Saudi Crown Prince Receives Prime Minister of Kuwait

Crown Prince Mohammed welcomes Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed welcomes Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Prime Minister of Kuwait

Crown Prince Mohammed welcomes Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed welcomes Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, received Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Crown Prince Mohammed received a written message to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz from Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Ahmad conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Nawaf to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed.

The two royals reviewed the brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, aspects of cooperation and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior Saudi and Kuwaiti officials.



Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
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Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)

The Israeli war on Gaza will dominate the Arab Summit set to take place in Bahrain on Thursday, as Arab support for an international conference on the two-state solution gains traction.

Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged joint Arab action to stop the war and pave the way for a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

The dire situation in Gaza has cast a shadow over the Arab Foreign Ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab Summit in Bahrain on Tuesday.

Aboul Gheit told ministers that words fail to express the anger and sadness felt towards what is happening in Gaza, adding that the Israeli leaders’ thirst for revenge has led to appalling crimes, recognized as ethnic cleansing.

Aboul Gheit called the aggression a “shameful stain,” not just on Israel but on the world for allowing such atrocities.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, said the ministers agreed on all agenda items, mainly focusing on politics, with the Palestinian issue at the forefront due to the Israeli aggression.

Zaki said Arab states aren’t keen on discussing post-war plans for Gaza, focusing instead on a ceasefire for ending the conflict.

Aboul Gheit urged support for recognizing Palestine, pushing for an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

He stressed that both Palestinians and Israelis can’t solve the issue alone and need ongoing international intervention.

He also highlighted the need for international intervention to protect Palestinians from genocide, stating that bilateral negotiations are no longer viable as Israel refuses to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state.

Sources disclosed that Arab foreign ministers discussed aligning positions to present a unified Arab stance on the Gaza conflict and Palestinian statehood at the Arab summit. They also coordinated on summit documents and resolutions.

Arab foreign ministers met informally with Aboul Gheit before their preparatory session to discuss the agenda for the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s support for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, continuous aid access, and a clear path towards a two-state solution for Palestine.

Aboul Gheit affirmed that the Arab gathering is in support of recognizing Palestine as part of a concrete plan leading to an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

Following the Arab foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, Zaki highlighted Arab consensus on Palestine spans various fronts, with substantial political support crucial for the cause’s integrity.

He dismissed notions of significant discord, asserting that while differing views on peace and Palestine exist, Arab political backing remains steadfast, evident in decisions at the Arab Summit in Bahrain.

On Gaza’s post-war phase, Zaki stated that Arab states won’t discuss it officially until hostilities cease to prevent harm to the cause. He emphasized the summit’s focus on halting Israeli aggression.

Zaki also mentioned extensive discussions among Arab foreign ministers regarding the Rafah incursion, indicating it will influence a robust Arab stance.

Arab nations back the proposal for an international conference to safeguard Palestinians and push for progress towards a two-state solution.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday to discuss Gaza’s situation and regional efforts to stop the conflict.

Both emphasized the need to halt military actions in Rafah and warned against Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which blocks humanitarian aid.

They stressed implementing the two-state solution to end the occupation and meet Palestinian rights.

The agenda of the Arab Summit in Bahrain will cover Arab cooperation in politics, economics, social issues, culture, media, security, and collaboration with international and regional groups.

Besides Gaza, the summit will address crises like the war in Sudan, which also faces famine.

The summit will also tackle crises in Libya, Yemen, and Syria. On his part, Aboul Gheit stressed the need for ongoing Arab efforts to prevent these crises from being forgotten.


49th Saudi Relief Airplane with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrives in Egypt

The 49th Saudi relief airplane - SPA
The 49th Saudi relief airplane - SPA
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49th Saudi Relief Airplane with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrives in Egypt

The 49th Saudi relief airplane - SPA
The 49th Saudi relief airplane - SPA

The 49th Saudi relief airplane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived at Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt.

