Saudi FM Visits South Sudan to Discuss Issues of Common Interest

The Saudi and South Sudan delegations meet with Kiir in Juba. (SPA)
The Saudi and South Sudan delegations meet with Kiir in Juba. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Visits South Sudan to Discuss Issues of Common Interest

The Saudi and South Sudan delegations meet with Kiir in Juba. (SPA)
The Saudi and South Sudan delegations meet with Kiir in Juba. (SPA)

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Juba on Monday.

The Saudi FM is on an official visit to South Sudan.

He conveyed to Kiir the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

They discussed bilateral relations between their countries and the latest international developments.

Prince Faisal also met with his South Sudan counterpart, Mayiik Ayii Deng, for official talks at the foreign ministry in Juba.

They tackled bilateral ties and ways to bolster them in all fields. They also covered issues of common interest.

Prince Faisal expressed Saudi Arabia’s gratitude to Juba’s support for Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030.

During a press conference after the talks, he said his discussions in Juba focused on boosting bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in investment, trade, energy and security.

They tackled the remaining articles of the Juba peace agreement that need to be implemented, underscoring the need to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

For his part, Deng described Prince Faisal’s visit as “historic”. He said his country was keen on bolstering relations with Saudi Arabia.

He stressed the geographic diversity and investment and agricultural potential boasted by his country, adding that it was seeking to establish a secure environment to attract investments.

Prince Faisal later met with South Sudan’s advisor on security affairs.



Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Issue Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Issue Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan issue joint statement on energy cooperation. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman held a meeting in Baku with the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov, after which a joint statement was issued, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
SPA published the statement released subsequent to the meeting shedding light on the decisions and discussions ensued:
"The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a rich historic relationship and aim to further strengthen their ties, as both countries recognize the numerous fruitful opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in the energy sector.
Moreover, our countries are aligned in their objectives and commitments towards the sustainability of and stability of oil markets for achieving an orderly global energy transition, and ambitiously addressing climate change, to achieve a more sustainable future.
Both sides agreed to continue their cooperation within the OPEC Plus Declaration of Cooperation and the Charter of Cooperation between Oil Producing Countries, to support global oil market and stability, which serves the interests of both producing and consuming countries and achieves sustainable economic growth.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in climate action to advance the objectives, principles, and goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, allowing each country to chart its own path based on its national circumstances and approaches through a variety of measures that they can contribute to. Both sides have agreed to cooperate, with the aim of achieving successful, ambitions and comprehensive outcomes at COP29.
The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share common concerns and aspirations regarding ambitious yet balanced and inclusive climate action that takes into account the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of national circumstances.
Both sides outlined commitment to advance all viable solutions and technologies that will enable all nations to contribute to global climate action, in a nationally determined manner, while taking into consideration the different national circumstances, pathways and approaches of each country.
COP29 presents an opportunity to underscore the imperative of economic diversification in a manner that aligns with the needs, priorities, and resources of all nations, particularly in the context of promoting sustainable development and poverty eradication and ensuring energy security.
Both sides have been working closely together, with an aim to advance their respective progress in the renewable energy sector, which is yielding promising results. Moreover, they commended the progress and developments of the Kingdom’s successful investment in wind power in Azerbaijan, which is one of the largest foreign investments in Azerbaijan in this area.
Both sides agreed to strengthen the ongoing cooperation in electricity and renewable energy through exchanging knowledge and experiences in electricity interconnection and developing renewable energy projects in both countries.
Both sides recognize the importance of collaboration in the fields of oil, gas, refined products and petrochemicals. They engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the potential for joint investment opportunities, the expansion of bilateral trade.
They emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of energy efficiency, including energy management systems.
They agreed to collaborate on knowledge exchanging on Low-emission fuels and technologies, including Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and Hydrogen based Synthetic Aviation Fuel (e-fuel) with the aim of introducing efficient fuels that reduces GHG emissions.
The two countries commended the successful outcomes of the third Joint Technical Committee meeting, which took place during the visit. They highlighted the constructive dialogue and enhanced mutual understanding achieved during the meeting, which provided a comprehensive review of the energy-related aspects of their relations across various fields”.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Poland on Constitution Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates President of Poland on Constitution Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Friday a cable of congratulations to Polish President Andrzej Duda on the occasion of his country's Constitution Day.

King Salman wished the president constant good health and happiness and the government and people of Poland steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Duda a similar cable on the occasion.


Malaysia, MWL to Organize International Conference of Asian Religious Leaders

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
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Malaysia, MWL to Organize International Conference of Asian Religious Leaders

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)
Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur. (MWL)

The Malaysian premiership, in partnership with the Mekkah-based Muslim World League (MWL), is set to host on Tuesday the largest international conference for religious leaders in Asia.

Titled "Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions," the event, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to welcome about 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from 57 countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim and MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa will sponsor and participate in the event.

The conference will focus on several themes such as pluralism, tolerance, moderation, education, building bridges, and inclusive commonalities.

