Kuwait, Algeria Agree to Promote Joint Arab Action

Kuwait’s Crown Prince and the Algerian President (KUNA)
Kuwait’s Crown Prince and the Algerian President (KUNA)
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Kuwait, Algeria Agree to Promote Joint Arab Action

Kuwait’s Crown Prince and the Algerian President (KUNA)
Kuwait’s Crown Prince and the Algerian President (KUNA)

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met on Wednesday with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is on an official visit to Kuwait.

The meeting saw good-friendly conversations, which reflected the depth of the well-established relations between the two countries.

The two leaders discussed means to support and boost the bilateral ties at all levels to serve their joint interests, highlighting the need for doubled efforts to promote collective Arab action.

Kuwait's Minister of Emiri Diwan, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, said the talks proved that both countries hold identical views on all issues of common concern, including the bilateral relations, the region, and the prospects of joint Arab action, based on a shared commitment to pan-Arab solidarity and unity, and prioritization of dialogue as a means of dispute settlement.

The issues of common concern and the latest developments in the region and the world were discussed, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

In a statement on Facebook, the Algerian presidency said that Tebboune made a two-day visit to Kuwait at the invitation of the Emir.

The presidency said the Crown Prince attended the meeting between the Emir and the Algerian President.

The leaders agreed on the same vision and significant issues of interest in their bilateral relations. They also addressed prospects for promoting joint Arab action.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed their determination to boost joint work and strengthen relations on all fronts between the two countries.

The two leaders are determined to open new horizons for cooperation, deepen the political consultations and promote direct investment by the private and public sectors.

They also agreed to direct the two governments towards creating a more investment-friendly atmosphere in the public and private sectors.

The Kuwaiti officials expressed gratitude to Algeria for supporting the Kuwaiti candidate for the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Kuwait appreciates the role of the Algerian community for their contributions to the development of the country and the enhancement of friendly relations.

"With regard to the Gulf, despite the geographical distance, we in the Maghreb [region] are trying to approach them and defend them," Tebboune said in a meeting with the Algerian community.

The President asserted that Algeria would never accept undermining the security of Kuwait, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia.

The Kuwaiti leadership appreciated the efforts made by Tebboune to host the coming Arab Summit in Algiers and reiterated full support to contribute to its success in meeting the aspirations of the Arab peoples.

Both sides reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and reiterated the call for scaling up the efforts to help restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, according to KUNA.

They reiterated the Palestinians' right to establish their independent state within the borders of pre-June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

They agreed to enhance cooperation between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Algerian Agency of International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development (ALDEC) in backing up the economic development projects in Africa, particularly the Sahara-Sahel region.

The Algerian President expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality he and his delegation received in Kuwait, and extended an invitation to the Emir of Kuwait to visit Algeria.



Saudi Leadership Condoles Governor General of Canada over School Shooting

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Condoles Governor General of Canada over School Shooting

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of condolences to Governor General of Canada Mary Simon over the deadly school shooting in Western Canada.

The Saudi King condemned the heinous criminal act and expressed to the Governor General, the families of the victims, and the friendly people of Canada his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a similar cable of condolences to the Governor General.


Saudi Health Minister: We Act Proactively on Health Risks

Saudi Health Minister: We Act Proactively on Health Risks
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Saudi Health Minister: We Act Proactively on Health Risks

Saudi Health Minister: We Act Proactively on Health Risks

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired Tuesday by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, approved the formation of a permanent committee to oversee all matters related to asbestos and ensure enforcement of its ban, marking a new step in public health and regulatory oversight.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom approaches health risks with a proactive strategy grounded in clear policies and long-term planning.

“Any risk we detect affecting citizens, the government works to develop the necessary tools to avert it and to continue enhancing quality of life,” Al-Jalajel said, citing previous announcements including a national drowning prevention policy and a strategic drug policy.

Saudi action on asbestos dates back years, and the decision to establish a monitoring committee follows earlier Cabinet rulings. Decisions numbered 1419 and 1422 halted the use of asbestos, barred its inclusion in official specifications, and banned its import, export, and manufacture.

The measures also mandated the replacement and safe disposal of asbestos in buildings and water networks, alongside continued studies due to its health and environmental hazards.

Scientifically, asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers once widely used commercially and, in some cases, still in use. Exposure can be fatal, affecting workers and others who come into contact with the fibers.

The material gained commercial value for its exceptional tensile strength, low heat conductivity, and relative resistance to chemical damage. It has been used for insulation in buildings and in products such as roofing sheets, water supply pipes, fire blankets, plastic fillers, medical packaging, vehicle clutches, and brake linings.

There are six main forms of asbestos, with chrysotile, or white asbestos, among the most widely used today. The World Health Organization has concluded that all forms of asbestos cause cancer. It also links asbestos exposure to chronic respiratory diseases.

Because asbestos has been embedded in construction materials, those involved in building, maintaining, or demolishing affected structures may face risks even decades after installation.

WHO assessments classify all six major forms of asbestos as carcinogenic to humans. Exposure, including to chrysotile, is associated with cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary, as well as mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings.

Clear scientific evidence also shows it causes chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and other severe lung damage.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 125 million people worldwide are currently exposed to asbestos at work. More than 107,000 people die each year from lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis linked to occupational exposure.

Globally, asbestos is responsible for more than 200,000 deaths annually, according to the WHO, and accounts for roughly one-third of occupational cancer deaths. Thousands more fatalities each year are attributed to domestic exposure.

As of 2024, 50 countries had banned asbestos. In others, uncertainty remains amid insufficient and incomplete data.

 


SDRPY Hosts Yemen Partners Group with UN and International Participation

Officials are seen at the SDRPY-hosted meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the SDRPY-hosted meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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SDRPY Hosts Yemen Partners Group with UN and International Participation

Officials are seen at the SDRPY-hosted meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the SDRPY-hosted meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY) hosted in Riyadh on Wednesday a meeting of the Yemen Partners Group (YPG), co-chaired by the Yemeni government, United Kingdom, and World Bank, with the participation of the United Nations and international organizations.

Yemeni Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Shaya Mohsin Zindani; UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg; UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Julien Harneis and Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and SDRPY Supervisor General Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, as well as a number of ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and donor entities attended the meeting.

Zindani expressed confidence in the new government and its clearly defined priorities that it will work to implement, which will help achieve stability and economic recovery.

He stressed the government’s aim to maximize benefit from the vital projects and initiatives provided by Saudi Arabia through the SDRPY, which offers important support for basic sectors and for boosting development efforts across Yemen.

Zindani expressed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its continued support to Yemen, commending the level of cooperation with the SDRPY and its efforts in supporting and empowering national institutions.

For his part, Grundberg emphasized the importance of the development projects provided by the Kingdom, particularly at this stage, noting positive indicators in Yemen, especially improvements in energy-sector stability.

Governor of the Central Bank Ahmed Ghaleb reviewed the bank’s priorities, stressing its commitment to transparency, the need to combat inflation, and the importance of international coordination and support to address challenges.

Al Jaber underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to overcome obstacles facing peace and development in Yemen under the leadership of the Yemeni government.

The meeting is an important opportunity to learn about the priorities of the government and Central Bank, strengthening coordination to ensure that development and financial support is directed efficiently and effectively, and to assist donor entities and international organizations in aligning their interventions with the government’s priorities, he added.

The meeting reviewed a package of Saudi development projects worth SAR1.9 billion provided to Yemen in January, which helped boost energy-sector stability through the fuel derivatives grant, ensuring the continued operation of hospitals and vital service facilities.

It reviewed other development projects and initiatives scheduled for delivery during the coming period.