Saudi Arabia Confirms 1st Coronavirus Case

Passengers coming from China are checked by Saudi Health Ministry employees upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 29, 2020. (Reuters)
Passengers coming from China are checked by Saudi Health Ministry employees upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 29, 2020. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Confirms 1st Coronavirus Case

Passengers coming from China are checked by Saudi Health Ministry employees upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 29, 2020. (Reuters)
Passengers coming from China are checked by Saudi Health Ministry employees upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 29, 2020. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced its first case of the new coronavirus, a Saudi national returning from Iran through Bahrain, the Health Ministry said.

The ministry said on its official Twitter account that the individual, who is in quarantine in hospital, had not disclosed his visit to Iran when entering Saudi Arabia.

Iran has reported the most deaths from the coronavirus outside China, where the flu-like disease originated. Other Gulf Arab states have diagnosed the infection in several people who had visited Iran.

The official Saudi Press Agency, citing the Health Ministry, said people who had interacted with the infected man had been isolated and were being tested.

In neighboring Bahrain, the health ministry said on Monday two more people were diagnosed with the coronavirus, a Bahraini woman and a Saudi man, both of whom it said took non-direct flights from Iran to Bahrain and were isolated upon arrival and tested. This brings the total recorded cases in Bahrain to 49.

Saudi Arabia had since last week taken several measures to prevent the spread of the disease to the Kingdom.

It imposed a ban on foreigners arriving for the umrah pilgrimage, Gulf Arab citizens visiting Makkah and Madinah, and tourists from at least 25 states where the virus has been found.

The Health Ministry said on Sunday it had prepared 25 hospitals to handle any coronavirus infections, with 2,200 beds dedicated for quarantine cases.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz later received a telephone call from King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who expressed his support for the Kingdom's preventative measures against the coronavirus.



Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
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Oman: Sovereignty, Freedom of Navigation Cannot Be Achieved Through Hostile Policies

Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)
Participants at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (Omani News Agency)

Oman has inaugurated the 8th Indian Ocean Conference under the theme “A Voyage Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The event gathered ministers, officials, experts, and specialists in maritime, economic, and diplomatic affairs from around the world, with representatives from 60 countries and international organizations.

In his opening speech, Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said that partnerships among Indian Ocean nations go beyond maritime issues to include energy, technology, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue, respecting multilateralism, and focusing on common ground rather than divisions.

He stressed that cooperation is the only way to ensure security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean, asserting that maritime sovereignty and freedom of navigation cannot be achieved through hostile policies or military force but through constructive engagement and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for nations of the Global South to speak with a unified voice to enhance maritime security and address shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

The conference, organized by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation and supported by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations while strengthening regional cooperation in maritime, economic, and security affairs.

Al Busaidi said: “The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water; it is an economic lifeline, a platform for exchange, and a bridge for communication and friendship. We share a collective responsibility to address issues such as protecting the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities against climate change. This conference presents an opportunity to explore the ocean’s untapped potential.”

He further explained that Oman’s economic vision is centered on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in blue economy sectors, port infrastructure, and logistics services. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to developing sustainable strategies that benefit all.

Al Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s belief that all nations are partners in achieving shared security and prosperity, stressing the Sultanate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive partnership in the Indian Ocean that ensures fair opportunities for all, both in the North and the South.

Over two days, the conference will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Indian Ocean nations, with a focus on maritime trade, renewable energy, maritime security, and technological innovation.