Saudi Mediation Leads to Successful Prisoner Swap Between Russia, Ukraine

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Saudi Mediation Leads to Successful Prisoner Swap Between Russia, Ukraine

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday the success of a mediation, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, for a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.

Moscow released ten prisoners from Morocco, the United States, Britain, Sweden and Ukraine.

The Ministry stressed that the move reflects Crown Prince Mohammed’s ongoing efforts in adopting humanitarian initiatives in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

It added that the concerned authorities in Saudi Arabia transported the prisoners from Russia to the Kingdom and are working on returning them to their homes.

The Ministry expressed the Saudi government’s gratitude to its Russian and Ukrainian counterparts for their cooperation and response to the efforts carried out by Crown Prince Mohammed to release the prisoners.



OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden
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OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

OIC Condemns Burning of Copy of Holy Quran in Sweden

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned what it described as "the provocative act of desecration of copies of the Holy Quran, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Malmo, Sweden.

OIC said this happened despite the repeated calls on the Swedish authorities "to prevent the recurrence of such despicable acts."
In a press release OIC said that its Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha "reaffirms the position of the OIC as stated by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in the resolution it adopted at its 18th Extraordinary Session, held on July 31, 2023, and devoted to the repeated incidents of desecration of copies of the Holy Quran".

The report added that "OIC’s call on the Swedish authorities to take immediate measures against such provocative acts, which constitute acts of religious hatred, in violation of international law, and to prevent their recurrence".


Saudi King Receives Letter from President of Benin

Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
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Saudi King Receives Letter from President of Benin

Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Custodian of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, received a letter from President of Benin Patrice Talon highlighting the bilateral relations between the two countries, and the ways to promote mutual cooperation to address matters of joint interest.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received the letter during a meeting in Riyadh on Sunday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Shegun Adjadi Bakari.

The discussions focused on bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Benin, and the latest developments at the regional and international arenas.


Royal Saudi Air Force to Participate in ‘Sindh Shield’ Exercise in Pakistan

The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
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Royal Saudi Air Force to Participate in ‘Sindh Shield’ Exercise in Pakistan

The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo
The Kingdom, represented by its Air Force, is participating in the “Sindh Shield 2023” exercise alongside the host nation's forces, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkiye - SPA/File Photo

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) will participate in the “Sindh Shield 2023” military exercise, which is taking place in Pakistan.
In farewell to the participating group in the exercise upon their departure from King Khalid Air Base, the Deputy Commander of the RSAF, Major General Pilot Talal bin Suleiman Al-Ghamdi, was present, SPA reported.
The Deputy Commander of the RSAF reviewed the participating equipment, assessed the readiness of the personnel, and inspected the preparations and arrangements.
He encouraged the participants to exert their efforts and make full use of the exercise, benefiting them in carrying out their combat duties effectively, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of execution.
The exercise, set to commence later this week and last for nearly a month, aims to train in aerial combat operations within an international coalition, applying the concept of joint operations in an environment similar to real warfare.
Additionally, it involves the exchange of military expertise in planning and execution with participating friendly nations, enhancing the readiness and combat efficiency of aircrews and supporting technical teams, and strengthening international relations among the participating countries.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack in Ankara

 Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack in Ankara

 Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)
Members of the Turkish Police Special Forces stand guard in front of the Interior Ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara, Türkiye October 1, 2023. (Reuters)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that struck the Turkish capital, Ankara.

It also condemned the second failed attack that was thwarted by security forces.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in Ankara on Sunday, while a second assailant was killed in a shootout with police, the interior minister said.

The attack occurred hours before Parliament was set to reopen after its three-month summer recess with an address by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Two police officers were slightly injured during the attack near an entrance to the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the Kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

It reiterated its support to all efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism and extremism in all their forms and drying up their sources of funding.

It wished the injured a speedy recovery and hoped security and stability would prevail in Türkiye.


Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden, an act carried out with the knowledge of the local authorities.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of such flagrant acts, which are repeated systematically in a number of European cities under the guise of freedom of expression and inflame the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Kingdom, the ministry said, calls on the Swedish authorities to urgently deal with such acts and stop giving permission to extremist groups to carry out acts that fuel hatred and racism, reported the Saudi Press Agency.


Saudi Environment Minister Inaugurates 'Innovation Driven Desalination’ Conference

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the activities of the second edition of the “Innovation Driven Desalination” conference.
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the activities of the second edition of the “Innovation Driven Desalination” conference.
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Saudi Environment Minister Inaugurates 'Innovation Driven Desalination’ Conference

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the activities of the second edition of the “Innovation Driven Desalination” conference.
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the activities of the second edition of the “Innovation Driven Desalination” conference.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated Saturday the activities of the second edition of the “Innovation Driven Desalination” conference, organized by the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), SPA said on Sunday.
The conference is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 3 in Jeddah with the participation of international academics, experts, and specialists.
On the sidelines of the conference’s second edition, the minister honored the winners of the Global Innovation Award in Water Desalination, in which 105 participants from over 27 countries, representing research centers, universities, entrepreneurs, and employees of companies in the global water desalination industry.
Al-Fadley congratulated the winners who have demonstrated their competence and eligibility for the award, which achieved remarkable success in its first edition. The minister noted that this aligns with the comprehensive water strategy that integrates the directions, policies, legislation, and practices in the water sector.
Moreover, he expressed his appreciation for the wise leadership's support for the water sector.
Al-Fadley emphasized the Kingdom's leading role in addressing regional and international water issues, commending the announcement by the Saudi Crown Prince regarding the establishment of the Global Water Organization based in Riyadh.
This initiative contributes to enhancing cooperation among nations and stimulating collective responses to water challenges, he said.
SWCC governor, Eng. Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, praised the participants in the award for their contribution to the water sector's goals.
Al-Abdulkarim also said that this support aligns with efforts and initiatives that promote innovation and encourage it in the field of desalination.
He added that it reflects the commitment of the SWCC to support and promote innovation, offering a supportive role that contributes to stimulating innovative projects as part of its social responsibility.
He underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water resources, citing in this regard the corporation’s global pioneering status in producing 11.5 million cubic meters of water daily, making it the largest producer of water worldwide.
Al-Abdulkarim also voiced the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation to improve access to clear water resources through the collaborative efforts of states and organizations to address water woes in a holistic approach through expertise exchange, innovation, research and development.
He also highlighted the winning innovations’ benefit to humanity, underlying the SWCC's Vision to be integrated into the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to use high technology to serve humanity.
The $10 million prize, which aims to encourage innovative solutions in the desalination industry and support its applications in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, focused on a wide range of environmental aspects related to the industry, including reduction of energy consumption and capital and operating costs, using modern technologies and innovation.


Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack
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Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

Fourth Bahraini Serviceman Succumbs to Wounds After Houthi Drone Attack

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) announced Friday the death of a fourth serviceman who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a Houthi drone attack against forces stationed at Saudi Arabia's southern border.

In an official statement, the BDF identified the serviceman as First-Lieutenant Hamad Khalifa al-Kubaisi, who succumbed to the injuries while performing his sacred patriotic duties defending the southern borders of Saudi Arabia.

Kubaisi was a member of the BDF task force participating in the Arab Coalitions to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, actively participating in Operation Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope.

BDF General Command extended sincere condolences to the family of the fallen serviceman and wished a speedy recovery for those wounded due to the act of aggression.

Earlier, the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning the attack, saying it constituted "a serious threat to the peace process and regional stability, including in Yemen."

The Council on the Houthis to end all attacks, reiterating concern at targeting civilian infrastructure in cities at the southern border of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement from Riyadh, the Coalition mourned those killed and claimed there had been attacks targeting an electrical distribution site and a police station on its southern border by "some Houthi elements."

Coalition spokesman Brig-Gen Turki al-Maliki said the leadership of the joint forces mourns the "heroic martyrs loyal to their religion and nation."

