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Syria’s Assad Arrives in UAE in Official Visit

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
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Syria’s Assad Arrives in UAE in Official Visit

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. (UAE Presidential Court/Handout via Reuters)

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday for an official visit, accompanied by his wife Asma.

State media said he was met by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on arrival in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and received a canon salute as his convoy entered the royal palace. Assad's plane was greeted by Emirati fighter jets.

Assad was also received by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; and Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State.

Assad’s delegation included Dr. Samer al-Khalil, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade; Mansour Fadlallah Azzam, Minister of Presidential Affairs; Boutros al-Hallaq, Minister of Information; Dr. Ayman Sosan, Deputy Foreign Minister; and Dr. Ghassan Abbas, Chargé d'Affairs of the Syrian Embassy in the UAE.

Assad held talks in Oman last month on his first foreign trip since the devastating earthquake hit Syria and Türkiye and visited Russia earlier this month.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Provides Additional $8 Mn to Mitigate Threat Posed by Safer Tanker

KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)
KSrelief official and UNDP representative signing the deal for an additional $8 million (SPA)

Saudi Arabia provided an additional financial contribution of $8 million to the UN Development Program (UNDP) to address the threat of the Safer oil tanker anchored off the coast of Yemen.

The Assistant General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for Operations and Programs, AhmedaAl-Baiz, and UNDP Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Arab Countries Abdullah al-Dardari signed the memorandum of the additional financial contribution submitted by the Kingdom.

The additional aid comes as an extension of the efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to address the environmental and economic threat associated with the Safer tanker on the Yemeni coast and neutralize its potential dangers.

Dardari stressed that Saudi Arabia's contribution is a step towards solving the Safer problem that threatens the Red Sea environment.

He noted that the oil was transferred from the corroded and leaking tanker to a new oil vessel, indicating that the meeting addressed the best solution for treating the remaining oil in the new tank and using its revenues.

Dardari lauded Riyadh's efforts in addressing the problem of the Safer oil tanker, which allowed the UNDP to achieve positive results.

The official also thanked Saudi Arabia, represented by the KSrelief, for stressing the depth of the strategic relations between the Program and the Center, highlighting its essential and extensive partnership worldwide, not only in the Arab region.

He asserted that the two programs work together in the Arab region, especially in conflict areas, describing it as a solid partnership with a promising future that benefits all.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi FM, Borrell Discuss Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a telephone call on Friday from European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The two officials discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, and the efforts exerted to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They also discussed the consequences of the current crisis, especially at the humanitarian level.

Gulf

Saudi Defense Minister Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

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 Receives Telephone Call from US Secretary of Defense

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

Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, received a telephone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, SPA said on Thursday.
During the call, the two men discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the defense field.
They also discussed the current international and regional situations and the efforts being made in that direction.

Gulf

Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
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Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Eastern Region, Crew Dies

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has announced the crash of a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA airplane and the martyrdom of its aircrew.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed that the aircraft crash occurred at 12:50 p.m. Thursday during a routine training mission from King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran.

He pointed out that an investigation into the crash has been launched.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Urban Plan and Branding of Qiddiya City

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has launched the urban design for the city of Qiddiya and Qiddiya’s brand.

The Crown Prince is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

He stated that the city of Qiddiya will become, in the near future, the foremost global destination in the fields of entertainment, sports, and culture. This will have a positive impact on the Kingdom's economy and its international standing, enhancing Riyadh's strategic position and contributing to its economic growth. It aims to improve the quality of life, making Riyadh one of the top 10 economies globally.

The Crown Prince added that this qualitative investment in Qiddiya is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, creating thousands of job opportunities for the ambitious Saudi youth.

Qiddiya philosophy of Play is based on decades of research that has proven that play is a vital element for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have also shown the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between individuals, and enhance empathy and social cohesion.

Qiddiya's offering will be Qiddiya City, a one-of-a-kind destination located on the outskirts of Riyadh, that promises endless fun and excitement for its residents and visitors through unrivalled offerings in entertainment, sports, culture, and urban living.

Construction is progressing with contracts worth SAR10 billion awarded. With 60,000 buildings in an overall area of 360 square kms, it will eventually host over 600,000 residents. Qiddiya City is expected to create over 325,000 job opportunities, yielding nominal GDP of SAR135 billion per annum.

