Riyadh Stresses G20 Meetings Will Continue

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Riyadh Stresses G20 Meetings Will Continue

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia stressed on Sunday that it will continue to host G20 meetings, as the world grapples with the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The Kingdom will continue to receive official G20 delegations and will continue to hold meetings related the grouping, the Saudi General Secretariat of the G20 said in a statement.

The decision was taken after careful consultations, it added.

The Kingdom will host the 2020 G20 summit in November.

It has been hosting a series of meetings and events related to the global summit throughout the year. They have been held in the cities of Riyadh, al-Dammam. Jeddah and AlUla.

The Secretariat General added that it was in constant contact with the World Health Organization and Saudi Health Ministry to follow up on the latest developments and precautions related to the coronavirus.

The Kingdom has introduced preventative measures, including testing arriving travelers and raising public awareness about the virus.

Saudi Arabia is proud to host the G20 and it looks forward to welcoming the world to the Kingdom, added the statement.



UAE President Pardons Bangladesh Citizens Involved in Recent Protests

A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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UAE President Pardons Bangladesh Citizens Involved in Recent Protests

A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
A general view of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered on Tuesday a pardon for the Bangladeshi nationals involved in last month’s protests and disturbances across several emirates.

The decision includes cancelling the sentences of those convicted and arranging for their deportation, reported the UAE state news agency (WAM).

In line with the president’s directive, UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi issued an order to halt the implementation of the sentences and kick off deportation procedures.

The Attorney General called on all residents of the UAE to respect the country’s laws, stressing that the right to express opinions is protected by the state and its legal framework.

The state provides lawful means for expressing views, ensuring this right does not turn into actions that could harm the interests of the nation and its people, he added.