The leadership of the joint forces of the Coalition condemned the treacherous attack near the Saudi-Yemen border by some Houthi elements, Malki said.

He warned that last month's hostilities, including an attack on an electrical power distribution station and a police station in the border region, were "unacceptable" and "provocative."

"In line with the positive efforts being made to seek to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution, the leadership of the joint forces of the coalition affirms its rejection of repeated provocations and reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place," Maliki said in a statement.


UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attack on Southern Saudi Arabia

Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
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UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attack on Southern Saudi Arabia

Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)
Houthis took advantage of the ceasefire to enhance their military capabilities, with Iran's support (Reuters)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the recent Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia's southern border that left four Bahraini servicemen from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen dead.

The Council warned in a statement Friday that the attack constituted a "serious threat to the peace process and regional stability."

It urged the Houthis to cease their "terrorist attacks" and expressed concern over the targeting of infrastructure in cities near the Saudi border.

The Council's members reiterated their apprehension about the impact of these actions on the broader area.

The statement urged all parties to honor their international and humanitarian law commitments.

The 15-member Council emphasized the importance of taking decisive steps towards a permanent ceasefire.

They expressed their support for efforts to achieve a political solution in Yemen that would alleviate suffering, endorsing the endeavors of the UN Envoy to Yemen to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Saudi Arabia and Oman are leading initiatives to persuade the Houthis to agree to a renewed truce in Yemen, expanding the ceasefire to include humanitarian issues and concluding with a roadmap to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department announced Thursday new sanctions against entities providing Iran with engines used to manufacture drones.

The sanctions included a Chinese company that supplied servomotors worth more than a hundred thousand dollars to the Houthis in Yemen.

Yemeni political and military observers believe the Houthis are not genuinely committed to reaching a peace agreement that would end the war, as they seem to be preparing for another round of conflict after receiving more weapons.

During a meeting in Riyadh, Yemen Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sagheer bin Aziz asserted to the US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, that Iran continues to supply its Houthi militias with advanced weaponry.

During the discussions, bin Aziz highlighted the Houthi threats to the security of Yemen, the region, and international navigation.

According to Saba news agency, he further touched upon the implications these groups have on counter-terrorism efforts.

The official noted that Yemen's experiences with peace talks with the Houthi militia have been bitter at various stages, indicating that the militia adheres to a doctrine of violence and racial discrimination and consistently violates agreements.

The Armed Forces Chief accused the Houthis of persisting with hostile operations against cities, public facilities, military positions, and resistance forces despite the UN-sponsored ceasefire.


Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)
Local residents stand at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Mastung district on September 29, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom's strong condemnation of “cowardly terrorist attacks” that took place on Friday in several provinces in Pakistan, killing and injuring dozens of people.

The Ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on renouncing violence and terrorism, expressing full solidarity with Pakistan and its people.

The Ministry also expressed the Kingdom’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the Pakistani government and people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.


Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan Sign Free Trade Agreement

GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
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Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan Sign Free Trade Agreement

GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters
GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi - Reuters

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan initialized a free trade agreement, the GCC said on messaging platform X on Thursday.

The agreement was signed by GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and Pakistani trade minister Gohar Ejaz.

Al-Budaiwi stated that the preliminary free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and Pakistan comes in recognition of the importance of strengthening trade relations and economic cooperation with countries and international blocs, SPA reported.

The statement came during the signing ceremony of the preliminary FTA between the council and Pakistan, with the agreement being signed by both the GCC Secretary General and Pakistani Commerce Minister, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, on Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

The GCC Secretary General also noted that this historic economic agreement represents an important turning point in cooperation and would contribute to growth and prosperity in a way that serves the common interests of both sides, as it emphasizes the vital importance of close cooperation between countries to strengthen economic relations.

Al-Budaiwi stressed that the GCC countries are proceeding with free-trade negotiations with other countries, aiming to open and enhance the prospects for trade and economic cooperation for the council member states regionally and internationally.

He also voiced his thanks and appreciation to the GCC negotiating teams and the General Secretariat for their efforts and dedication during the negotiation process.