saudi Arabia on its victory in hosting Expo 2030 in the city of Riyadh. 

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it expressed its full confidence in the capabilities of the Kingdom in organizing Expo 2030 in a way that will bring more benefits to the entire region and elevate the status of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their attractiveness in hosting major international events. 

GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed on Riyadh’s successful bid. 

He stressed that the win is a great indication of the Kingdom's distinguished international standing, high ability and professionalism in organizing such global events. 

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha echoed Albudaiwi’s remarks, adding that the success was the result of relentless and intense efforts by the Saudi leadership. 

He wished Saudi Arabia further success, stating that selecting Riyadh to host the World Expo is a triumph not only for the Kingdom but the entire Islamic world. 

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) congratulated the Kingdom on its successful bid. 

ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik said the victory is the latest achievement by the Kingdom under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. 

He added that the event embodies the success of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which includes among its ambitious goals transforming Riyadh into one of the top 10 cities in the world. 

Riyadh’s hosting of this global event is an opportunity to highlight Islamic culture and its contributions to human civilization throughout history, he remarked. 

Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al-Asoomi congratulated Saudi Arabia on the winning bid. 

The achievement reflects the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed, which under their guidance, has steered the march of comprehensive development across various sectors, he noted. 

In a statement, the Arab Parliament described the hosting of Expo 2030 as a significant Arab achievement that enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination in the fields of trade, culture, and development. 

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win to Host World Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
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Saudi Crown Prince Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win to Host World Expo 2030 

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, extended on Tuesday congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Saudi Arabia winning the bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

This momentous announcement was made on Tuesday by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which designated the Kingdom as the host for this global event, scheduled to take place from October 2030 until March 2031.

Expressing gratitude to the nations that supported the Kingdom's bid, as well as to the two competing countries, the Crown Prince said: "The Kingdom's selection as the host of the World Expo 2030 underlines its influential and leading role, and the international confidence it enjoys. Saudi Arabia has become an ideal destination for hosting major international events, including the esteemed World Expo."

Reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to holding an extraordinary and unparalleled edition of the World Expo, Crown Prince Mohammed emphasized the importance of being an active and positive role model in the drive to shape a brighter future for humanity. The Expo is bound to provide a global platform that leverages cutting-edge technologies and brings together the brightest minds to capitalize on opportunities and address the challenges that the planet faces today.

"The World Expo 2030 coincides with a crucial year for the realization of the goals and plans outlined in Saudi Vision 2030," stated the Crown Prince.

"This Expo represents a remarkable opportunity to share with the world the lessons learned from our unprecedented journey of transformation."

Crown Prince Mohammed stressed Riyadh’s readiness to welcome the world at Expo 2030, and the fact that it will fulfill the obligations stipulated in the bid with the aim of achieving the main theme of the expo, “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, and its sub-topics: “A Different Tomorrow”, “Climate Action” and “Prosperity for All”.

Riyadh is the capital of a country that enjoys a strategic and important geographical location. The country acts as an important bridge linking continents, which makes it an attractive destination for the most prominent international forums, global investments and visits, and a gateway to the world.

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh has received great direct support from the Crown Prince ever since it announced on October 29, 2021 that it had submitted an official application to BIE, the organizing body for the World Expo.

BIE announced that the Kingdom will be hosting the exhibition after a secret ballot cast during the 173rd General Assembly of BIE in Paris.

The Kingdom’s bid received 119 votes from member states. Two other cities competed alongside Riyadh: Busan, in South Korea, and Rome, in Italy.

Held since 1851, World Expos is the largest global platform for presenting the latest achievements and technologies, promoting international cooperation in economic development, trade, arts and culture, and disseminating science and technology.