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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Sends Message to King of Eswatini

King Salman (SPA)
King Salman (SPA)
    Asharq Al-Awsat
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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Sends Message to King of Eswatini

King Salman (SPA)
King Salman (SPA)

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a message to King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The message was delivered by King Salman's Ambassador to South Africa Sultan Al-Luaihan Al-Anqari.

Al-Anqari conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince and their wishes to the government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for continued progress and prosperity.

For his part, the King of Eswatini expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to King Salman, reaffirming the keenness of Eswatini to develop and promote bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

The reception was attended by Prime Minister of Eswatini Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thuli Dladla.

Separately, Saudi Arabia's Trade and Investment Minister Majid al-Qasabi conveyed a message which King Salman has sent to the Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould el-Ghazouani.

This came during Qasabi's reception at the Mauritanian Presidential Palace in Nouakchott.

"Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Mauritania is politically and fraternally strong. They are more than brothers, however, the commercial and investment relationship does not live up to the aspirations of the leaders of the two peoples,” Qasabi said in a press statement.

He stressed that "the most important pillar in this relationship is the private sector, which is essential for the development of trade and investment ties between the two countries."

The Saudi minister said he discussed available investment opportunities in Mauritania, and it was agreed to set a specific implementation plan to support and promote them.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Joint Islamic Work to Confront Challenges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses its Support for Joint Islamic Work to Confront Challenges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s support for bolstering joint Islamic work to unite ranks and act across all levels to confront all challenges, resolve conflicts and achieve regional and international peace and security.

The Kingdom had declared this position as it chaired the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference that was held in Gambia on May 4 – 5.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud chaired the government meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The cabinet commended the outcome of the meetings of Arab states concerned with the environment, hosted by Riyadh last week.

It stressed the Kingdom's keenness on working with regional and international organizations to boost joint action on agriculture, food, and water security to achieve sustainable development goals.

The cabinet discussed the separate agreements reached between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the field of energy.

The agreements reflect a commitment to the sustainability and stability of petroleum markets, as well as advancements in cooperation in the clean energy sector.

Such efforts help in achieving a globally organized energy transition and building a more sustainable future for the three countries and the world.

The cabinet approved a cooperation agreement between the Saudi and Jordanian governments in the field of energy.

It approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy.

It also approved a memorandum of understanding for cultural cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Slams Attack by Israeli Settlers on Jordan Aid Convoy Heading to Gaza 

07 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Khan Younis: Displaced Palestinians arriving in Khan Younis with their belongings after leaving Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to an evacuation order by the Israeli army. (dpa)
07 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Khan Younis: Displaced Palestinians arriving in Khan Younis with their belongings after leaving Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to an evacuation order by the Israeli army. (dpa)
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Saudi Arabia Slams Attack by Israeli Settlers on Jordan Aid Convoy Heading to Gaza 

07 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Khan Younis: Displaced Palestinians arriving in Khan Younis with their belongings after leaving Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to an evacuation order by the Israeli army. (dpa)
07 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Khan Younis: Displaced Palestinians arriving in Khan Younis with their belongings after leaving Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to an evacuation order by the Israeli army. (dpa)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned on Tuesday an attack by Israeli settlers against a Jordanian humanitarian aid convoy that was heading to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The failure of Israeli forces to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law is the root cause of these recurring attacks, it said in a statement.

The attack is systematic complicity aimed at preventing the delivery of necessary humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, it went on to say.

Furthermore, the ministry underscored the Kingdom's call on the international community to take all necessary measures to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

Additionally, it urged the international community to fulfill its duty in safeguarding and facilitating the safe passage of aid convoys into Gaza, highlighting the crucial role this plays in mitigating the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, UK Conclude High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Int'l Development, Humanitarian Assistance

The Dialogue, spanning two days of engaging discussions, served as a platform to address pressing global challenges in humanitarian aid and development. (SPA)
The Dialogue, spanning two days of engaging discussions, served as a platform to address pressing global challenges in humanitarian aid and development. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, UK Conclude High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Int'l Development, Humanitarian Assistance

The Dialogue, spanning two days of engaging discussions, served as a platform to address pressing global challenges in humanitarian aid and development. (SPA)
The Dialogue, spanning two days of engaging discussions, served as a platform to address pressing global challenges in humanitarian aid and development. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and the United Kingdom successfully concluded their Strategic Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Assistance with a high-level plenary session on Tuesday.

The Dialogue, spanning two days of engaging discussions, served as a platform to address pressing global challenges in humanitarian aid and development.

During the talks, agreements were made to support the world’s most vulnerable, including people suffering in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Bangladesh.

Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom will continue to strengthen their humanitarian relationship with a side event at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Both nations agreed to a Delivery Framework to align joint aid delivery with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring maximum impact and effectiveness.

Agreements were reached to further technical exchanges and share lessons learned, including through mutual hosting of project visits around the world.

Gulf

Saudi FM Receives Telephone Call from Russian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
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Saudi FM Receives Telephone Call from Russian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a telephone call on Tuesday from his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

The two men discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries and issues of mutual interest.

Gulf

Emir of Kuwait to Kick off State Visit to Türkiye

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seen during a previous meeting. (KUNA file photo)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seen during a previous meeting. (KUNA file photo)
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Emir of Kuwait to Kick off State Visit to Türkiye

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seen during a previous meeting. (KUNA file photo)
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seen during a previous meeting. (KUNA file photo)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will kick off on Tuesday an official visit to Türkiye, his first state visit to the country since he ascended the throne last year.

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Türkiye Wael al-Enezi said the visit caps six decades of strategic cooperation between their countries.

In remarks to the Kuwaiti state news agency (KUNA), he added that the trip will bolster the close bilateral relations between them on the political, economic, trade, investment, defense and security levels.

Moreover, he underscored the significance of the trip being the first Sheikh Meshal makes to a country outside the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab states.

This reflects the importance of cooperation and coordination between Kuwait and Ankara and their visions for development, especially amid the major challenges in the Middle East and world, he went on to say.

The challenges demand the greatest levels of coordination and consultations to address them and achieve the interests of both countries, he added.

Sheikh Meshal’s visit is taking place as Türkiye and Kuwait celebrate 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between them.

Enezi noted that the decades have been marked by significant achievements and moments in their shared history. He cited the signing of 62 memoranda of understanding and joint protocols throughout that period.

Sheikh Meshal and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to discuss the most pressing regional and international developments, starting with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, added the ambassador.

Meanwhile, Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sonmez said the Gulf country was a source of stability in the region.

Relations between Türkiye and Kuwait are a model of relations between countries, she told KUNA.

She underscored the respective leaderships’ strong political desire to boost cooperation and integration between Türkiye and Kuwait.

Furthermore, she noted that they share common visions on peace and stability in regional issues.

The developments in the region and world demand greater dialogue. “We place importance on close consultations and dialogue with Kuwait over regional issues,” said Sonmez.

Discussions during Sheikh Meshal’s visit will cover the situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as trade and defense industry affairs, she stated.

Increasing trade and investment with Kuwait “is one of our most important priorities in the short term”, she revealed.

The volume of trade between Türkiye and Kuwait reached 700 million dollars in 2023 “and we are aiming to double this figure in the coming years,” she said. Kuwait boasts investments worth 2 billion dollars in Türkiye in 2023.

She noted that the country introduced a series of reforms that should improve the investment environment in Türkiye, stressing that its economy was growing at a stronger pace than ever.

In addition, Türkiye welcomes around 400,000 Kuwaiti tourists a year, she revealed, hoping the figure would continue to grow.

Gulf

MWL Warns Against Israeli Targeting of Rafah, Gaza Strip

The Muslim World League (MWL) warned of the repercussions of Israel targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
The Muslim World League (MWL) warned of the repercussions of Israel targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
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MWL Warns Against Israeli Targeting of Rafah, Gaza Strip

The Muslim World League (MWL) warned of the repercussions of Israel targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. (SPA)
The Muslim World League (MWL) warned of the repercussions of Israel targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. (SPA)

The Muslim World League (MWL) warned of the repercussions of Israel targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip and the horrific humanitarian impact it will cause, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.
In a statement by the MWL General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the continuous brutal Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, taking place under a systematic campaign to destroy all its areas and displace its residents.
The secretary-general reiterated the MWL's calls to confront the grave Israeli violations of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.
The league called on the international community to adopt urgent and effective measures to end the continuing aggression against defenseless civilians.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Condoles Sudan’s Al-Burhan over His Son’s Death

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leadership Condoles Sudan’s Al-Burhan over His Son’s Death

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

The Saudi leadership sent a cable of condolences to the chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdelfattah Al-Burhan, over the death of his son Mohammed, the Saudi Press agency said on Tuesday.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent separate cables offering their condolences.
They offered their “deepest and sincere condolences” to Al-Burhan and to the family of the deceased, praying to “Allah to bless him with abundant mercy and forgiveness, dwell him in His spacious paradise. We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”

Gulf

High-level Session of 2nd Strategic Aid Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Britain Kicks off in Riyadh

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
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High-level Session of 2nd Strategic Aid Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Britain Kicks off in Riyadh

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)
The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. (SPA)

The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain kicked off on Monday at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh.