The aid carried shelter items to be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip.
The assistance is consistent with Saudi Arabia's humanitarian role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi FM Discusses with Arab Counterparts Ways to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Manama. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Manama. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Discusses with Arab Counterparts Ways to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Manama. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Manama. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks in Manama on Tuesday with several of his counterparts from across the Arab world on the sidelines of the preparatory meeting for the 33rd ordinary summit of the Arab League Council.

He met with Sudan’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein Awad for talks on the latest developments in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to address the situation.

Prince Faisal met with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad. They tackled various aspects of relations and ways to strengthen and develop them.

They also discussed recent developments and issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal also met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yihya for talks on ways to strengthen the close relations between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

They reviewed the latest regional and international developments.

The Saudi FM held a meeting with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi.

They discussed bolstering relations between their countries, as well as the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas.

Prince Faisal met with Iraqi Deputy PM and FM Fuad Hussain on the sidelines of the Manama meeting.


King Salman Orders Authorities to Provide Best Services to Hajj Pilgrims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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King Salman Orders Authorities to Provide Best Services to Hajj Pilgrims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz welcomed on Tuesday pilgrims who have started to arrive in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj.

Chairing a cabinet meeting in Jeddah, King Salman stressed that serving the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, caring for pilgrims and ensuring their comfort are the Kingdom’s top priorities.

He instructed the authorities involved in the implementation of Hajj plans to continue to provide the best practices and finest services to the pilgrims at the Kingdom's various points of entry, and in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

The cabinet reviewed recent talks held by Kingdom officials with representatives of various other countries, including the telephone talks between Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the Ukrainian president, during which they reviewed relations and issues of mutual concern.

Ministers are seen at the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the cabinet discussed a series of reports on regional and international developments and emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to collaborating with the international community to ensure global security and stability.

The Kingdom is dedicated to cooperating and participating in international relief efforts, and to advocating for the issues of concern to Arab and other Muslim nations.

It welcomed the recent UN General Assembly resolution supporting full membership for the State of Palestine, stressing the urgency of ending the Israeli military escalation and the violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.


Saudi FM Chairs Arab Follow-up Committee Meeting on Implementation of Resolutions

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi FM Chairs Arab Follow-up Committee Meeting on Implementation of Resolutions

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

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chaired on Tuesday the second meeting of the follow-up committee for the implementation of resolutions and commitments, held in Manama on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers' meeting preparing for the 33rd Arab Summit.

The officials reviewed the committee's final report and recommendations as well.


Arab Summit in Bahrain to Take ‘Strong’ Stance on Palestine

Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League (Arab League)
Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League (Arab League)
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Arab Summit in Bahrain to Take ‘Strong’ Stance on Palestine

Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League (Arab League)
Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League (Arab League)

Asharq Al-Awsat spoke with Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, amid meetings to prepare for the upcoming Arab Summit in Bahrain.

Zaki is confident the summit will make strong decisions on Palestine, despite ongoing debates on other issues.

He emphasized that the summit, held under unusual circumstances due to the Gaza conflict, aims to meet Arab public expectations without raising divisive topics to Arab leaders.

Preparatory meetings for the Arab Summit kicked off in the Bahraini capital of Manama last Saturday.

Officials first met to discuss an emergency plan to deal with the aftermath of the Israeli attacks on Palestine, then worked on joint Arab efforts in economics and social matters.

On Monday, representatives outlined political frameworks, gearing up for presentations to Arab foreign ministers on Tuesday, and leaders next Thursday.

The Palestinian cause is a central focus of Arab summits. Zaki stated that the Arab Summit in Bahrain would thoroughly address this issue, especially given the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza.

He mentioned that the Arab League is closely monitoring developments in Gaza and political moves related to the conflict, including Israeli actions in the West Bank.

Zaki stressed that any progress in the Palestinian situation deserves Arab responses, which will be discussed at the summit to determine next steps.

He also highlighted the Arab League’s efforts to gain more recognition for Palestine internationally and prepare for a peace conference. All these topics are expected to be addressed and resolved at the Manama gathering.