Additionally, Qiddiya City expects to attract an anticipated 48 million visits per year with its never-built-before array of world-class attractions and venues.

Located 40 minutes from Riyadh center and overlooking the stunning cliffs of the formidable Tuwaiq mountains, Qiddiya City will be a home of the first gaming and e-sports district, a speed park track, golf courses, a massive water theme park, and Six Flags Qiddiya.

In addition, the city will also host a stadium which will feature the world’s largest Olympic museum.

Qiddiya City’s unparalleled proximity and concentration of sports, culture and entertainment experiences in one place will make it a globally unique destination.
Qiddiya plans to launch its first assets over the next two years.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Need to Stop Military Operations in Palestinian Territories

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
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Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Need to Stop Military Operations in Palestinian Territories

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greets Russian President Vladimir Putin before a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 6, 2023. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin have expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a joint statement published on Thursday after they met a day earlier in Riyadh, the Crown Prince and Putin “stressed the need to stop military operations in the Palestinian territories, and the need to protect civilians in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.”

They called for enabling international humanitarian organizations to play their role in providing humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinian people, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and to support their efforts.

The two sides stressed security and stability in Palestine could only be achieved through the implementation of international resolutions related to the two-state solution in order to ensure the creation of appropriate conditions for peaceful coexistence and economic development, and to enable the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Guterres Discuss Article 99 of UN Charter

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi FM, Guterres Discuss Article 99 of UN Charter

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a phone call from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

At the outset of the call, the UN chief referred to the letter he addressed to the Security Council, invoking for the first time since he assumed office Article 99 of the United Nations Charter to demand that the Council confront the grave danger against the Gaza Strip, which threatens a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Saudi Minister expressed the Kingdom's appreciation and great support for the justified and important step taken by Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter.

The two sides stressed the importance of exerting more efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Gulf

UAE, Russian Presidents Discuss Strategic Partnership and Developments in Gaza

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving Russian President Vladimir Putin (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving Russian President Vladimir Putin (WAM)
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UAE, Russian Presidents Discuss Strategic Partnership and Developments in Gaza

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving Russian President Vladimir Putin (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving Russian President Vladimir Putin (WAM)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed the bilateral ties between the UAE and Russia and explored prospects to enhance relations within the context of the strategic partnership.

Wednesday’s talks addressed various regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohammed received Putin, who arrived on a state visit at Qasr al-Watan in Abu Dhabi.

The two leaders exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest, focusing on the "developments in Palestine, emphasizing the need for international action to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and ensure the safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid."

Both sides underscored the importance of "working towards a clear horizon for a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region based on the two-state solution."

The meeting also addressed recent developments in Ukraine.

The Emirati President emphasized that the UAE is committed to resolving conflicts worldwide through diplomacy and dialogue, asserting that it comes within UAE's "established policy of promoting peace, cooperation, and stability regionally and globally to enhance international peace and security."

The meeting touched upon the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) held at Expo City Dubai.

The Russian President hoped the conference would "yield outcomes that contribute to finding constructive solutions to climate challenges and enhancing international climate action for the benefit of all of humanity."

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the "UAE's commitment to building bridges of cooperation with various countries to support initiatives that promote global stability and prosperity for all."

Putin commended the UAE's role at the international level, mainly through its membership in the UN Security Council, as well as its efforts to foster global stability, according to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Gulf

ICRC: Saudi Arabia Exerts Significant Efforts to Protect Civilians

Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while discussing the dire situation in Gaza (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while discussing the dire situation in Gaza (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
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ICRC: Saudi Arabia Exerts Significant Efforts to Protect Civilians

Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while discussing the dire situation in Gaza (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)
Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while discussing the dire situation in Gaza (Photo Credit: Bashir Saleh)

