23 Countries Discuss Education in Riyadh Post-Pandemic Era

The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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23 Countries Discuss Education in Riyadh Post-Pandemic Era

The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Education accompanied by a number of participants at the International Education Conference 2022 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is hosting representatives of 23 countries from around the world and more than 262 international and local universities to discuss the education sector after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Education Conference 2022, which kicked off on Sunday, tackles the global education policies and examines the most effective experiences and means to overcome challenges and improve outputs in line with international standards and indicators.

In a speech at the opening ceremony, Saudi Minister of Education, Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh, said that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of operating systems that serve the education sector.

He underlined the need for creative planning to overcome challenges facing the education sector around the world, which include economic conditions and global transformations.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Egypt’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tarek Shawky, stressed the importance of the conference in seeking to find the means to address the educational gap among students, and discussing partnership opportunities within the framework of digital transformation.

“It is an opportunity to discuss common issues with representatives from the World Bank, UNESCO and international and regional organizations, who met in Riyadh, to engage in a joint thinking process, following two years of isolation due to the pandemic,” the minister added.

The four-day conference is held in parallel with an exhibition that showcases the experiences of 145 universities and international educational institutions, as well as nearly 130 workshops targeting large segments of workers in the education sector.

Topics that will be discussed during the conference include digital education, artificial intelligence, technical alternatives, and educational skills that support sustainable and inclusive development.



Rubio: Kuwait is an Indispensable Partner for Regional Security and Stability

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
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Rubio: Kuwait is an Indispensable Partner for Regional Security and Stability

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Kuwait as “an indispensable partner for regional security and stability.”

Rubio held talks with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah on efforts to bolster security and stability, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA said on Wednesday.

He also attended a flag-raising at the US Embassy, which resumed operations after Iran-linked attacks forced a suspension, the State Department said.

"The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability," Rubio wrote on social media following the ceremony.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon his arrival in Kuwait as part of his Gulf tour (US Secretary of State's account on social media)

Earlier, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Rubio strategic cooperation between the two countries and ways to further strengthen coordination across various fields in support of shared interests, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The meeting in Abu Dhabi also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed and Rubio underscored the importance of advancing the foundations of security, stability, and lasting peace across the region, WAM said.

On Monday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio will travel to the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23-25.

“The Secretary will discuss a range of regional priorities including the memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region. In Bahrain, the Secretary will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss shared priorities across the region,” Pigott said.


Faisal bin Farhan, Araghchi Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Faisal bin Farhan, Araghchi Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed the latest developments in negotiations between Iran and the United States, as well as progress in implementing the agreed understandings, SPA said.

They also discussed regional developments and underscored the importance of continuing efforts to advance dialogue and diplomatic solutions in a manner that serves the shared interests of the countries and peoples of the region, the news agency added.


Saudi Foreign Minister in Bahrain for GCC-US Ministerial Meeting

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister in Bahrain for GCC-US Ministerial Meeting

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Manama on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Manama on Wednesday to take part in the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the United States, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Upon arrival, he was received by Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The meeting is expected to tackle the strategic cooperation between the GCC member states and the US, as well as key regional and international issues.