Saudi Crown Prince, Putin, Macron Discuss Middle East Green Initiative

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
TT

Saudi Crown Prince, Putin, Macron Discuss Middle East Green Initiative

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, made a phone call on Thursday to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the telephone conversation, they reviewed the Middle East Green Initiative, which the Crown Prince unveiled last week.

The campaign sees Saudi Arabia planting 10 billion trees in coming decades and working with other Arab states to plant another 40 billion trees, to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution and land degradation.

The initiative also aims to enhance the efficiency of oil production and increase the contribution of renewable energy, in addition to multiple efforts to preserve the marine and coastal environment, and increase the percentage of natural reserves.

The Russian President welcomed the Saudi initiative, affirming support for the Kingdom's efforts to achieve its objectives, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed also held a similar telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the initiative.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab welcomed the initiative.

In a statement, he said: “The United Kingdom appreciates Saudi Arabia's plan to plant 10 billion trees, combat pollution and preserve marine life as an important step in its climate ambition.”

“As chair of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their endeavors to protect the planet,” he added.

James Cleverly, British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, described as “positive” Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the environment.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said that London will work closely with the Saudi leadership towards a green environment.



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)
TT

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.