During a meeting in Cairo last March, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares discussed the idea of holding an international peace conference.

Aboul Gheit stressed the importance of Arab-European cooperation to make this conference happen, aiming for a two-state solution and a political future for Palestinians.

On his part, Zaki reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains a top priority for the Arab world and the Arab League. Therefore, it will be a key topic at the upcoming Summit, especially given the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“The Summit will express strong Arab support for Palestinian rights and call on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities toward them, which are crucial for all Palestinians,” Zaki told Asharq Al-Awsat.

In recent years, decisions regarding the Palestinian issue have been prominent in the final statements of Arab summits. Since the Gaza war began, the Arab League has held multiple meetings at different levels.

Last November, Saudi Arabia hosted an Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, where ministers from several countries were tasked with starting international efforts to stop the war in Gaza and push for a serious peace process.

Regarding other topics on the agenda for the upcoming Arab Summit, Zaki mentioned that it will discuss various issues agreed upon throughout the year.

He explained that since the Jeddah Summit last year, political matters reflecting the crises in the Arab world have been discussed, and that it’s natural for these to be discussed at the Arab leaders’ summit.


Aboul Gheit: Arab Summit in Bahrain is Key in Shaping Unified Arab Stance

The Economic and Social Council of the Arab League.
The Economic and Social Council of the Arab League.
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Aboul Gheit: Arab Summit in Bahrain is Key in Shaping Unified Arab Stance

The Economic and Social Council of the Arab League.
The Economic and Social Council of the Arab League.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, underscored the importance of the upcoming 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain against the backdrop of pressing challenges facing the Arab region.
These challenges notably include the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the deteriorating political and humanitarian conditions impacting several regional countries.
In the lead-up to the summit, expected on Thursday, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, held preparatory meetings with Secretary-General Aboul Gheit and Assistant Secretary-General Ambassador Hossam Zaki of the Arab League.
Aboul Gheit highlighted the pivotal role of the Arab Summit in Bahrain in shaping a cohesive Arab stance. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Arab parliamentary diplomacy to fostering collective Arab efforts.


Sultan of Oman to Kick off Official Visit to Kuwait

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq (L) and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (KUNA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq (L) and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (KUNA file photo)
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Sultan of Oman to Kick off Official Visit to Kuwait

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq (L) and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (KUNA file photo)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq (L) and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (KUNA file photo)

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq is expected to arrive in Kuwait on Monday on an official visit where he will hold talks with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

This is the first visit by Sultan Haitham since he ascended the throne in January 2020.

Sheikh Mehal had carried out a state visit to Oman in February where he and Sultan Haitham presided over the opening of the Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Project in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Oman Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajri said on Sunday that relations between the two countries are witnessing “constant growth and development on all levels.”

Sheikh Meshal’s visit will push the bilateral relations between Kuwait and Oman toward more progress and prosperity, he was quoted as saying by Kuwait’s state news agency KUNA.

Oman's Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi highlighted the economic partnership between the countries, pointing to the inauguration of the Duqm project.

The project is a “great achievement and a source of pride for both countries,” he added.

“It is an embodiment of the deep-rooted relations between them,” he went on to say.

The project is the largest investment project in the oil sector between two Gulf countries.


OIC Calls for Urgent Assistance for Afghanistan Flood Victims

 An Afghan boy walks along a flooded street in Sheikh Jalal, Baghlan province, Afghanistan May 12, 2024. (Reuters)
An Afghan boy walks along a flooded street in Sheikh Jalal, Baghlan province, Afghanistan May 12, 2024. (Reuters)
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OIC Calls for Urgent Assistance for Afghanistan Flood Victims

 An Afghan boy walks along a flooded street in Sheikh Jalal, Baghlan province, Afghanistan May 12, 2024. (Reuters)
An Afghan boy walks along a flooded street in Sheikh Jalal, Baghlan province, Afghanistan May 12, 2024. (Reuters)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urgently appealed on Sunday to all its member states and other countries worldwide, as well as relief organizations, to assist the Afghani people affected by the ongoing floods.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains have devastated villages in northern Afghanistan, killing 315 people and injuring more than 1,600, authorities said on Sunday, as villagers buried their dead and aid agencies warned of widening havoc.

