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Saudi Arabia, US Call for Intensifying Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Yemen Crisis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a cabinet meeting. (SPA file photo)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a cabinet meeting. (SPA file photo)
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Saudi Arabia, US Call for Intensifying Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Yemen Crisis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a cabinet meeting. (SPA file photo)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a cabinet meeting. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Arabia and the United States called on Wednesday for intensifying diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen.

They stressed the importance of the Iran-backed Houthi militias joining with good intentions political negotiations with the legitimate Yemeni government under the supervision of the United Nations.

The statement was declared after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, received US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday.

Talks focused on bilateral relations between Riyadh and Washington and ways to bolster them in various fields. They also tackled regional issues of interest.

Crown Prince Mohammed underscored Saudi Arabia’s initiative to end the crisis in Yemen that it had announced earlier this year. The initiative calls for a comprehensive ceasefire that would be monitored by the UN, agreeing to the organization’s proposal to allow the entry of ships carrying oil derivatives to Hodeidah port and reopening Sanaa’s international airport to flights.

The initiative also calls for kicking off consultations between Yemeni parties to reach a UN-sponsored political solution based on the three references.

For his part, Sullivan underlined the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US. He stressed Washington’s complete commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia as it defends itself against threats, including ballistic missile and armed drone attacks by the Houthis.

He emphasized US President Joe Biden’s support for Saudi Arabia’s goal to push forward a lasting political solution and ending the conflict in Yemen.

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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Conclude Joint Security Drill in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Conclude Joint Security Drill in Riyadh
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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Conclude Joint Security Drill in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Conclude Joint Security Drill in Riyadh

The Saudi Royal Guard and the Bahrain Royal Guard have concluded the joint security exercise “Haris” in Riyadh, state news agency SPA reported.

Applications and exercises were held for two weeks under the supervision of qualified military training officers.

The joint exercise is the first of its kind between the Royal Guards in the two countries. It stresses the depth of relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which are a model of unity.

The goal of the exercise was to boost cooperation, exchange military and security expertise between the two brotherly countries and boost the efficiency of participants in performing security tasks, protection of personalities, weapon shooting, and special operations.

Chief of Operations Department and general supervisor of the joint exercise Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Omari, Deputy Commander of the Bahrain Royal Guard Major General Hamad Al-Nuaimi, commanders, officers and staff members of the Saudi and Bahraini royal guards attended the closing ceremony.

Gulf

13th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The 13th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport - SPA
The 13th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport - SPA
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13th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Sudan

The 13th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport - SPA
The 13th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport - SPA

The 13th Saudi relief plane arrived at Port Sudan International Airport on Wednesday, carrying 30 tons of foodstuff and medical supplies.

This comes as part of the Saudi relief airlift operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to help the Sudanese people, in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The delivery of aid reflects the noble humanitarian role played by the Kingdom through KSrelief in all countries in need.

Gulf

Minister of Hajj and Umrah: Promising Opportunities for Private Sector in Serving Guests of Rahman

 The minister of Hajj and Umrah participates in a dialogue session to present the opportunities available to the private sector.
 The minister of Hajj and Umrah participates in a dialogue session to present the opportunities available to the private sector.
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Minister of Hajj and Umrah: Promising Opportunities for Private Sector in Serving Guests of Rahman

 The minister of Hajj and Umrah participates in a dialogue session to present the opportunities available to the private sector.
 The minister of Hajj and Umrah participates in a dialogue session to present the opportunities available to the private sector.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah unveiled opportunities available to the private sector to provide distinguished services to the pilgrims, in the fields of electronic payments, guidance and vehicles and creative gifts.

Al-Rabiah noted that one of the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is to provide the opportunity to host the largest number of pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah, and to work to enrich and deepen their experience.

He praised the contribution of the private sector, which he described as the main partner in these goals, noting that the government sought to stimulate the sector to help it upgrade its services.

Al-Rabiah’s remarks came during a ceremony held by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to honor the distinguished participants in the programs of the Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in Riyadh.

The program aims to enable entrepreneurial projects in the Hajj and Umrah sector and develop existing services and products to improve pilgrims’ experience, from transportation and accommodation to assistance for travelers who do not speak Arabic or who have special needs.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “Change, impact, and sustainability,” in line with the ministry’s efforts to promote a culture of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship and raise the level of competitiveness between Hajj and Umrah companies in providing services and products to pilgrims.

Maryam Kutob, director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Today, we are celebrating the graduation of 10 startups that have been incubated by the business accelerator in partnership with the Saudi National Bank.”

She noted that the participants worked on 10 different challenges in the field of transportation, residence and overnight stay in Muzdalifah, as well as in serving people with special needs, improving toilets, enhancing the experience of non-Arabic speakers, and many other themes.

Gulf

Saudi Cabinet Lauds OPEC+ Agreement

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session (SPA)
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Saudi Cabinet Lauds OPEC+ Agreement

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session (SPA)

The Saudi Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's position during the ministerial meeting of BRICS friends in South Africa, aiming to continue efforts with international partners to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030 and enhance food and energy security.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session on Tuesday at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

The Crown Prince briefed the meeting on his recent meeting with the president of Venezuela, in which they reviewed bilateral relations and prospects for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

The cabinet was also briefed on the recent talks between Saudi officials and their international counterparts as part of the Kingdom's keenness to boost cooperation with the global community contributing to all nations' development, progress, and prosperity.

