Saudi Govt Approves Establishment of Higher Council of Space Headed by Crown Prince Mohammed

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Approves Establishment of Higher Council of Space Headed by Crown Prince Mohammed

King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
King Salman chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government approved on Tuesday the establishment of the Higher Council of Space that will be headed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also approved an amendment to the name of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, changing it to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

The cabinet was briefed on the talks Crown Prince Mohammed held with the president of Senegal and prime minister of Pakistan.

It was also briefed on the work of the Sub-Committee of Saudi–Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council and the Saudi-Chinese High-Level Joint Committee.

The government highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed’s announcement last week that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will establish five companies that will invest in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Sudan.

The companies will seek to invest up to SAR 90 billion (USD 24 billion) to help build lasting strategic economic partnerships, growing PIF’s Assets Under Management, and diversifying Saudi Arabia’s sources of revenue, while underscoring the objectives of Vision 2030.

The cabinet highlighted the recent 6th Future Investment Initiative forum that was held in Riyadh last week. The event addressed several issues and solutions to challenges facing the world.

A number of agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed at the event that also witnessed the launch of many local, regional and international initiatives that support the investment sector.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.