Saudi Arabia Lifts Suspension on Citizens Travelling Abroad as of May 17

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Lifts Suspension on Citizens Travelling Abroad as of May 17

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia will lift its suspension on citizens travelling abroad and open land, sea and air borders on Monday May 17, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Saudi citizens who have received two vaccination shots, or one shot at least two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus within the last six months and those who are under 18 years old will be allowed to travel, the ministry said.

In January, the authorities had postponed the end of the travel ban for the public and the full reopening of entry points to May 17.

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday 11 deaths from COVID-19 and 937 new infections.



Albudaiwi Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi welcomed the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

He expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to restoring security and peace in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to its residents, and facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their homes.

Albudaiwi also highlighted the devastating impact of the war waged by Israel on the Palestinian enclave, which resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and an unprecedented deterioration in humanitarian conditions.

Moreover, he commended Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their significant efforts and diligent work with all relevant parties to reach the agreement.

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's steadfast position on the Palestinian cause, emphasizing support for the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the guarantee of refugees' rights.