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OIC Secretary-General: E-Draw Consolidated Fairness in Pilgrim Selection

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Secretary-General: E-Draw Consolidated Fairness in Pilgrim Selection

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, said that the success of the Hajj seasons every year was “a clear message to all those who question Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims.”

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Taha noted that the smart systems developed by the Kingdom allow those wishing to perform the Hajj to register directly to obtain the visas, through an electronic draw that promotes fairness in the selection of the pilgrims, in accordance with the quota dedicated to each country.

Pilgrims services

Taha said that Saudi Arabia was deploying all efforts to provide the needs of the pilgrims through harmonious and organizational procedures and a package of smart systems, including the creation of a government e-portal that allows those wishing to perform the Hajj to register directly to obtain the visas. He stressed that the e-draw process has allowed the fair selection of pilgrims based on the quota of each country, emphasizing that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah was closely coordinating with the relevant bodies to ensure transparency and commitment to the new systems.

The Saudi role

According to the OIC secretary-general, the development of the new systems comes within the framework of the great attention given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to providing the best facilities to the pilgrims, which reflects the honorable image of the Kingdom in the service of the Two Holy Mosques.

Taha added that the comprehensive plans within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 enhance the great development projects and the level of services provided to pilgrims.

The success of the Hajj season

Saudi Arabia takes into account the diversity of cultures and languages of pilgrims, through a comprehensive approach aimed at facilitating their performance of rituals without obstacles, the OIC secretary-general told Asharq Al-Awsat.

For example, the Saudi authorities are working on printing and distributing prayer books in all languages, as well as some guide books upon the pilgrims’ departure.

Taha also pointed to the creation of the Islamic electronic library, which contains all the Ministry’s written, read and audio versions of Hajj and Umrah books in different languages.

The OIC secretary-general stressed that Saudi Arabia, with all its concerned agencies, was able to work in full swing according to a clear plan of action for the success of the Hajj season, while providing the necessary care to the pilgrims, beginning with facilitating their access to the holy places, and their performance of the various rituals.

The Kingdom has proven its success by providing and developing the best services to the pilgrims year after year, he underlined, pointing that the country has overcome many challenges faced since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, by implementing many preventive measures that have proven successful and feasible.

Hajj and Islamophobia

Taha noted that Muslims of all nationalities, languages, races and colors flock to the greatest gatherings that embody their faith, unity, and the meanings of brotherhood, tolerance and love. These meanings, as Taha said, are meant to highlight the correct image that refutes misconceptions about Islam and Muslims and accusations of terrorism, as Islam condemns all forms of extremism and terrorism.

The OIC and Palestine

Taha asserted that the OIC realized the importance and necessity of contributing to providing economic and humanitarian support to the Palestinian people, as well as political support for their legitimate rights on the international scene.

In this regard, the organization works to enhance the joint responsibility of member-states towards strengthening the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and alleviating their suffering, which has recently exacerbated as a result of the Israeli occupation policies based on the seizure of tax funds and illegal confiscation of land and natural resources.

He added that the OIC has maintained coordination and cooperation with its affiliated agencies, especially the Islamic Development Bank, in order to expand the economic empowerment program for the Palestinian people, as well as activating the Development Endowment Fund to support Palestinian refugees, which was established based on a decision issued by the 46th session of the organization’s Council of Foreign Ministers.

The OIC General Secretariat also continues to urge member states to increase their contributions to the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Taha remarked.

He continued: “The General Secretariat follows up on political and field developments in Palestine and submits periodic reports to member states. It also maintains its contacts and consultations with the official authorities in the State of Palestine in order to coordinate and unify the joint political movements and efforts of the Islamic group in international forums, with the aim of confronting and exposing Israeli violations.”

Meetings with US officials

The OIC secretary-general told Asharq Al-Awsat that he held a session of talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in May, as part of the strategic dialogue with the United States.

This dialogue falls within the framework of cooperation with international partners, including non-members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United Nations and other international organizations, with the aim to contribute to enhancing the values of understanding, consolidating the foundations of international peace and security, strengthening the position of the Organization and serving its causes.

Taha noted that his talks with Blinken touched on Palestine and Afghanistan, humanitarian, social and cultural issues, in addition to Islamophobia, the status of Muslim communities and minorities in non-member countries, extremism and terrorism, as well as health and climate.

The strategic dialogue provided the opportunity for the delegation of the General Secretariat to reflect the positions of the organization and highlight its stance on issues of common concern, he stressed, adding that the US side has appreciated the important role of the organization on the international scene.