It aims to highlight the role of religion in promoting worldwide peace, enhancing solidarity among peoples, and exploring ways of civilizational cooperation. It will also launch initiatives based on the "Makkah Declaration" and promote religious values.


Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM Discusses Latest Developments with Swiss Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a telephone call with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanged views on the latest developments of mutual interest.


Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Saudi Air Force Takes Part in 'Desert Flag' Drill in UAE

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Saudi jets took part in the "Desert Flag" air drill in the United Arab Emirates.

The pilots took part in over 70 hours of flight training at the al-Dhafra air base.

Several friendly countries were also involved in the three-week exercise, including Oman, Türkiye, the United States, France and South Korea.

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the drill with all of its air, technical and support teams.

The exercise aims to exchange military expertise in planning and execution and raising the combat readiness of forces. It also seeks to bolster relations between the participating forces.

The drill kicked off at the al-Dhafra base on April 22.


Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Nusuk Card to Facilitate Movement of Pilgrims

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched on Tuesday the Nusuk card that will facilitate the movement of all pilgrims at the holy sites.

It also offers a number of services and privileges that can be accessed through the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps.

Nusuk acts as an identification card for pilgrims. It is a comprehensive platform that allows the user to register their personal and health data and other important information. The user can also benefit from a broad array of services.

The user can receive the card through Hajj offices after they obtain their Hajj permit.

Nusuk also works to deepen the Hajj experience by allowing the user to access different services, such as places of accommodation and transport. It provides information about historic, cultural and Islamic locations.

It also allows workers involved in the Hajj pilgrimage to meet the needs of and service the pilgrims.

Nusuk is part of a greater plan the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is aiming to launch with the goal of utilizing technology to ensure pilgrims have a smooth journey that begins from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom to the moment they leave.

Saudi Arabia is keen on developing procedures and regulations and dedicating technology to facilitate the holy journey and ensure the largest number possible of Muslims can travel to the Kingdom to perform the Hajj and Umrah.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah was in Indonesia where he handed the first Nusuk card to Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas.

He also met with senior officials, heads of companies and investors to discuss the available opportunities to elevate the services offered during the Hajj.

Along with Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, he oversaw the signing of an air transport agreement aimed at increasing the number of flights transporting Indonesian pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
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Saudi Defense Minister Chairs Meeting of General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA).

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired on Wednesday a meeting of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) in his capacity as its chairman.

Officials reviewed GEOSA’s efforts in building and developing the national geospatial infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted GEOSA's participation at international events and the strategic partnerships it has forged with various entities from the government and private sectors.

The officials were briefed on sectoral and institutional strategies; current and future plans in the fields of geospatial information, aerial imagery, and remote sensing; and the data, services, and products provided by the authority to entities from both the government and private sectors in line with global best practices.

The officials followed up on the progress made on decisions related policies, standards, evidence, regulations, and regulatory conditions for the sector. They reviewed efforts aimed at boosting and developing national capabilities in the geospatial information sector.

The GEOSA board made decisions related to administrative and financial committees.

Prince Khalid underscored the unlimited support accorded by the Saudi leadership to GEOSA in organizing, elevating and supervising the geospatial and remote sensing sector in the Kingdom, ensuring quality and performance improvement.

This approach has allowed GEOSA to assume a leading role in the field of geospatial information at regional and international levels, he remarked.


Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
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Kuwait Thwarts Terrorist Plot to Attack American Forces

This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)
This picture taken on April 23, 2024 from Salmiya shows a view of an aquatics sports center with the skyline of Kuwait City behind. (AFP)

Kuwaiti authorities arrested a citizen for plotting to carry out a terrorist attack against American forces deployed in the country.

The General Prosecution said on Wednesday that it ordered the arrest of the suspect on charges of “joining a banned organization and plotting terrorist attacks in the country.”

In a post on the X platform, it said the suspect had posted on social media recordings belonging to the banned group.

Other suspects were also involved in the plot.

The main suspect had learned how to manufacture explosives and had incited others to learn how to do so with the purpose of bombing US army barracks, continued the prosecution.

It has interrogated the accused and he confessed to the charges against him. It has also ordered the arrest of other suspects related to the case.

On January 25, Kuwaiti authorities announced that they had thwarted a terrorist plot to attack Shiite places of worship.

Three people were arrested in connection to the case. They were all members of the terrorist ISIS group and were Arab nationals working in Kuwait.


Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leadership Condoles UAE President over Death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

The Saudi leadership sent a cable to the president of the UAE offering condolences over the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, who died on Wednesday.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, extended their sincere condolences and sympathy to UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
They extended their condolences to the family of the deceased, appealing to Allah the Almighty to bestow his mercy upon his soul.


Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Saudi FM Discusses Sudan Developments with Burhan, Hemedti 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held telephone talks on Wednesday with Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and head of the Rapid Support Forces Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

The talks focused on the developments in Sudan and their impact on the people.

Prince Faisal stressed the importance of protecting Sudan and its people from more destruction and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

He called for prioritizing the interests of the people, ending the fighting, protecting the country and leading it towards safety.