Saudi Govt. Stresses Need to Respect COVID-19 Preventive Measures

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt. Stresses Need to Respect COVID-19 Preventive Measures

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the need for citizens and residents to adhere to the preventive measures aimed at curbing the novel coronavirus.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the virtual cabinet meeting.

The ministers reviewed the measures the Kingdom has been taking to ease the restrictions imposed over the outbreak.

King Salman emphasized that the health of the citizens and residents was his top priority.

The cabinet hailed the huge support King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, have offered the concerned sectors, allowing them to improve their efforts in preparing for and containing the outbreak.

They praised the concerned authorities for raising awareness among the people, maintaining the health sector and doubling the capacities of labs, intensive care units and number of ventilators.

The cabinet expressed its great confidence in the capacity of the health sector and its advanced capabilities, which were provided by the wise leadership through financial and moral support.

It noted the state’s investment in the health infrastructure over the years, which has allowed it to respond rapidly and with high efficiency to the challenges caused by the pandemic. This has enabled it to provide health care to all despite the difficult conditions sparked by the outbreak and effectively saving lives.

The government also addressed last week's 2020 donor conference for Yemen that was hosted by Saudi Arabia in partnership with the United States at the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed. The event saw the participation of 126 parties from 66 countries, as well as several UN and non-government agencies. The conference pledged 1.35 billion dollars for Yemen, including 50 million pledged by Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom will continue to support the Yemeni people and exert all efforts to reach a sustainable political solution to their conflict.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments. It again welcomed Egypt’s efforts that are aimed at resolving the Libyan conflict. The Cairo Declaration, announced on Saturday, called for a ceasefire, resuming political talks and electing a leadership council.

The ministers also rejected Israel’s plans to annex territories in the occupied West Bank, condemning any potential unilateral measures and any violations of international resolutions. The ministers also expressed their rejection of any move that would hamper the resumption of the peace process that is aimed at achieving security and stability in the region. Saudi Arabia remains committed to Palestinian people and their choices.



Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

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 Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

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 phone call on Wednesday from Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

Discussions stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and addressed regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.