Arab Countries Support Saudi Arabia’s Decision at OPEC+

A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. (Reuters)
A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. (Reuters)
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Arab Countries Support Saudi Arabia’s Decision at OPEC+

A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. (Reuters)
A 3D printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. (Reuters)

Several Arab countries expressed on Monday their solidarity with and support to Saudi Arabia in wake of the decision taken at the OPEC+ group last week.

Oman’s foreign ministry said it was following the developments related to OPEC+’s decision to partially cut output.

It stressed that it supports the decision that “is based on economic factors and supply and demand.” The decision also aims at achieving “the desired stability in the global market” and was taken in consensus among the group members.

Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Rabat supports all of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy decisions.

Speaking from Riyadh on Monday, he stated that the Kingdom was forging ahead on the “right path”.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, whether in diplomacy or energy, is following a long-term path. It is adopting a rational approach that is immune to pressure, he added.

Morocco completely stands by Saudi Arabia in all the decisions it takes, especially in regards to its security and stability and the security of energy markets, Bourita remarked.

Rabat’s position stems from the deep fraternal ties that bind Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, he continued.

Saudi Arabia is a pillar of the Arab system and its foreign policy is held in high regard by Morocco, he went on to say. Bourita added that his visit to Saudi Arabia is part of the constant communication between the kingdoms’ leaderships and unique relations they have enjoyed throughout history.

Algeria’s Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said the OPEC+ decision stems from “purely technical” needs given the state of the international economy and energy market.

OPEC+ aims to deal with the situation to achieve balance between supply and demand, he added, according to the Algerian state news agency (APS).



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.