Minister of Media Salman al-Dosari told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the cabinet commended the agreement reached at the 35th OPEC+ ministerial meeting regarding production levels in 2024 and the voluntary cuts initiated by Saudi Arabia to increase precautionary efforts aimed at supporting the stability and balance of oil markets.

The cabinet stressed that the success of the Saudi astronauts' scientific mission is due to the Kingdom's endeavor to boost its role in space technologies, aiming to empower humanity, protect the planet, and open new possibilities through science, research, and innovation.

The meeting affirmed the country's desire to boost the services provided to citizens, including ensuring the sustainability of water sources by launching many projects to deliver high-quality water and efficient supply and services, including the Jubail Desalination Plant Project (3A).

The council authorized the Minister of Energy to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation with the Kazakhstani side.

It also approved the Minister of Investment to discuss a draft MoU encouraging direct investment with Beninese officials and a draft memorandum between the Ministry and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The meeting authorized the Minister of Education to discuss a draft educational cooperation agreement with the Qatari side in dispatching Saudi teachers and academic supervisors.

It allowed the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRCC) to discuss with the Yemeni side a draft memorandum of understanding in nuclear safety and radiation protection.

The Minister of Media and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) can begin discussions with the Hellenic side on a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in audiovisual media.

The cabinet authorized the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) governor to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding with the Monetary Authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China for cooperation in financial innovation.

The council approved a memorandum with Bahrain exchanging information on combating money laundering and terrorist financing and a similar memorandum with Kosovo.

The Council of Ministers also reviewed several issues on its agenda, including annual reports of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and took the necessary measures.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince, Blinken Discuss Regional Issues

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Blinken Discuss Regional Issues

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held talks in Jeddah on Wednesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The officials tackled bilateral relations between their friendly countries and cooperation in various fields and means to bolster it.

They also reviewed regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards them.

The meeting was attended by Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States; Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor, and several US officials.

Blinken had arrived in the Kingdom late on Tuesday for talks aimed at bolstering relations between Riyadh and Washington.

He was set to meet with the United States’ partners in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken expressed appreciation for “Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting the D-ISIS Ministerial and stressed our joint continued efforts to fight terrorism.”

“The two affirmed their shared commitment to advance stability, security, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond, including through a comprehensive political agreement to achieve peace, prosperity, and security in Yemen,” he added in a statement.

They discussed deepening economic cooperation, especially in the clean energy and technology fields.

Blinken thanked Crown Prince Mohammed for Saudi Arabia’s support evacuating hundreds of US citizens from Sudan, and for the Kingdom’s ongoing partnership in diplomatic negotiations to stop the fighting there.

Gulf

Iran’s Embassy Reopens in Saudi Capital

Iran officially reopens its embassy in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iran officially reopens its embassy in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Iran’s Embassy Reopens in Saudi Capital

Iran officially reopens its embassy in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iran officially reopens its embassy in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Tuesday, Saudi media reported, months after the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations under a China-mediated deal.

On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the Iranian Embassy in Riyadh, its consulate general in Jeddah, and office of the permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would officially reopen on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kanaani added that Iran’s Embassy and its consulate general had already begun operating to help Iranian pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, set to commence by the end of June.

Gulf

Burhan Stresses to Saudi FM ‘Trust’ in Jeddah Talks to Achieve Sustainable Peace in Sudan

Smoke billows behind buildings from a reported fire in Khartoum, on June 5, 2023, as fighting continues between two warring generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings from a reported fire in Khartoum, on June 5, 2023, as fighting continues between two warring generals. (AFP)
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Burhan Stresses to Saudi FM ‘Trust’ in Jeddah Talks to Achieve Sustainable Peace in Sudan

Smoke billows behind buildings from a reported fire in Khartoum, on June 5, 2023, as fighting continues between two warring generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings from a reported fire in Khartoum, on June 5, 2023, as fighting continues between two warring generals. (AFP)

Head of the transitional council and Sudan’s army chief Abdul Fattah al-Burhan held telephone talks on Tuesday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

He expressed to the minister his “trust” in the Jeddah platform that is aimed at achieving sustainable peace in his country.

In a statement, the transitional council said Burhan underlined the need for the Rapid Support Forces to withdraw from hospitals and homes. They must evacuate the wounded and facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid so that the Jeddah talks could achieve their goals.

Earlier this, week Saudi Arabia and the United States had urged the army and RSF to agree on a new ceasefire that should be effectively implemented with the aim to end the hostilities.

Last week, the Saudi and American mediators suspended the negotiations with the representatives of the warring parties in Jeddah over what they said were both sides’ grave and ongoing violations of the ceasefire.

Gulf

Kuwaitis Start Voting in National Assembly Elections

An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee
An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee
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Kuwaitis Start Voting in National Assembly Elections

An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee
An aerial view shows little traffic on the roads of Kuwait City, Kuwait March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

Kuwaiti voters are casting their ballots on Tuesday to choose representatives for the National Assembly during its seventeenth legislative session.

