Saudi King Salman to Launch Qiddiya Project on Wednesday

King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
TT

Saudi King Salman to Launch Qiddiya Project on Wednesday

King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz will patronize the al-Qiddiya project on Wednesday. (Khalid al-Khamis)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will inaugurate on Wednesday al-Qiddiya project, the new entertainment, sports and cultural destination in Saudi Arabia, west of Riyadh.

The laying of the foundation stone will be attended by a host of local and international officials and major investors and representatives of the regional and international companies, marking the launch of the project's formal infrastructure.

The first phase of the 334 km project will be completed by 2022.

Visitors will have access to recreational and educational facilities across six designed clusters: Theme Parks; Wheels and Wings; Scenic and Animal Encounters; Water and Snow; Sports; Events, Culture and Education.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Secretary General of the Foundation Council of Qiddiya Project of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Fahd Tounsi said the inauguration of this vital project is a real translation of the aspirations of the Saudi leadership and its relentless efforts to develop mega projects.

He added that such projects contribute effectively to achieve many direct and indirect economic returns, and advance sustainable development for the benefit of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the sectors identified by Vision 2030.

"About two-thirds of the Kingdom's population is under the age of 35. There is a great need for Qiddiya Project to provide them with entertainment. The project will save about $30 billion, which Saudis spend on tourism and recreation abroad.”

“The saved funds will be used to develop the domestic economy and create new job opportunities for the Saudi youth," he was quoted by SPA.

Chief Executive of Qiddiya Michael Reininger stated: "We are delighted to be a key contributor to boost the Kingdom's economic development and investment, not only to the entertainment industry but also to projects that will develop the capabilities of the Saudi youth."



Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
TT

Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)

The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.

The Saudi and Iranian sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions and their continued effort to consolidate neighborly relations between their countries by respecting the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law. This includes respecting the sovereignty, independence, and security of states.

Saudi Arabia and Iran welcomed the continued positive role played by China and the importance of its support and follow-up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement that was signed in March 2023.

China underscored its readiness to continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Saudi Arabia and Iran to develop their relationship in various fields.

The three countries welcomed the continued progress in Saudi-Iranian relations and the opportunities it provides for direct communication between the two countries at all levels and sectors.

They noted the great importance of these contacts, meetings and mutual visits between high officials from the two countries, especially in light of the current regional tensions and escalation that threaten the security of the region and world.

The officials welcomed the progress of consular services between the two countries, which allowed more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj and more than 52,000 Iranians to perform the Umrah with ease and security during the first ten months of 2024.

They welcomed the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian joint Media Committee and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of Political and International Studies of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Arabia and Iran additionally expressed readiness to sign a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Along with China, they look forward to expanding cooperation among them in various fields including economic and political.

The three countries called for an immediate end to the Israeli assault against Palestine and Lebanon, condemning its attacks and violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They further called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and relief to Palestine and Lebanon, warning that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and world.

The three countries reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen in line with internationally recognized principles under the auspices of the United Nations.