Kuwait Won't Extend Suspension of Flights, Will Open Borders

The Sheikh Jaber Causeway is seen in Kuwait City on June 21, 2020. (Getty Images)
The Sheikh Jaber Causeway is seen in Kuwait City on June 21, 2020. (Getty Images)
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Kuwait Won't Extend Suspension of Flights, Will Open Borders

The Sheikh Jaber Causeway is seen in Kuwait City on June 21, 2020. (Getty Images)
The Sheikh Jaber Causeway is seen in Kuwait City on June 21, 2020. (Getty Images)

Kuwait will not extend its decision to suspend flights beyond Jan. 1 and will open its land and sea borders the next day, the cabinet said in a statement on Monday.

Last week, Kuwait had suspended all commercial flights and closed its land and sea borders until Jan. 1, the government communications office said, over fears about a new, more contagious coronavirus variant.

After a cabinet meeting on Monday, in which the health minister confirmed that no new variants of coronavirus have been discovered in Kuwait until this date, the cabinet decided it will not extend the suspension of flights or keep its borders closed.

The cabinet decided to open the land and sea ports daily, as of Saturday Jan. 2, from 9 am to 3 pm.

These decisions will be reviewed according to developments regarding the spread of coronavirus, the cabinet added.



Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Urge Need to Support Mediation Efforts to Contain Regional Tensions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (EPA file)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Saturday a telephone call from Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar to discuss recent regional developments and escalation.

They stressed the need to support mediation efforts, resume US-Iran talks, and contain tensions, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The FMs stressed the importance of exerting the necessary efforts to reach peaceful and comprehensive solutions that consolidate regional and international security and stability.


Royal Order Names Abdulaziz bin Salman as Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
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Royal Order Names Abdulaziz bin Salman as Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Saturday several royal orders, including naming Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Prince Salman will also continue his duties as Minister of Energy

King Salman relieved Bandar Alkhorayef of his post as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, appointing him as Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet.

Ahmed Al-Ohali was relieved of his post as Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

Alkhorayef was assigned to perform the duties of Governor of GAMI, alongside his new position.


Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The discussions focused on the latest regional developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation to promote security and stability in the region.