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Interviews

Italian Defense Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Relations with Saudi Arabia at an Unprecedented Strategic Strength

Guido Crosetto said Rome and Riyadh are working to support the success of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran (Italian Ministry of Defense).
Guido Crosetto said Rome and Riyadh are working to support the success of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran (Italian Ministry of Defense).
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Italian Defense Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Relations with Saudi Arabia at an Unprecedented Strategic Strength

Guido Crosetto said Rome and Riyadh are working to support the success of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran (Italian Ministry of Defense).
Guido Crosetto said Rome and Riyadh are working to support the success of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran (Italian Ministry of Defense).

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said relations between Rome and Riyadh have reached an unprecedented level of strategic strength, noting that the two countries are working to build genuine partnerships based on joint development, integrated supply chains, skills transfer, and the development of local capabilities.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Crosetto stressed that cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia has become essential for strengthening peace and stability in the Middle East, adding that both countries are working together to support the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran in order to prevent regional escalation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, the minister described the Saudi economic environment as highly attractive, noting that the event reflects the Kingdom’s growing pivotal role in technological and industrial innovation and provides a platform for discussing future scenarios and emerging technologies.

Strategic Strength

Crosetto said relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy are “excellent” and “at an unprecedented stage of strategic strength.”

He noted: “Political understanding between our leaders has established a framework of trust that translates into tangible and structured cooperation in the defense sector, both militarily and industrially. Our countries share fundamental principles: reliable partnerships, honoring commitments, the importance of diplomacy, and adherence to international law. This makes our cooperation stable, predictable, and oriented toward the long term.”

The Italian minister said the Saudi economic environment is highly attractive (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Dialogue Between the Armed Forces

Crosetto noted that dialogue between the armed forces of the two countries is ongoing and includes the exchange of operational expertise, doctrines, strategic analyses, and regional scenario assessments, adding that this “enhances interoperability and mutual understanding.”

He stressed that the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are two closely interconnected strategic regions, and their security represents a shared interest for Italy and Saudi Arabia.

"In this context, cooperation between Rome and Riyadh is essential to strengthening peace and stability in the Middle East, with particular attention to supporting political solutions in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, as well as advancing the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, which are a critical element in preventing regional escalation.”

According to the minister, “this political commitment is complemented by a practical commitment,” noting that Italy is among the most active Western countries in providing healthcare to Palestinian civilians through medical evacuations, the transport of humanitarian aid, and the deployment of naval medical capabilities. He described this as “a concrete example of how military tools can serve humanitarian and stabilization objectives.”

Meeting Between the Crown Prince and Meloni

The Italian defense minister said the meeting between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman gave strong momentum to bilateral relations.

“At the military level, cooperation is expanding in training, logistics, military doctrine, technological innovation, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. There is also growing interest in emerging domains, including cyberspace, outer space, and advanced systems.”

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in AlUla, January 2025 (SPA).

He continued: “At the industrial level, we are moving beyond the traditional client-supplier relationship and seeking to build real partnerships based on joint development, integrated supply chains, skills transfer, and the development of local capabilities.”

Saudi Arabia a Key Partner for Italy’s Energy Security

Crosetto emphasized that cooperation between Italian companies and their Saudi counterparts in defense capabilities, technology transfer, aviation projects, and shipbuilding is fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s industrial, technological, and human capital base.

“Italian companies’ contributions are not limited to providing platforms; they also include expertise, training, and engineering support. This approach extends beyond the defense sector to infrastructure, technology, tourism, and major projects such as NEOM, highlighting the complementarity between our economies.”

He continued: “Cooperation also includes the energy sector and the energy transition, as Saudi Arabia is a key partner for Italy’s energy security, with growing collaboration in hydrogen and renewable energy. In addition, there is an emerging strategic focus on critical and strategic raw materials, a sector in which the Kingdom is investing heavily and which could see significant growth in both industrial and technological cooperation.”

Saudi Economic Environment Highly Attractive

Crosetto said the recent Italian 'Industry Days' forum held in Riyadh, organized in cooperation between the two countries’ defense ministries, sent a very strong signal of expanding bilateral cooperation, attracting both small and medium-sized enterprises and major industrial groups and leading to the creation of tangible operational links.

“The Saudi economic environment is highly attractive, featuring major public investments, a streamlined tax system, incentives for materials and equipment, and double-taxation avoidance agreements, making the Kingdom a strategic industrial partner.”

He added: “Trade exchange is not limited to the defense sector. Italian products are in strong demand in other sectors such as machinery, fashion, design, and pharmaceuticals. Bilateral agreements exceeding €10 billion include major companies such as 'Leonardo' and 'Fincantieri'.”

Visit of Prince Khalid bin Salman

The Italian defense minister said the visit of his Saudi counterpart Prince Khalid bin Salman, to Rome, strengthened dialogue between the two countries, noting that discussions “covered diverse sectors, from space to naval domains, and from aviation to helicopters, with a primary focus on military cooperation, training, and the exchange of joint strategic analyses.”

