FM Jubeir Affirms Depth of Saudi-French Relations

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, Reuters
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, Reuters
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FM Jubeir Affirms Depth of Saudi-French Relations

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, Reuters
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, Reuters

Saudi Arabia's Foriegn Minister Adel Al-Jubeir affirmed on Thursday that the Kingdom and France have enjoyed an extended relationship for over a century now, highlighting shared views on challenges in the region, including the Palestinian Cause, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iranian interference.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Jubeir said the two powers also share a common view on confronting terrorism and extremism.

The top Saudi diplomat also stressed that the two countries have displayed a desire to intensify cooperation in counter-extremism and anti-terrorism efforts.

This came during a press conference held here today by Minister of Foreign Affairs with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, where Jubeir welcomed the French minister who is currently visiting the Kingdom.

Jubeir also highlighted the meetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held with the French Foreign Minister, describing them as positive and constructive meetings reflecting the historical and strategic relations between the two friendly countries.

Jubeir pointed out to his talks with his French counterpart in addition to consensus of views of the two countries towards the issues in the region.

France's stance towards targeting Riyadh City with a ballistic missile launched by Iran-backed Houthi militia with the support of Hezbollah found praise in Jubeir's remarks.

He also appreciated France's stance towards supporting Lebanon as well as stability in Syria, in addition to seeking a solution in Yemen based on UN Security Council Resolution No. 2216, Gulf initiative and the outcomes of the national dialogue.

For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes within the framework of an old and solid partnership, stressing his country's determination to strengthen this partnership in the future.

Le Drian highlighted his meeting with the King Salman and the Crown Prince, as well as Jubeir, stressing that the views of the two countries are identical on several issues. He also stressed France's keenness on the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon.

He pointed out that the humanitarian situation in Yemen was discussed in addition to the measures that must be taken to deliver humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people. He also pointed out that regional crises were reviewed and efforts to contribute to resolving them were discussed, especially the situation in Syria and Iraq.

He also said that Iran's role and actions were addressed, especially its interference in regional crises and its ballistic program.



KSIA Commences Construction of Third Runway to Enhance Operational Efficiency

 The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
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KSIA Commences Construction of Third Runway to Enhance Operational Efficiency

 The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA

King Salman International Airport (KSIA), a PIF company, has commenced construction works on the third runway, marking a strategic step that reflects continued progress in airfield development and enhances the airport’s operational readiness to support long-term growth in air traffic demand.

The third runway forms a key component of the KSIA Master Plan and represents a major milestone in the airport’s expansion journey.
According to a press release issued by the KSIA, the project is being delivered in collaboration with FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company and has been designed in alignment with Riyadh’s prevailing wind patterns to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations under all operating conditions, SPA reported.

The current operational capacity stands at 65 aircraft movements per hour. With the implementation of operational enhancements and the introduction of the third runway, capacity is expected to increase to 85 aircraft movements per hour, contributing to improved operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth.

The third runway incorporates multiple access taxiways to ensure smooth aircraft flow and will span 4,200 meters in length.

Acting CEO of KSIA Marco Mejia said: “Launching construction of the third runway marks a pivotal step in delivering the KSIA Master Plan and reflects our commitment to developing world-class infrastructure capable of supporting future growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding long-haul connectivity without constraints.”

King Salman International Airport is a strategic and transformative national project that reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to position Riyadh as a global capital and a leading aviation hub. The project was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Salman International Airport, underscoring its national significance and its role in advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Located on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals, in addition to three new terminals, residential and leisure assets, six runways, and logistics facilities. Spanning 57 square kilometers, it is designed to accommodate 100 million passengers annually and handle over two million tons of cargo by 2030.

This phase of construction contributes to strengthening King Salman International Airport’s international flight network across multiple global destinations, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as an internationally connected aviation gateway and supporting national development objectives within the air transport sector.


Prince Abdul Mohsin Airport Receives First Dakar Rally 2026 Arrivals

This comes as part of ongoing preparations to host the global sporting event - SPA
This comes as part of ongoing preparations to host the global sporting event - SPA
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Prince Abdul Mohsin Airport Receives First Dakar Rally 2026 Arrivals

This comes as part of ongoing preparations to host the global sporting event - SPA
This comes as part of ongoing preparations to host the global sporting event - SPA

Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu has received the first arrivals of competitors participating in the Dakar Rally 2026, as part of ongoing preparations to host the global sporting event.

Cluster2 Airports, the operator of Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport, stated that arrivals will continue from December 28 to December 31, with approximately 17 flights, both private and commercial, designated for the arrival of competitors and participating teams, SPA reported.

The process is being handled with a high level of operational readiness and full coordination among the relevant authorities.

Cluster2 Airports affirmed that operational and service preparations at the airports have been completed to ensure smooth passenger movement and the provision of high-quality services to participating delegations, reflecting the efficiency of the affiliated airports and their ability to accommodate major international events.


Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in the Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league also expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement released by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.