Saudi Arabia Ends Entry Ban, Keeps Some Coronavirus Restrictions

Travelers wearing protective face masks walk at Riyadh International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Travelers wearing protective face masks walk at Riyadh International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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Saudi Arabia Ends Entry Ban, Keeps Some Coronavirus Restrictions

Travelers wearing protective face masks walk at Riyadh International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Travelers wearing protective face masks walk at Riyadh International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Saudi Arabia said that entry to the kingdom by sea land and air will be resumed starting Sunday after a ban that lasted two weeks amid fears of a new coronavirus variant, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

A ministry of interior official said that some restrictions including asking people coming from countries where the new variant spread such as the UK, South Africa, and any others, to stay at least 14 days out of these countries before entering the kingdom.

Saudi citizens who are allowed to enter for humanitarian and essential cases, coming from countries where the new Covid-19 variant spread, are required to remain in their homes for 14 days for observation.

Cases of the new variant, which was first detected in the UK, have been reported in European countries including France, Sweden, and Spain. It has also been detected in South Africa, Jordan, Canada, and Japan.

Saudi Arabia has started rolling out vaccines against COVID-19, starting with those considered high risk.

The Kingdom has also seen a steady decline in the number of new cases and deaths from the pandemic.



Saudi Leaders Congratulate Qatar on National Day, Niger on Republic Day

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leaders Congratulate Qatar on National Day, Niger on Republic Day

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

The Saudi leadership congratulated Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on his country's National Day, the Saudi Press agency reported on Thursday. 

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent separate cables to the Emir wishing him continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Qatar steady progress and prosperity. 

The Saudi leadership also congratulated President of Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani on Republic Day. 


MWL Condemns Israel’s Approval of New Settlements in the West Bank

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Israel’s Approval of New Settlements in the West Bank

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

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned Israel’s approval of the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the MWL's General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa denounced the decision as a continuation of the occupation government’s persistent policy of violating international laws and United Nations resolutions, and of undermining the prospects for a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

He called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to put an end to these violations and to enforce relevant international resolutions in the occupied Palestinian territories.


Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from French Foreign Minister

zSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo/Reuters)
zSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo/Reuters)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from French Foreign Minister

zSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo/Reuters)
zSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo/Reuters)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Noël Barrot, SPA reported.

During the call, they discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments.