Oman to Close Land Borders Again to Curb COVID-19

Oman's Health Minister receives second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Oman's Health Ministry
Oman's Health Minister receives second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Oman's Health Ministry
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Oman to Close Land Borders Again to Curb COVID-19

Oman's Health Minister receives second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Oman's Health Ministry
Oman's Health Minister receives second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Oman's Health Ministry

Oman is to close its land borders for one week starting Monday to curb the spread of the coronavirus, state news agency ONA said on Sunday.

The measure will come into effect from 6 pm (1400 GMT) on Monday and can be extended for longer than the initial one week closure, ONA said, citing a decision by the country's coronavirus emergency committee.

The committee also stressed that violators of the measures will not be tolerated.

”The Supreme Committee affirms that the concerned authorities continue to follow up on violators of its decisions and punish them, to protect community members from this disease, and to preserve what has been achieved," it added.

Oman earlier this month registered its first case of the variant of the virus that emerged in Britain, in a resident who arrived from the UK.

It reopened its land, air and sea borders on Dec. 29 after a one-week shutdown over the new variant, according to Reuters.

Oman had registered a total of 13,1790 cases and 1,512 deaths as of Sunday.

The health minister, receiving his second jab on Sunday, said Oman had so far received around 38,900 doses.

The health ministry has said that 24,204 people have received their first dose and that administration of second doses would start on Sunday



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.