French Ambassador Hails Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
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French Ambassador Hails Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA
Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Tabuk Region, receives French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. SPA

French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette has said bilateral ties between Paris and Riyadh were “at their best”, asserting that France is a strategic partner to the kingdom.

Following his meeting with Governor of Tabuk Region Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Gouyette told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Monday that France as a strategic partner seeks to develop fraternal ties via scientific, cultural and commercial exchange.

As part of his mission, he discussed cooperation means with the Kingdom as partners in many fields, mainly on huge projects such as Amala, NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project.

Gouyette hailed the historic stature of Tabuk, saying he visited the University of Tabuk and was briefed on the 16 faculties that host more than 25,000 students who are the country's future.

As part of its quest to strengthen ties, France celebrated the 50th anniversary of late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s visit to Paris, he said.

It also marked the first anniversary of the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has introduced a new phase of joint cooperation.

Gouyette commended the Kingdom’s vital and pioneering role in achieving stability in the world politically and economically referring to the Kingdom’s preparations to host the 15th annual G20 Leaders' Summit on Nov 21-22 2020.



Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
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Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
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UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.


Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom said Friday that it is closely monitoring the condition of a Saudi citizen who was stabbed in the Mayfair area, adding that it is coordinating with the relevant authorities and working to provide him with the necessary care and support until he is discharged from the hospital safely.

In a statement posted on its X account, the embassy said it was following up with the relevant security authorities on the circumstances of the incident.

It stressed the importance of expediting the investigation, uncovering all the details of the incident, holding those responsible accountable under the law, and taking the necessary measures to enhance the safety of citizens and visitors in public areas.

The embassy urged Saudi men and women to exercise caution and avoid carrying valuable belongings in public places. It also called on citizens to immediately contact the Saudi Affairs emergency hotline at 00447799519495 in case of an emergency.