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Saudi Crown Prince Most Popular Foreign Leader Among Indonesians

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, (PHOTO CREDIT: Bandar Al-Jaloud)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, (PHOTO CREDIT: Bandar Al-Jaloud)
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Saudi Crown Prince Most Popular Foreign Leader Among Indonesians

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, (PHOTO CREDIT: Bandar Al-Jaloud)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, (PHOTO CREDIT: Bandar Al-Jaloud)

A public opinion poll conducted by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute showed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the most popular figure among world leaders in Indonesia.

According to the results of the poll announced by the Australian Research Center on its website on April 4 and published by CNN Indonesia on Tuesday, the popularity of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Indonesia surpassed the popularity of US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Indonesia, which has a population of 257 million, is the most populous Muslim country and the 4th most populous country in the world.

Lowy Institute is a prestigious international think tank that provides high-quality research and distinctive perspectives on the international trends shaping Australia and the world.

The institute takes care of opinion polls about the most influential leaders and politicians in the world since its inception in 2003.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has won the trust of 57 percent of the Indonesian respondents, followed by the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan with 52 percent, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President Joe Biden with 44 percent, followed by Russian President Vladimir Putin with 40 percent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un have won the trust of 34 percent of the respondents, while the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the confidence of only 38 percent of the respondents.

The Lowy Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 3,000 Indonesians aged between 17 and 65, from 33 provinces between Nov. 29 and Dec. 24, 2021. The survey also found that the majority of respondents, at a staggering 74 percent, said they had confidence in the leadership of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo.

It is noteworthy that this was not the first time Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had topped the global scene among the most popular and most influential leaders. He was included in the “50 List” of the 50 most influential figures in the field of economy, politics, culture and technology, who have left an impact on the course of trade in the world during the year 2017.

In 2018, the Arab Youth chose Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the most influential figure in a survey that included the opinions of young men and women from 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, against a large number of international figures, including former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and others.

The annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey 2018 showed that the Saudi Crown Prince’s reforms, his fight against corruption, allowing women to drive, and his taking many steps to reform the economy, society and security in the region, were behind his selection as an “inspiring figure for Arab youth.”

In 2021, the Arab League awarded the Crown Prince with the “Development Action Shield” certificate for the year 2021, and this was in recognition of his efforts in supporting and promoting joint Arab action and his role in promoting the comprehensive development approach in the Kingdom and the Arab world.

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Gulf

Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj Minister Inspects Readiness of Mina Camps Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah during his inspection tour on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah inspected on Tuesday the readiness of the camps in Mina ahead of the Hajj, as part of field tours to assess service levels.

He noted that preparations began early, boosting camp readiness and operational efficiency through coordinated efforts among relevant entities.

New electronic systems have been introduced this year to monitor pilgrim movement and regulate entry and exit from the camps, alongside the installation of signage at entrances and exits indicating departure and return times and other instructions, he revealed.

The measures support crowd management and bolster pilgrim safety, aligning with the ministry’s efforts to ensure full readiness and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.

The General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj.

The presidency emphasized on Tuesday its commitment to leveraging its religious and scholarly resources to serve pilgrims and provide guidance and instruction to help them perform the Hajj rituals in accordance with correct Prophetic teachings.

The presidency's staff, including scholars, preachers, and translators, welcomed pilgrims, guided them, and responded to their inquiries.

The services were delivered through various platforms, including interactive screens, printed materials, and direct guidance, reflecting the Two Holy Mosques’ scholarly and outreach mission to promote the values of moderation and tolerance and to foster intercultural dialogue among Muslims.

Gulf

Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Qatar Warns Against Internationalizing Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Asharq Al-Awsat

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majed Al Ansari has said that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would transform the regional crisis into a global one.

He stressed on Tuesday that the strait is connected to the energy sector, supply and logistics chains, export and re-export operations.

“The impact of closing the strait would be felt even at the household level and basic services in countries thousands of kilometers away from the region," Al Ansari warned.

He also stressed that ensuring that the strait remains open to navigation is a shared international responsibility, expressing Qatar's commitment to its international partners and its continued role as a reliable partner in the energy sector, while continuing coordination to ensure maritime security and market stability

“Reaching solutions to this crisis represents a priority for Qatar's national security and national interests and those of its partners,” he said.

Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar continues to maintain ongoing communication with various parties, including the United States, to follow developments and to support efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to end the crisis.

During the Ministry's weekly media briefing, Al Ansari stressed Qatar's full support for the efforts undertaken by Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the US.

Regarding Lebanon, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's firm position in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, condemning violations and attacks that resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement, and welcoming the ceasefire as an initial step toward de-escalation.

He also stressed the need for full adherence to the ceasefire.

“All regional crises can only be resolved through the negotiating table,” he added.

Gulf

Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
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Gulf Underscores Support for Lebanon’s Security, Stability

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi speaks at the symposium in Riyadh on Tuesday. (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed on Tuesday the council’s firm support for Lebanon and everything that can bolster its security, stability and sovereignty.

Albudaiwi sponsored a symposium on GCC relations with Lebanon, “Challenges and Drivers”, organized by the Political Affairs and Negotiations Sector at the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The event was attended by a number of ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, as well as officials and experts.

Albudaiwi said GCC countries “view Lebanon as an integral part of its Arab surroundings and an important pillar of regional stability.”

“Relations between the GCC countries and Lebanon are historic and robust, built and consolidated on many foundations and bonds, foremost among them the bond of brotherhood, which has remained unchanged despite all developments and circumstances,” he stressed.

The leaders of GCC countries have repeatedly underlined the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 in Lebanon. They have also repeatedly expressed their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, added Albudaiwi.

“The GCC welcomes the steps taken by the government to extend the state’s control over all Lebanese territory and ensure that arms are held exclusively by the state, as an indispensable foundation for restoring stability and building trust with the Arab and international communities,” he went on to say.

“During our visits to Beirut and our meetings with Lebanese leaders, we were keen to convey a clear message that the GCC countries will remain an active partner in supporting Lebanon and its recovery,” he remarked.

He acknowledged the complex challenges Lebanon is currently facing, which require concerted international efforts to support and assist it.

He noted that the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in the displacement of more than a million people and left more than 2,000 dead, places Lebanon before a major humanitarian and security challenge.

Albudaiwi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the international community and regional organizations to support the capabilities of the Lebanese army, control borders, and combat smuggling and illicit activities, “to restore Lebanon’s position as a trusted partner within its Arab and international surroundings.”

“GCC countries will remain by Lebanon’s side,” he declared.

“Lebanon’s future begins from within, through the will of its people and their ability to build a strong and stable state,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that Lebanon “is capable of overcoming its crises and returning to its natural role within its Arab surroundings, with the support of its brothers and friends, the determination of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership.”