Crown Prince Meets Saudi Astronauts Before their Mission's Launch to Space

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
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Crown Prince Meets Saudi Astronauts Before their Mission's Launch to Space

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA
The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and President of the Higher Council of Space, met in Jeddah on Sunday with the Saudi astronauts Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi before the launch of the Kingdom’s scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Crown Prince welcomed the crew of the scientific mission on board of which are Rayana Bernawi, the first Saudi, Muslim and Arab woman to fly to space, and the first Saudi astronaut, Ali Al-Qarni, to arrive to the ISS, and congratulated them for passing the qualifying program.

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness, emphasizing at the same time the significance of space exploration in serving science and humanity.

Addressing the astronauts, he noted that they represent the abilities of the Saudi people and their ambitions to play a vital role in innovations and space research to find sustainable solutions for the welfare of humanity.

He also noted that the Saudi people are pinning great hopes on Bernawi and Al-Qarni as ambassadors and representatives of the Kingdom at the ISS in a mission that has noble objectives to empower mankind, protect the planet and open new horizons for research in health and sustainable environment.

The astronauts expressed pride for their meeting with the Crown Prince, extending their gratitude for his constant support.

The historic mission underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting global space exploration efforts, encourage scientific research in the field and enhance the Saudis' knowledge and roles in space programs and technologies as per the Saudi Vision 2030.



Aoun from Riyadh: We Appreciate Role Saudi Arabia Is Playing in Supporting Lebanon

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese Presidency shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C-L) being welcomed by with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (C-R) upon his arrival in Riyadh on March 3, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese Presidency shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C-L) being welcomed by with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (C-R) upon his arrival in Riyadh on March 3, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Aoun from Riyadh: We Appreciate Role Saudi Arabia Is Playing in Supporting Lebanon

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese Presidency shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C-L) being welcomed by with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (C-R) upon his arrival in Riyadh on March 3, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese Presidency shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (C-L) being welcomed by with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman (C-R) upon his arrival in Riyadh on March 3, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on his first official visit abroad since his election in January.

He said the visit “underscores the depth of Lebanese-Saudi relations and is an occasion to express Lebanon’s appreciation to the role the Kingdom plays in supporting its stability and constitutional institutions.”

He added that he was looking forward to the talks he will hold with Crown Prince Mohammed on Monday that will pave the way for a later visit during which agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation between the fraternal nations will be signed.

Moreover, Aoun stressed the visit will be an opportunity to thank Saudi Arabia for hosting Lebanese people who have flocked to it for several years and who continue to do so, noting their contributions to its construction and economic rise.

During his inaugural speech, Aoun had declared that Lebanon will adopt a policy of “positive neutrality” and will steer clear of regional axes.

Lebanon aims to establish the best relations with fraternal Arab countries given Lebanon’s Arab identity and belonging, he remarked.