Prince Khalid bin Salman during his meeting with Italian industrial companies in Rome, October 2024 (SPA).

World Defense Show in Riyadh

Crosetto said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the third edition of the World Defense Show reflects the Kingdom’s growing central role in technological and industrial innovation and provides a platform for discussing future scenarios, emerging technologies, and cooperation models.

“I believe it is important for a country with promising investment prospects such as Saudi Arabia to host an international event that enables direct dialogue with the world’s leading companies in a continuously expanding sector.”

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto (Italian Ministry of Defense).

He concluded: “In this context, I am confident that the model of cooperation between Italy and the Kingdom - based on dialogue, mutual trust, and a long-term vision - represents an example of how to combine strategic interests, innovation, and responsibility.

"On this basis, we will continue working side by side to strengthen a partnership that goes beyond the present, contributes to regional stability, and creates tangible opportunities for our two countries and for the international community as a whole.”

Interviews

Bin Habrish to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hadhramaut on Threshold of New Era

Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, First Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, First Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Bin Habrish to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hadhramaut on Threshold of New Era

Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, First Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, First Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut (Asharq Al-Awsat)

After nearly 500 days spent in the mountains and highlands, Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, First Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut and commander of the Hadhramaut Protection Forces, has returned to the provincial capital, Mukalla, declaring what he described as the beginning of a “new phase” that will shape a different future for Yemen’s largest eastern governorate.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat from his residence overlooking the Arabian Sea, Bin Habrish said Hadhramaut is currently experiencing “a state of stability and reassurance,” which he attributed to the steadfastness of its people and to Saudi support and intervention that came “at the right time.”

He said the current ambition is to build a state based on institutions under which all citizens are united, while preserving Hadhramaut’s distinct character. Bin Habrish also affirmed his commitment to integrating the Hadhramaut Protection Forces into “fair” state institutions.

Addressing security concerns, he described terrorism as “manufactured” and said it has no social base in Hadhramaut. He accused external powers and local actors of exploiting it for their own agendas, while stressing readiness to confront terrorism in all its forms.

Bin Habrish offered his account of the recent handover of military camps led by the Nation’s Shield Forces, saying the achievements were made possible by the resistance of Hadhramaut’s people on their own land, and by Saudi support and what he called the Kingdom’s “honest and decisive” stance at a critical moment.

He said this outcome would not have been possible without the “genuine bond” between Hadhramaut’s society and Saudi Arabia, adding that this relationship has helped restore security and stability to Mukalla after what he described as unnecessary turmoil.

“We were not satisfied with the arrival of forces and the internal conflict and fighting that followed,” he said, adding that some parties felt emboldened and left no room for dialogue.

He accused the Southern Transitional Council of deploying its forces and “fully occupying the governorate,” stressing that Hadhramaut belongs to its people and that any mistake should have been addressed locally, not imposed by force. “We were compelled to resist,” he said, citing home raids and pursuits as “wrong and unjustified.”

Open Channels with Saudi Arabia

Bin Habrish credited Saudi Arabia’s leadership — King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, along with the Special Committee and the Joint Forces Command — for Hadhramaut’s current stability.

He said coordination with the Kingdom takes place “at the highest levels,” with open channels and no barriers, praising Saudi intentions and expressing deep appreciation for its support.

A New Era

Bin Habrish said Hadhramaut is entering a new era rooted in its traditions of peace, wisdom, and culture. He reiterated calls for self-rule based on historical grounds, describing it as the minimum requirement for enabling Hadhramaut to build its institutions and deliver services.

He urged unity, mutual compromise, and prioritizing the governorate’s interests, saying: “We forgive and open a new page. We are not seeking revenge. What matters is that Hadhramaut remains at the center of decision-making. Without it, there can be no development.”

Interviews

President of Madagascar to Asharq Al-Awsat: Three-Pillar Economic Plan to Revive the Country

President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina (Presidency)
President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina (Presidency)
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President of Madagascar to Asharq Al-Awsat: Three-Pillar Economic Plan to Revive the Country

President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina (Presidency)
President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina (Presidency)

President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina said his country views Saudi Arabia as its “main partner” in the phase of “refoundation” and in building a new development model, revealing to Asharq Al-Awsat a three-pillar economic plan aimed at restoring political and institutional stability, activating structural sectors, and improving the business environment to attract investment, with a focus on cooperation in mining and natural resources, including rare minerals.

In his first interview with an Arab newspaper since assuming office in October, Randrianirina said in remarks delivered via Zoom from his presidential office that Madagascar “possesses real potential in energy, agriculture, mining, tourism, and human capital,” stressing that driving national revival requires consolidating institutional stability and building balanced partnerships with countries such as Saudi Arabia in order to translate potential into tangible outcomes for citizens and youth.

