HRC President Praises Saudi Arabia’s Success in Combating Human Trafficking

HRC President Praises Saudi Arabia’s Success in Combating Human Trafficking
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HRC President Praises Saudi Arabia’s Success in Combating Human Trafficking

HRC President Praises Saudi Arabia’s Success in Combating Human Trafficking

President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons Dr. Awad Al-Awwad praised the Kingdom’s successes internationally in combating human trafficking crimes.

In a press statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Friday, Al-Awwad said the Kingdom's progress in the classifications and indicators of combating trafficking in persons internationally is a tangible translation of the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, to ensure the highest standards of protection of human rights in the Kingdom.

He said they are also keen to create a safe environment for decent living to achieve Saudi Vision 2030's objectives.

He stressed that the Kingdom has given great attention to combating trafficking in persons and has put in place strict laws that curb these crimes, prosecute and convict perpetrators, issue strict sentences against them, and provide assistance and care to the victims.

Al-Awwad underlined that the Saudi government has signed several memoranda of cooperation with relevant international organizations and bodies, and has adopted appropriate mechanisms to achieve the highest levels of coordination and cooperation locally between the Human Rights Commission, government agencies and civil society institutions.

This includes the launch of the National Action Plan to combat trafficking in persons, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for cases of trafficking in persons, and taking necessary national measures.

Al-Awwad stressed that the Kingdom does not tolerate trafficking in persons, and will move firmly to reach the best levels in combating this crime, and holding accountable and deterring its perpetrators.



Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments, as well as the ongoing efforts to address them, SPA said.


Qatar: 'Positive Progress' in US-Iran Indirect Talks in Doha

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
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Qatar: 'Positive Progress' in US-Iran Indirect Talks in Doha

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

US and Iran negotiators made "positive progress" during indirect talks in Doha, with the next round expected after the late Iranian supreme leader's funeral, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said.

"Qatar & Pakistan mediators concluded separate meetings with the US & Iranian negotiators in Doha today, with positive progress made on issues related to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, building on the outcomes of the Lake Lucerne Summit," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Wednesday on X.

"The parties agreed to continue discussions over the coming period, with the next meeting to be scheduled at the earliest possible time following the funeral processions of the former Iranian Supreme Leader."

Sources said negotiators from both countries spent two days in Doha discussing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Iran -two pillars of a preliminary agreement signed in June - rather than the more difficult issues that the framework was believed to have paved the way to address.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said the two sides were making progress on potential restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, the main reason he said had prompted him to launch the war in February.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister and head of its delegation, said the talks had concluded. Neither side indicated whether they had narrowed their differences.


Interior Ministry: Drug Smuggling and Trafficking Network Arrested in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
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Interior Ministry: Drug Smuggling and Trafficking Network Arrested in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)

An official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of a criminal network involved in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh region.

The source said Wednesday that 22 suspects were arrested, including 19 Saudi citizens, one of whom is an employee of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, as well as an Ethiopian national in violation of the Border Security Law, a Moroccan female resident, and a Yemeni male resident.

Legal procedures have been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior said the announcement reaffirms the vigilance of the security authorities in confronting all criminal plots aimed at targeting the Kingdom and its youth through narcotics.

It stressed that the security agencies will continue to confront anyone who attempts to undermine the Kingdom's security or the safety of its citizens and residents, regardless of who they may be.