Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Navy Al-Jubail Crew Conclude Training Program in Spain

Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Naval Forces concluded in Spain's San Fernando a training program on Saturday - Asharq Al-Awsat

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) concluded in Spain on Saturday the training program for the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Al-Jubail”, the first combat ship of the “Sarawat” project, which includes the manufacture and construction of five naval vessels with advanced capabilities to deal with various combat missions with high efficiency.

The training included shooting exercise with missiles type (MICA) of the third version (Block 3), which is used to counter air attacks, and identify targets in a self-guided (Fire and forget) manner.

RSNF Commander Lt. Gen. Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili hailed the Saudi crew for their efficiency and competence in the stages of theoretical and practical training.

He also praised their remarkable ability to fully operate the ship's advanced systems, which culminated in the successful launch of the (MICA) missile and the direct hit and destruction of its target.

Al-Ghufaili said that the ship's crew had completed all training stages and that the ship was in the process of being prepared to sail to Saudi Arabia to be the first ship to join the naval fleet from the "Sarawat" project, which contributes to raising the level of readiness of the RSNF and enhancing maritime security in the region and protect the Kingdom’s vital and strategic interests.

The training program comprised three main phases. The first phase started in the United Kingdom and lasted 46 weeks to learn the English language before moving to Spain where foundational and advanced courses were offered by the Spanish Navy and the University of Cádiz, in addition to courses in operation, maintenance and adaptation to the ship with the Spanish Navy and Navantia, the manufacture of Sarawat Ships project.

The last phase focused on the practical exercises at sea for the crew of "Al-Jubail."

Al-Jubail (Corvette Avanti 2200) is the first ship of the Sarawat project, which was launched four months ago, and is the latest of its type in the world, with capabilities of handling the air, surface, or subsurface targets.

"Sarawat" project is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs to localize 50% of the military industries.



Albudaiwi Condemns Iranian Attack on UAE Tanker in the Strait of Hormuz

UAE flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
UAE flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Albudaiwi Condemns Iranian Attack on UAE Tanker in the Strait of Hormuz

UAE flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)
UAE flag (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi condemned, in the strongest terms, the treacherous attacks that targeted a national carrier affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, SPA reported.

The secretary-general affirmed that the continuation of these brutal Iranian attacks, targeting ships passing through the Strait, constitutes piracy and a serious threat to the security of maritime routes and straits, and represents a flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among them resolution No. 2817.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC’s full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Egyptian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Egyptian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Monday from Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

During the call they discussed the latest developments in the region and stressed the importance of continuing bilateral coordination and consultation in this regard.


GCC Secretary-General Meets with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Meets with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met on Sunday with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed the strategic relations between the GCC and Central Asian states. They also discussed ways to strengthen GCC-Uzbekistan relations and enhance investment and economic cooperation.

Additionally, they exchanged views on international and regional issues, including developments related to Iran and their implications for regional security, underlining the significance of intensifying joint efforts to enhance stability both regionally and globally.