The 2023 parliamentary elections are eagerly anticipated due to the potential to address the ongoing political crisis in Kuwait.

Over the past four years, Kuwait had established three consecutive legislative assemblies.

On Tuesday, a total of 793,646 eligible voters will choose 50 deputies out of 207 candidates, including 15 female candidates, in a voting process conducted under the single-vote electoral system.

Leading up to the electoral silence, candidates have made efforts to convey their messages to the public.

These messages varied from persuasive speeches aimed at convincing voters to strategic communications for building alliances within the National Assembly.

This year’s elections are witnessing the participation of two prominent figures.

First, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ahmed Al-Sadoun (Third District), who is nearing the age of 90, was elected as the Speaker for the first time in 1985.

After the liberation of Kuwait and upon the return of the National Assembly, Al-Sadoun served as a member and Speaker in 1992 and 1996.

In 1999, the late businessman Jassim Al-Kharafi managed to defeat Al-Sadoun and held the position until 2012 when Al-Sadoun returned as the Speaker once again.

Al-Sadoun then declared that he would not run under the single-vote system. However, he did participate in the 2022 elections and achieved a record-breaking number of votes, surpassing 12,000.

He became the Speaker of the National Assembly until his position was invalidated by the Constitutional Court’s ruling.

The other prominent figure is Marzouq Al-Ghanim, who has served as the Speaker of the National Assembly since 2013.

He was re-elected as Speaker in 2020 and served until the dissolution of the National Assembly on December 15, 2020.

Over the course of four years, the National Assembly has been dissolved twice.

In 2022, the parliament was invalidated by a Constitutional Court ruling.

Kuwait has witnessed intense confrontations between the legislative and executive branches, resulting in the obstruction of legislation on economic reforms and contributing to a political deadlock.

Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah called for change after deciding to dissolve the National Assembly, stating that this dissolution was aimed at “rectifying the political scene and addressing the lack of consensus and conflicts.

Gulf

Int’l Coalition against ISIS to Hold Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh

The International Coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist group will hold a ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The International Coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist group will hold a ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
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Int’l Coalition against ISIS to Hold Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh

The International Coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist group will hold a ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The International Coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist group will hold a ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

The International Coalition to combat the ISIS terrorist group will hold a ministerial meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday. 

The meeting will bring together 85 countries and partner organizations of the coalition. 

Attended by foreign ministers, senior officials and stakeholders, the gathering is significant in the ongoing efforts to counter the threat posed by ISIS.  

Last December, Saudi Arabia announced its hosting of the 2023 ministerial meeting for the Coalition. 

The announcement was made during its participation in the Political Directors Meeting of the Coalition held in the Hague.  

The decision to host the meeting was seen as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s active role as a strategic partner in the Coalition and its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.  

It also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in supporting international cooperation to combat malign entities.  

According to a Saudi source speaking to dpa, it is expected that some member countries at the meeting will provide financial assistance to other countries to confront terrorist threats. 

Statistics released by the Coalition highlighted Saudi Arabia as one of the key founding members of the alliance.  

The Kingdom comes second in terms of the number of airstrikes conducted, with the Royal Saudi Air Force executing a total of 341 sorties to support the Coalition’s air operations in Syria. 

In August 2018, Saudi Arabia made a significant contribution of $100 million to the alliance, aiming to support projects that promote stability in areas liberated from ISIS in northeastern Syria.  

To date, the contribution stands as the largest within the liberated areas. Officials within the Coalition have highlighted Riyadh’s vital role in efforts to revive local communities in Syria’s city of Raqqa.  

The Saudi effort has primarily focused on projects aimed at restoring livelihoods and essential services in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, electricity, water, education, transportation, and rubble removal.  

Riyadh has pledged to provide $500 million to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) dedicated to Syrian and Iraqi refugees, as well as individuals of other nationalities affected by ISIS’ terrorist attacks. 

ISIS swept through Iraq and Syria in 2014, seizing large swaths of territory. After the Coalition’s intervention, the group was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019. 

Despite this, the organization remains a threat, with cells still operating in Iraq and Syria.  

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Meets With Venezuelan President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holding talks with visiting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holding talks with visiting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro - SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets With Venezuelan President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holding talks with visiting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holding talks with visiting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro - SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah with visiting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and the accompanying delegation.

The Crown Prince welcomed the Venezuelan President on his visit to the Kingdom, while the latter expressed his happiness to visit and meet with the Crown Prince.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the bilateral relations, prospects for cooperation and opportunities to enhance them in various fields. They also exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.

On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz; Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz; Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah; Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, who also serves as official guide and companion of the visiting presidential delegation; Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli; Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim; and President of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan.

On the visiting side, the meeting was attended by the spouse of the Venezuelan President, Cilia Flores; Foreign Affairs Minister, Yvan Eduardo; Minister of Oil, Pedro Rafael; and Venezuelan Vice President for Communication, Culture and Tourism, and Minister of Communication and Information, Freddy Nanez, other ministers and senior officials.