The situation in Gaza is deteriorating hour by hour, and the collapse has commenced. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced. Basic necessities such as clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and access to food are nonexistent.
The humanitarian crisis is extremely dire, and the suffering of the people is unbearable.
This grim assessment comes from Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), describing the current state of affairs in Gaza.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Mardini emphasized that the tragedy unfolding in Gaza today—marked by violence, killing, displacement, and suffering—differs significantly from any previous conflicts between the involved parties.
He pointed out the immense difficulty humanitarian organizations face in providing assistance under these challenging circumstances.
Mardini also touched upon the close collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works (KSRelief), particularly in the Gaza crisis.
He expressed gratitude for the specific support extended to the ICRC and the aid sent by the Kingdom to Palestinian civilians through the Rafah crossing.
Mardini, who has held his position since March 2020, emphasized that the death of civilians is the responsibility of the conflicting parties according to international humanitarian law.
He expressed regret over the ICRC’S inability to rescue malnourished children at Al-Nasser Hospital after receiving a request for assistance due to the teams' inability to access the location due to the severity of the situation.
Mardini also warned that accusations directed at ICRC teams, including espionage allegations, pose a danger not only to the humanitarian organization’s personnel but also to people awaiting assistance.
Such accusations hinder humanitarian work and have highly negative implications, stressed Mardini.
Mardini characterized his visit to Saudi Arabia as a “critical mission,” noting that it falls within the scope of a robust partnership with the Kingdom, KSRelief, colleagues from the Saudi Red Crescent, and Saudi authorities.
The ICRC Director-General extended his gratitude to KSRelief for supporting the ICRC in its current work amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to Mardini, Saudi Arabia’s support is crucial as humanitarian needs are immense in the region.
The Kingdom’s support enables the ICRC to operate and save the lives of the wounded who are overwhelming hospitals operating beyond their capacity due to the violence of the clashes on the ground, he stressed.
Mardini also highlighted that his visit aims at acknowledging the significant role Saudi Arabia plays in the region, urging conflicting parties to do what they can to protect civilians.
On another note, Mardini highlighted the significant challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in general.
There is a major problem amid the increasing number of conflicts worldwide and the rise in humanitarian needs, coupled with a shortage of funding from donor countries, he explained.
The solution, as per Mardini, lies in receiving more aid and diversifying sources, involving both countries and the private sector.
The funding shortfall has compelled the ICRC to scale back its global programs.
In response to a question about the ongoing preparations for a prisoner exchange deal in Yemen, Mardini stated that the situation is still unclear at this point.
Naturally, the ICRC is fully prepared to undertake such an initiative, stressed Mardini.
However, the details regarding the mechanisms remain unclear so far, and this is something determined by the parties involved, he added, noting that the ICRC is ready to facilitate the exchange.

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince, Russian President Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Russian President Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Developments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin at al-Yamama Palace (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed bilateral ties and regional and international developments.

On Wednesday, the Crown Prince received the Russian President for an extensive meeting at al-Yamama Palace.

Putin and his delegation arrived in Riyadh on a visit to the Kingdom, the first since 2019 and the second since he assumed power in his country.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Crown Prince lauded the historic and strong ties between the two countries, noting that Russia was the first nation worldwide to recognize the establishment of the Kingdom in 1926.

He described the President as “a special and very dear guest to the Kingdom’s government and people.”

The Crown Prince indicated that both nations share many interests that they work on together for the benefit of the two countries, the Middle East, and the world as well.

Prince Mohammed reviewed the outstanding achievements between the two countries over the past seven years, whether in energy, agriculture, trade exchange, investment, or other sectors.

He praised the coordination and political ties between the two countries, which helped during tensions in the Middle East and contributed to enhancing security and future coordination, which will boost regional and international security.

The Crown Prince referred to the great opportunities that necessitate the two nations to work together for the interests of both peoples, the region, and the whole world.

In turn, the Russian President lauded the deep relations and cooperation between the two countries, praising the joint achievements over the past seven years.

He indicated that he looked forward to the Crown Prince’s visit to Russia, saying the next meeting should occur in Moscow.

Putin recalled that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize Saudi Arabia, asserting that the significant development and qualitative leap in the relations and capabilities was achieved thanks to the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed.

Putin referred to the close cooperation between the two countries on many levels, citing the importance of sharing assessments and evaluations on the latest international developments.

The meeting of the two parties addressed the bilateral relations, reviewed the prospects for developing cooperation in various fields, and discussed the latest regional and global developments.

The Saudi Crown Prince and the Russian President also held a bilateral meeting, reviewing several issues of common interest.