Saudi Govt Briefed on Biden’s Visit to Kingdom

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Briefed on Biden’s Visit to Kingdom

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet was briefed on Tuesday on the visit paid to the Kingdom by US President Joe Biden in mid-July.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the meeting that was held at the al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Biden’s official two-day visit to the Kingdom included talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and his attendance of the Gulf-Arab summit.

Biden and Saudi officials tackled the strategic partnership that binds Riyadh and Washington. American and Saudi officials signed 18 agreements during Biden’s visit.

The cabinet was also briefed on the messages received by King Salman from the leaders of Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Tajikistan and the telephone call Crown Prince Mohammed received from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The ministers hailed the achievements reached during the Kazak president’s visit to Saudi Arabia where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed.

Delegations from both countries signed agreements to expand their bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.

The cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the meetings of the foreign and finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20, held in Bali, Indonesia.

It reiterated Saudi Arabia’s keenness to boost collective efforts aimed at building bridges with regional and international organizations, in order to increase the effectiveness of joint work towards inclusive and sustainable growth and recovery.

The cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Donor Support Group between July 2022 and June 2023. The presidency consolidates the Kingdom’s position among the world’s leading countries in providing development and humanitarian aid.

The cabinet hailed the outcomes of the Five-Year Committee meeting on Yemen. The committee includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and US. The meeting stressed the importance of the continuation of the truce between the Yemeni parties, full support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy and continued support for the UN humanitarian response plan.

Locally, the ministers stressed the state’s keenness on taking into consideration the neediest citizens as they face the impact of the global rise in prices.

They noted the state’s allocation of SR20 billion in financial support and measures to control the availability of products and price levels, protect and encourage fair competition, and combat and prevent monopolistic practices.

The cabinet applauded Crown Prince Mohammed’s announcement regarding the National Aspirations and Priorities for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) for the next two decades.

The aspirations and priorities are: Health and Wellness; Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs; Energy and Industrial Leadership; and Economies of the Future. They will boost the Kingdom’s global competitiveness and leadership in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthen the Kingdom's position as the largest economy in the region.

The cabinet highlighted the efforts of workers and volunteers in all governmental and private sectors, who contributed to the success of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.



Attacks from Iraq on East-West Pipeline Draw Strong Condemnations

Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
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Attacks from Iraq on East-West Pipeline Draw Strong Condemnations

Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters
Saudi Aramco logo. Reuters

Attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline launched from Iraqi territory drew on Saturday strong condemnations from many countries and organizations.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry blamed the attacks on the East-West pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on several drones that came from Iraq and, in a statement, said the Kingdom would not retaliate to give the Iraqi government “an opportunity to take the necessary measures.”

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) were quick to condemn the attacks.

The statements stressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed all measures taken by the Kingdom to safeguard its territory.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Launch of Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Launch of Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, emphasizing its importance in enhancing integration and reducing duplication of efforts while respecting countries’ national priorities.

In the Kingdom’s speech delivered on the occasion of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil said Saudi Vision 2030 aligns with the priorities of South-South cooperation, particularly in economic diversification, digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, youth empowerment, and the private sector, SPA reported.

He noted that the Saudi Fund for Development has contributed to supporting and financing development projects and programs in more than 100 developing countries across various vital sectors, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuing to work with member states, the United Nations, and partners to strengthen cooperation and achieve more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive development.


GCC Secretary-General Condemns East-West Pipeline Attack in Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Condemns East-West Pipeline Attack in Saudi Arabia

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the targeting of the East-West Pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by several drones launched from Iraq, resulting in casualties and material damage.

He affirmed that the attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi Arabia's security and the safety of its territory and vital facilities, constituting a flagrant violation of the principles of international law.

He stressed the GCC’s categorical rejection of all acts targeting the Kingdom’s security, stability, and national resources, SPA reported.

The GCC secretary-general underscored the importance of the Iraqi government exerting greater efforts and taking necessary and decisive measures to prevent its territory from being used as a launchpad for such attacks, and working to halt and prevent their recurrence, thereby helping preserve the region's security and stability and preventing further escalation.

He reiterated the GCC’s full and steadfast support for Saudi Arabia and its complete backing of all measures and actions taken by the Kingdom to protect its security and stability, the safety of its territory and vital facilities, and its citizens and residents.