Democrats Disagree Over Relationship with Saudi Arabia

US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
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Democrats Disagree Over Relationship with Saudi Arabia

US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)
US Representative Adam Smith (Reuters)

US Democratic Representatives have tackled the Saudi-US relationship, with Representative Adam Smith warning against launching vague and incomprehensible threats against Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said President Joe Biden is willing to begin reevaluating the US-Saudi ties after the Kingdom and its oil-exporting allies announced production cuts of two million barrels per day.

In statements to CNN, Smith stressed that it is necessary to understand how Saudi Arabia views the situation in Yemen, and Saudi officials felt that the US did not help them while they were being attacked.

He criticized the vague statements on the reassessment of US relations with Saudi Arabia, saying some are demanding a freeze, which he does not understand.

Smith was referring to the statements of the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez, who demanded a freeze of cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales.

He criticized the statements of Menendez - who is also a Democrat - saying they have no clear definition of the meaning of the freeze in relations, adding that suspension of arms sales would allow Saudi Arabia to have closer relationships with Russia and China.

Smith explained that if the US suspended the arms deal with Saudi Arabia, it would buy weapons from other countries, such as Russia and China, warning that Beijing might seize the opportunity to enter the largest market in the Middle East, which would constitute a big challenge for Washington.

In another interview with CNN, Kirby said about Saudi Arabia that “the President has been very clear that this is a relationship that the US needs to continue to reevaluate.”

"I think that is where he is, and he is willing to work with Congress to think through what that relationship ought to look like going forward," he said.

US observers described the Biden administration as "blundering," noting that it tries to escape crises by blaming other parties.

They indicated that Biden previously blamed the Russian President and the Russian-Ukrainian war for the rise in oil prices last summer, and now he blames Saudi Arabia.

They believe Biden is trying to deflect attention from criticism of his economic policies and push a massive financial aid package in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to the student debt relief, bringing the national debt to unprecedented levels, surpassing $31 trillion.



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.