Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry from 20 Countries from Feb. 3 over Pandemic

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry from 20 Countries from Feb. 3 over Pandemic

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday suspended entry to the Kingdom from 20 countries, with the exception of diplomats, Saudi citizens, medical practitioners and their families, to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The temporary ban, effective from Feb. 3, includes people arriving from the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Britain, South Africa, France, Egypt, Lebanon, India and Pakistan, announced an official source at the Interior Ministry.

The ban also included Argentina, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Portugal, Turkey, Switzerland and Japan.

Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah had warned on Sunday that complacency around coronavirus restrictions had led to a notable increase in daily cases in the Kingdom.



Aoun Vows ‘New Foundations of Cooperation’ with Gulf after Formation of Govt in Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun Vows ‘New Foundations of Cooperation’ with Gulf after Formation of Govt in Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that “new foundations of cooperation” with the Arab Gulf will be established after the formation of a new government.

He made his remarks after receiving Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya at the presidential palace in Baabda. He later also received Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi.

Their visits followed Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah who was in Beirut on Thursday. It was the first visit by a Saudi FM to Lebanon in 15 years.

Aoun underscored to the Kuwaiti FM that the unity of Arab countries is the basis for confronting current challenges, said the Lebanese Presidency.

“I am certain that you will be generous in offering aid to your brothers in Lebanon who are eager for your return here,” he added.

Al-Yahya told Aoun that his visit aimed to “show support and express the commitment to stand by Lebanon.”

Meanwhile, Al-Budaiwi underlined support to Lebanon and its sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs.