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Saudi Arabia Begins New Phase against Coronavirus

Life begins to return to normalcy in Saudi Arabia on May 28, SPA
Life begins to return to normalcy in Saudi Arabia on May 28, SPA
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Saudi Arabia Begins New Phase against Coronavirus

Life begins to return to normalcy in Saudi Arabia on May 28, SPA
Life begins to return to normalcy in Saudi Arabia on May 28, SPA

Saudi Arabia will begin a new phase of its strategy to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the Kingdom entitled “return to normalcy,” which will take place gradually.

The new phase is governed by the capabilities of the health system to absorb critical situations, expanding coronavirus testing, as well as community awareness in adhering to preventive measures.

For the initial stage, from May 28 until May 30, residents with permits will be allowed to move between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. throughout the Kingdom, except Mecca.

Retail wholesale shops and malls are also allowed to open for retail activities, in line with guidelines.

On May 31, the Kingdom is set to enter the second stage of its easing of restrictions.

From May 31 to June 20, residents are free to move within the longer hours of 6 am to 8 pm.

Unlike in the first stage, Friday prayers and all congregational prayers will be allowed in the Kingdom's mosques, except mosques in Mecca.

Domestic flights and cross-province travel by any mode of transport will also be allowed.

Likewise, the restriction on workplace attendance will be lifted, with residents able to go back to work as long as their offices follow strict precautionary guidelines. Gatherings for over 50 people will be barred though.

From June 21 onward, Saudi Arabia aims to return to 'normalcy.'

The lifting of restrictions is in line with the plan explained by the Minister of Health Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah on Monday. It is also in line with social distancing and health recommendations.

The ministry of health has developed a phased scenario for the next stage that depends on the "absorptive capacity" for critical cases, the policy of expanding testing and early access to those infected by the virus.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.