Oman’s Sultan Donates $26M to Confront Effects of COVID-19

Kuwaiti health workers upon receiving citizens returning from Frankfurt (AFP)
Kuwaiti health workers upon receiving citizens returning from Frankfurt (AFP)
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Oman’s Sultan Donates $26M to Confront Effects of COVID-19

Kuwaiti health workers upon receiving citizens returning from Frankfurt (AFP)
Kuwaiti health workers upon receiving citizens returning from Frankfurt (AFP)

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Thursday donated 10 million Omani riyals (26 million US dollars) to confront the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the Omani News Agency reported.

The donation came as Haitham bin Tariq chaired a meeting of the Supreme Committee in charge of dealing with the spread of the pandemic.

Oman's sultan stressed that the government will spare no effort to confront the new virus and limit its spread, in order to preserve the health of citizens and residents.

The number of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oman has risen to 109, out of whom 23 have recovered, the health ministry announced on Thursday. Most cases were related to travels to other countries.

Meanwhile, the total number of coronavirus recovering cases in Bahrain reached 204 as of Thursday, according to the country’s ministry of health, which also revealed that another seven were discharged from quarantine after testing negative for the coronavirus.

Up to 30% of the Bahraini citizens who were evacuated from Iran on a chartered flight that arrived Wednesday night tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are receiving treatment.

This was announced last night at a press conference of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus.

Bahraini Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh underlined Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister’s comprehensive approach to stem the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing tailored effective and preventative strategies, such as the decision to limit public gatherings to 5 people.

The minister went on to highlight expectations regarding the upcoming closure of non-essential businesses set to take place between 26 March 2020 to April 9 2020, during which only hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and banks will remain open, and restaurants will limit their service to delivery and takeout only.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque on Friday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of attacks on places of worship, the intimidation of innocent civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood, stressing Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.

It also extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.


MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Denounces Mosque Bombing in Pakistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, the Saudi Press Agency said Saturday.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Mohammed Al-Issa denounced the attack as a grave crime that violates all religious and humanitarian values, stressing the sanctity of human life and places of worship.

He reaffirmed the MWL’s rejection of violence and terrorism in all forms and expressed full solidarity with Pakistan in safeguarding its security and stability. Al-Issa also offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Pakistani people, praying for mercy for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.


Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
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Arab, Slovenia FMs Discuss Gaza Peace Efforts

The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)
The foreign ministers meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (SPA)

The foreign minister of several Arab countries and Slovenia met in Ljubljana on Friday to discuss efforts to boost regional and international security and stability, with focus on the Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egyptian FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Bahraini FM Abdullatif Al-Zayani, and Qatari FM Sultan Al Muraikhi and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

The FMs stressed the need to respect and fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They discussed the need to deliver sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to the enclave.

They tackled efforts to ensure the success of the peace plan launched by US President Donald Trump, and progress towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution.

The ministers discussed the situation in the occupied West Bank, stressing the need to halt illegal unilateral Israeli measures there and Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, which are deepening tensions and undermining all de-escalation efforts.

The ministers commended Slovenia's support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its recognition of the State of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The talks also addressed developments in the region, ways to reduce tensions through negotiation and dialogue, and efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.