Saudi Crown Prince Launches Aseer Region Development Strategy

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches Aseer Region Development Strategy

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, launched on Tuesday the Strategy for the Development of the Aseer Region, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Under the theme of “The Arabian Highland”, the strategy aims to achieve comprehensive, unprecedented and sustainable growth for the region through an investment of 50 billion riyals to finance major vital projects from different sources and develop tourism attractions on and around the peaks of the Aseer mountains, turning the region into an all-year-round world destination.

The region will rely on the beauty of its nature and its rich culture, which combines authenticity and modernity. The strategy will also contribute to the social and economic prosperity of the region.

Crown Prince Mohammed announced that the strategy seeks to transform Aseer into an all-year-round tourist destination by 2030. It aims to attract more than 10 million visitors from inside the Kingdom and abroad.

He added that the strategy is underpinned by the natural assets of the region. These assets will be utilized through major tourist projects that will highlight the region’s high mountain peaks, as well as its diverse nature and geography and rich cultural heritage.

He stressed that the Aseer Strategy seeks to attract local and international investments, which will contribute to producing effective and sustainable economic growth through a facilitating package of comprehensive administrative measures that will reinforce the role of tourism and culture as major economic development mechanisms in Aseer.

Crown Prince Mohammed stated the strategy will by 2030 contribute in providing new job opportunities, raising the quality of life and improving the region’s basic services and infrastructure, including communication, healthcare, transport, and other citizen empowering services and facilities.

On this occasion, Prince Turki bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of Aseer Development Authority, conveyed his highest expressions of gratitude and recognition to the Crown Prince for his constant support and deep interest in the Aseer region and its people.



Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the strong partnership between the Kingdom and UNRWA. They also reviewed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges related to these issues.
In a related context, Arab reactions continue after Israel’s publications of maps annexing parts of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Israel’s “extremist” acts that reflect Israel’s “intentions to consolidate its occupation and continue its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of those nations.”
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to fulfill its role in halting Israel’s violations against the countries and peoples of the region.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and borders of nations to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s maps publications, saying it “reflects a state of right-wing extremism and religious obsession prevailing within the Israeli government”.