Thousands of homes were damaged and livestock wiped out, the Taliban-run refugee ministry said, while aid groups warned of damage to health care facilities and vital infrastructure, such as water supply, with streets left coated in mud.

The ministry said Sunday's latest tally of dead and injured came from its Baghlan provincial office, according to a post on X. Earlier, the interior ministry had put the toll from Friday's floods at 153, but warned it could rise.

Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters and the United Nations considers it one of countries most vulnerable to climate change.


Saudi Arabia Embarks on Transformative Journey Toward Environmental Sustainability

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey toward environmental sustainability. (SPA)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey toward environmental sustainability. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Embarks on Transformative Journey Toward Environmental Sustainability

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey toward environmental sustainability. (SPA)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey toward environmental sustainability. (SPA)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey toward environmental sustainability, a multi-stage process that aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 and entails regional and global initiatives focused on preserving natural resources, combating climate change, and improving the quality of life for current and future generations.
This transformation was enabled by supportive regulations and legislation.
In 2016, a significant shift occurred: the Ministry of Agriculture was transformed into the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.
Several key achievements have laid the groundwork for the country’s environmental progress. The National Environment Strategy served as a roadmap for environmental development, guiding the Kingdom's efforts.
The Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research supported scientific research in environmental fields.
The Research Fund for Energy and Environment further strengthened this commitment by promoting innovation in sustainable energy and environmental protection.
The Kingdom also undertook a $1.1 billion post-Gulf War environmental reconstruction project to repair war-related damage to the environment.
To ensure effective and sustainable implementation of environmental initiatives, the Kingdom established the Environment Fund and the Special Forces for Environmental Security, as well as five specialized centers: the National Center for Meteorology, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, the National Center for Environmental Compliance, the National Center for Wildlife, and the National Center for Waste Management.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud issued a Royal Decree establishing a council for royal reserves, led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These reserves play a vital role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, providing resources for local communities, and supporting the development of ecotourism.
Saudi Arabia is a leader in the global green movement through two key initiatives. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees, rehabilitate degraded lands, and increase protected areas. The Middle East Green Initiative is a collaborative effort that addresses regional environmental challenges. These initiatives promote the green economy, combat climate change, and create a more sustainable future for the region.
Vision 2030 calls for transforming Saudi cities into green and smart spaces, promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents. By taking these comprehensive steps, the country is asserting its leadership in environmental sustainability, to the benefit of its citizens and the wider region.
The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification is making significant strides toward achieving the Saudi Green Initiative goals. It set seven key targets focused on revitalizing vegetation on lands under its purview.
The center plans to revitalize 300,000 hectares of degraded forests by replanting valleys and heavily logged areas with 60 million local trees.
Another key target is the rehabilitation of eight million hectares of pastureland in 26 locations in the Kingdom.
Planting 10 million trees in national parks is another crucial aspect of the plan. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by four million tons, combat desertification, restore biodiversity, and provide nature-based solutions for carbon capture and climate-change mitigation.
The center also plans to collaborate with the royal reserves to plant seven million native trees. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions by over two million tons.
Encouraging private sector participation is another key target. The goal is to plant and protect 40 million trees in private sector areas over 10 years, contributing to reducing carbon emissions by 16 million tons.
In the public sector, the center aims to plant and protect 18 million local trees in public areas over a 10-year period. This will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by over seven million tons.
The center is exploring the ambitious long-term vision of planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom in the coming decades, equivalent to rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land, in order to increase vegetation cover, improve the quality of life, create habitats for endangered species, and mitigate the effects of climate change.