Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi banks now have a stronger and more influential social responsibility in the Kingdom especially after 11 banks have announced supporting the Health Endowment Fund, confirming their important role in alleviating the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic.

The global crisis sheds new light on Saudi banks, which announced the donation of approximately SR158.7 million to enhance public health in the country and counter COVID - 19.

The banks' contribution to support the health sector in the face of the novel virus shows their initiative and sense of responsibility.

In detail, the banks’ donations were distributed as follows: the National Commercial Bank came in first with a donation of SR33 million, followed by al-Rajhi Bank with SR25 million, the Riyadh Bank with SR17 million, Saudi Arabian British Bank put forward SR17 million, Samba Bank donated SR16.5 million, Arab National Bank SR12 million, Banque Saudi Fransi SR12 million, Saudi Investment Bank SR6.5 million, al-Jazira Bank with SR5.6 million, Bilad Bank SR5.6 million, and Gulf International Bank gave SR2 million.

The Health Endowment Fund was established by the Ministry of Health in 2008 as the first specialized endowment fund in Saudi Arabia. It is chaired by the Minister of Health and it aims to contribute effectively to health development, cater to needs of patients, and finance preventive programs and health research.



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.