The session sought to discuss strategic priorities, present progress from the previous dialogue, and launch joint initiatives.

Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, along with Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro-Fiscal Policies and International Relations Abdulmohsen bin Saad Al-Khalaf, and CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad attended the meeting.

Also present was Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and General Supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Fund for Development.

The British delegation was led by Andrew Mitchell, British Minister of State for Development and African Affairs, and included Neil Crompton, British Ambassador to the Kingdom.

Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the significant progress made since the inaugural meeting in March 2023. He highlighted the joint partnership's achievements across three main areas: technical exchange, joint program implementation, and diplomatic initiatives.

He cited successful examples such as the monitoring and evaluation workshop held in Riyadh and the joint project supporting food security in Somalia, which saw a notable increase in funding from $4 million to $22 million.

Furthermore, he underscored the collaborative efforts to address humanitarian challenges beyond financial commitments.

He noted supporting initiatives like the plan to rescue the "Safer" storage tanker off the coast of Yemen and facilitating peace talks in Sudan.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities, particularly in countries like Sudan and Yemen, and with regards to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, where health interventions, education infrastructure development, and livelihood programs hold significant potential.

He also emphasized the partnership's commitment to innovation and leveraging new technologies to boost aid delivery efficiency. He envisioned robust tripartite partnerships where international experiences merge to develop sustainable humanitarian programs.

He reiterated both sides' commitment to the established courses of action, consolidating the Saudi-British partnership as a formidable force for global peace, security, and prosperity.

Officials at the meeting reviewed progress achieved within the Saudi-British partnership on development and humanitarian aid since the previous dialogue in March 2023.

Discussions covered urgent support to affected countries, access to humanitarian and development work, the humanitarian situation in Sudan, support for Ukraine, and efforts to support Yemen's recovery and reconstruction.

Gulf

Saudi Fund for Development, UK Join Forces to Advance Global Development

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed in Riyadh on Monday a joint cooperation arrangement (JCA) to advance development and address policy issues of mutual concern. (SPA)
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed in Riyadh on Monday a joint cooperation arrangement (JCA) to advance development and address policy issues of mutual concern. (SPA)
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Saudi Fund for Development, UK Join Forces to Advance Global Development

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed in Riyadh on Monday a joint cooperation arrangement (JCA) to advance development and address policy issues of mutual concern. (SPA)
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed in Riyadh on Monday a joint cooperation arrangement (JCA) to advance development and address policy issues of mutual concern. (SPA)

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed in Riyadh on Monday a joint cooperation arrangement (JCA) to advance development and address policy issues of mutual concern.

The two parties will also focus on effectively delivering the international development agenda of their respective organizations, while strengthening their capacities to better respond to overseas development needs.

The goals and objectives outlined in JCA include providing support for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people through improved donor coordination, enhanced transparency and aid accountability, and effective monitoring and evaluation.

Attending the signing ceremony, which took place on the sidelines of the second strategic dialogue on humanitarian assistance and international development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) headquarters, were KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, UK’s Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister of State Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, and SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad.

Mitchell said: “It is vitally important that we get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track by 2030; our collective commitment has waned in recent years, the time is now to turn the tide on this. Our partnership, and shared resolve, with our friends in Saudi Arabia is a welcome step that we must keep momentum on.”

Al-Marshad said: “We are pleased to embark on this JCA with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This partnership is a strong reflection of our mutual dedication to strengthen the global development system.”

“We are hopeful that this partnership will help improve the lives of millions of people around the world and enhance the quality of life for those who most need it,” he added.

Since 1975, SFD has financed over 800 development projects and programs, worth over $20 billion, in over 100 developing countries. The programs and projects covered sectors such as transportation and communications, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industry and mining.

The fund has played a key role in helping to improve living standards, advance socio-economic development, and provide employment opportunities for millions of beneficiaries around the world.

Gulf

KSrelief, UK Sign Agreement to Support People Affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition in Somalia

The agreement is signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The agreement is signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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KSrelief, UK Sign Agreement to Support People Affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition in Somalia

The agreement is signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The agreement is signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah and United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell signed on Monday a joint cooperation agreement with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support multisectoral actions to combat severe acute malnutrition in Somalia.

KSrelief and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will contribute $2.5 million each.

The $5 million agreement, which was signed at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh, aims to provide access to nutrition, water, and hygiene services in 15 high-risk areas across six sectors in Somalia, benefiting 101,000 Somali children.

The agreement comes within the framework of joint humanitarian and relief projects between Saudi Arabia and the UK FCDO to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people.