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Lockheed Martin CEO: We Look Forward to Contributing to Saudi Vision 2030

Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson leaves after a meeting with then-US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson leaves after a meeting with then-US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
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Lockheed Martin CEO: We Look Forward to Contributing to Saudi Vision 2030

Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson leaves after a meeting with then-US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson leaves after a meeting with then-US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson said she was looking forward to contributing to the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that the corporation for military, security and technology industries has entered into a joint venture to assemble 150 Black Hawk helicopters in the Kingdom.

The relationship between Lockheed Martin and the Middle East started with the delivery of the first C-130 aircraft to Saudi Arabia in 1965, according to Hewson, who is one of the 20 most influential women around the world, according to Forbes magazine.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat ahead of the launch of the Dubai Airshow, Lockheed Martin’s CEO said that pacific nations were facing a wide range of threats, from unregulated entities and countries seeking regional expansion and dominance, which led the company to contribute to the safety and security of its citizens through its various partnerships.

“The geopolitical environment has become more volatile and ambiguous than ever, where peaceful nations face a wide range of threats, from unorganized entities to countries seeking regional expansion and dominance. We, at Lockheed Martin, commit ourselves to helping governments achieve their key priorities of safety and security for their citizens. We are proud to do so through close cooperation and innovation with our partners around the world,” she said.

Asked about military agreements with Saudi Arabia, Hewson said: “We are pleased to be a bridge between the United States and its allies in the region. Over the past decades, this has been in many areas ranging from national security issues to building technological and manufacturing capabilities of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other key partners. We are proud that the relationship between Lockheed Martin and the Middle East began with the delivery of the first C-130 aircraft to Saudi Arabia in 1965, and our partnership has since continued to grow and develop.”

Hewson also noted that her company supported a number of initiatives to promote education, economic opportunities and technological innovation.

“This year I joined the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and we will meet with its leadership and students later this week,” she stated.

On Lockheed Martin’s contribution to Vision 2030, Hewson said she was looking forward to contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision in many ways.

“We have entered into a joint venture - now referred to as Rotary Aircraft Manufacturing Saudi Arabia (RMSA) - with a Saudi Arabian aerospace technology company to assemble 150 Black Hawk helicopters,” she said, noting that this partnership would promote the sharing of expertise between Lockheed Martin and the Kingdom.

“We are delighted to be able to provide our global expertise to help support Saudi Arabia’s ability to build Black Hawk aircraft in the Kingdom. This project will support more than 400 jobs in Saudi Arabia and more than million hours of training, in addition to promoting growth and economic opportunities,” she stated.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.