Three-Pillar Economic Plan

The president explained that his plan is based on three main pillars. The first focuses on restoring political and institutional stability through a clear transitional roadmap, the establishment of an executive body to manage and review projects, and the formation of a supporting committee to ensure an orderly and transparent transition.

The second pillar centers on investment in structural sectors, including energy, ports, digital transformation, health, and mining, in partnership with Saudi Arabia and other partners, with the aim of removing the main obstacles to economic revival.

The third pillar, he said, targets creating an attractive environment for investors by improving the business climate, strengthening public-private partnerships, activating special economic zones, and leveraging regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to open broader African markets through Madagascar.

Strategic Partnership and “Investment-Ready” Projects

On plans to enhance economic, investment, and trade cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Madagascar, Randrianirina said his objective is to build a long-term strategic partnership within a clear institutional framework and through flagship projects with tangible impact for both countries.

He proposed the creation of a joint Madagascar–Saudi investment body, to be known as “OIMS,” to coordinate and finance projects in energy, ports, health, digital governance, mining, agriculture, and tourism. He noted that Madagascar is simultaneously preparing a package of investment-ready projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Africa’s regional integration, in order to provide organized and secure opportunities for Saudi capital and expertise.

Saudi Arabia as the “Main Partner”

Randrianirina emphasized that Madagascar considers Saudi Arabia a key partner in priority sectors. In energy and refining, he said the country plans to establish a national oil refinery, supply fuel directly from the Kingdom, and jointly develop heavy oil resources in western Madagascar.

In ports and logistics, he pointed to efforts to modernize and expand the ports of Toliara and Mahajanga to position Madagascar as a logistics and energy hub in the Indian Ocean.

Regarding digital transformation and secure governance, he said Madagascar aims to launch a secure national digital platform for public administration and security, drawing on Saudi experience.

He also highlighted mining and natural resources, including rare minerals, as a cornerstone of cooperation, with the goal of improving valuation and ensuring traceability of Malagasy gold and other mineral resources in a transparent and mutually beneficial manner. He further expressed interest in the health sector, proposing the establishment of a royal health complex in Antananarivo, followed by a gradual expansion of similar facilities in other regions.

Planned Visit to Riyadh

The President said Madagascar is working with Saudi authorities to arrange an official visit in the near future, with the date to be determined in coordination with the Kingdom.

He described the visit as an important opportunity to meet and engage with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting that Vision 2030 has brought about a qualitative transformation in the Kingdom’s image and economic trajectory. He said Saudi Arabia has strengthened its role as a major player in economic modernization, energy diversification, digital transformation, and global investment, while maintaining its central role in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

He added that the reforms and major projects achieved under the vision are a source of inspiration for Madagascar’s refoundation efforts, expressing a desire to benefit from the Saudi experience in areas including energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, health, and natural resource development.

The president said he hopes the visit will include meetings with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as sectoral meetings covering energy, ports, digital transformation, health, mining, defense and security, trade, culture, and sports, alongside discussions on establishing the joint investment body.

Historical Links with the Arab World

Randrianirina noted that Madagascar had historical links with the Arab world prior to the arrival of Western powers, explaining that Arab sailors, traders, and scholars reached its coasts and left their mark on certain languages, place names, and customs.

Three Major Challenges

The president acknowledged three main challenges facing his country: poverty and food insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and weak institutions. He said a large segment of the population still lives in poverty and that food security is not guaranteed in several regions, stressing that addressing these challenges requires investment in agriculture and rural infrastructure and the search for partners to support sustainable value chains that improve farmers’ incomes.

On infrastructure, he said the capacity of the energy and port sectors remains insufficient, hindering growth and trade, noting that upcoming discussions with Saudi Arabia focus on projects such as the refinery, heavy oil development, the ports of Toliara and Mahajanga, and digital infrastructure. He added that repeated crises have weakened institutions, and that his government is working to strengthen the rule of law, anti-corruption mechanisms, and public investment governance through independent oversight and transparent reporting to restore trust.

Combating Corruption

The President said financial corruption is a serious problem in Madagascar as it undermines public trust and diverts resources away from development. He explained that the anti-corruption strategy is based on three levels: establishing an executive body with clear procedures, independent audits, and periodic reporting; using digitalization to improve traceability and reduce misuse; and strengthening anti-corruption bodies while supporting judicial independence.

When asked about allegations of financial corruption linked to the previous leadership, he said his focus is on institutions rather than personal accusations, stressing that addressing any allegations falls under the jurisdiction of the competent judicial and oversight bodies, which must be protected from political interference and allowed to operate in accordance with the law and due process.

Duty to the Country and Its Youth

The president concluded by saying that he assumed office out of a sense of duty toward the country and its youth, noting that young people represent a significant demographic weight in Madagascar and are demanding change, dignity, and a better future through jobs, education, stability, and opportunities within their own country.