Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during talks they held at the Elysée Palace in Paris the need for continuous evaluation of the security and stability of the Middle East.

A final statement was issued on Friday concerning the visit of the Crown Prince to the French capital. It said the two sides discussed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, and the means to develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments.

The discussions also focused on ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by enhancing cooperation in renewable energy - including solar and wind energy – and in clean hydrogen, and adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnerships and ways to develop them, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, and sustaining food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.

The Crown Prince and Macron stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening defense cooperation and partnership.
The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crimes, and exchanging expertise and training.

They tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries.
The French side commended the Kingdom's efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis per the three references was also underscored.

They discussed the two countries' support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Saudi-French Fund's efforts to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon per the highest standards of transparency.

The Crown Prince and Macron had common views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The talks stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people.

The two sides also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and urge Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of the regional countries.

The Crown Prince expressed to Macron the Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.



Egyptian Prime Minister Meets with Saudi Ambassador to Egypt

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
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Egyptian Prime Minister Meets with Saudi Ambassador to Egypt

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Prime Minister of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly met Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Dr. Madbouly emphasized the strong historical and strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and also noted the continued coordination and consultations on regional and international issues of common interest, SPA reported.

The ambassador expressed pride in the strong relations between the two countries and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields, in light of the fraternal ties between their leaderships.

The meeting addressed ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation, as well as to increase the volume of bilateral trade.


KSrelief Signs Cooperation Agreement for Economic Empowerment of Displaced Persons, Refugees, Host Community in Niger

his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia  - SPA
his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia - SPA
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KSrelief Signs Cooperation Agreement for Economic Empowerment of Displaced Persons, Refugees, Host Community in Niger

his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia  - SPA
his assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), via videoconference, on Monday signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to implement a project for the economic empowerment of displaced persons, refugees, and the host community in Niger, SPA reported.

Under the agreement, sustainable job opportunities will be created and livelihoods for displaced persons and refugees will be improved by empowering youth and women in targeted areas through providing nine specialized training courses in automotive and motorcycle mechanics, electricity, solar energy, carpentry, plumbing, sewing, textiles, and barbering and beauty, in addition to establishing seven farms equipped with artesian wells suitable for agriculture and human use in Tillabéri and Maradi regions

The total number of beneficiaries of the project is estimated at 1,028 individuals, according to SPA.

This assistance comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to improve living conditions in countries in need around the world.


Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah inspected on Tuesday the readiness of the camps in Mina ahead of the Hajj, as part of field tours to assess service levels.

He noted that preparations began early, boosting camp readiness and operational efficiency through coordinated efforts among relevant entities.

New electronic systems have been introduced this year to monitor pilgrim movement and regulate entry and exit from the camps, alongside the installation of signage at entrances and exits indicating departure and return times and other instructions, he revealed.

The measures support crowd management and bolster pilgrim safety, aligning with the ministry’s efforts to ensure full readiness and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj.

The presidency emphasized on Tuesday its commitment to leveraging its religious and scholarly resources to serve pilgrims and provide guidance and instruction to help them perform the Hajj rituals in accordance with correct Prophetic teachings.

The presidency's staff, including scholars, preachers, and translators, welcomed pilgrims, guided them, and responded to their inquiries.

The services were delivered through various platforms, including interactive screens, printed materials, and direct guidance, reflecting the Two Holy Mosques’ scholarly and outreach mission to promote the values of moderation and tolerance and to foster intercultural dialogue among Muslims.