Al-Issa, High-ranking Malaysian Delegation Discuss Confronting 'Islamophobia'

Part of the meeting between Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and the high-ranking delegation headed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Part of the meeting between Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and the high-ranking delegation headed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Al-Issa, High-ranking Malaysian Delegation Discuss Confronting 'Islamophobia'

Part of the meeting between Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and the high-ranking delegation headed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Part of the meeting between Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and the high-ranking delegation headed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa met with a high-ranking Malaysian delegation, headed by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Dr. Zambari Abdul Qadir, at the MWL’s sub-headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, the officials discussed a number of issues of common interest on the Islamic and international arenas, and the mechanisms of bilateral cooperation in this regard, foremost of which is the cooperation between MWL and the Malaysian government in confronting the growing phenomenon of "Islamophobia".

They also highlighted the need to confront the general hatred speech that raises divisions within national societies and fuels conflict between cultures and civilizations.

The meeting reviewed the tasks of the Southeast Asian Scholars Council, which is considered the first scholarly solidarity in the history of the region. More than 44 scholars, muftis and religious leaders from 17 countries agreed to establish it - under the umbrella of the Muslim World League - in an unprecedented event of its kind and under the patronage of Al-Issa.

Malaysia announced hosting the council's headquarters in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, to be a platform of solidarity that organizes the efforts of the Southeast Asian scholars and leaders towards their major issues, in light of the extremely important transformations that the region is going through.

For his part, Al-Issa voiced his appreciation for Malaysia's ideal civilized model of coexistence between religious and ethnic diversity.



Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)

The Health Sector Transformation Program has contributed to an increase in the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia, which rose to 78.8 years in 2024, up from 74 years in 2016.

According to the program, this progress is directly attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health policies, such as reducing harmful ingredients in food products—including hydrogenated oils and excessive salt—as well as enhancing early screening for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

These initiatives are part of a broader focus on prevention and improving treatment options.

In addition, health authorities in Saudi Arabia have worked to boost the efficiency and quality of services for citizens, residents, and visitors by training healthcare professionals and upgrading diagnostic and treatment services—significantly improving public health indicators and overall quality of life.

This progress aligns with the strategic goal of the health transformation initiative, which aims to raise life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030.