Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia, US Agree to Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Space for Peaceful Purposes

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha with the Saudi delegation and US officials (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and the US have agreed to enhance cooperation in outer space exploration and use for peaceful purposes and in commercial opportunities for space industries.

The announcement came during the official visit of the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission, Abdullah al-Swaha, to the US.

Swaha chaired a delegation representing the digital economy, space, and innovation system in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh and Washington issued a joint statement focusing on enhancing cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and discussing signing a framework agreement on bilateral cooperation in space for peaceful purposes.

Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, and it agreed with the US to expand discussions on potential collaborative activities in space, earth sciences, and space missions.

The Saudi Minister confirmed that the joint statement reflects the ambitions of the two friendly countries to expand the strategic partnership to empower people, protect the planet, and form new horizons for cooperation in space, earth sciences, and exploratory missions.

Swaha indicated that this step would contribute to the sector's sustainability, enhance research and development activities, and accelerate the growth of space-related technologies. It would also develop talents and qualify national cadres through exchanging and transferring experiences between the two sides.



Arab Parliament Condemns Iranian Attacks on Oil and Industrial Facilities in Gulf States

Arab Parliament Condemns Iranian Attacks on Oil and Industrial Facilities in Gulf States
TT

Arab Parliament Condemns Iranian Attacks on Oil and Industrial Facilities in Gulf States

Arab Parliament Condemns Iranian Attacks on Oil and Industrial Facilities in Gulf States

The Arab Parliament condemned the blatant Iranian attacks that targeted oil and industrial facilities in several Gulf states, describing them as a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, and a highly perilous development that threatens the security and stability of the region and exposes global energy security to grave risks.

In a statement, Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al Yamahi affirmed that these hostile acts constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, which prohibit targeting civilian and economic facilities, SPA reported.

He also stressed that targeting oil and industrial infrastructure is not only an infringement upon the sovereignty of Arab states, but also a direct threat to the stability of global energy markets, undermining international efforts aimed at ensuring the security of supplies.

Additionally, Al Yamahi reiterated the Arab Parliament’s full solidarity with the Gulf Arab states and its support for all legitimate measures they take to protect their sovereignty, security, and safeguard their vital resources and facilities.


Saudi Minister of Defense Relays Leadership’s Praise for Armed Forces’ Heroic Role

Prince Khaled bin Salman meeting with leaders and senior officials in the Ministry of Defense following the Eid prayer (Ministry)
Prince Khaled bin Salman meeting with leaders and senior officials in the Ministry of Defense following the Eid prayer (Ministry)
TT

Saudi Minister of Defense Relays Leadership’s Praise for Armed Forces’ Heroic Role

Prince Khaled bin Salman meeting with leaders and senior officials in the Ministry of Defense following the Eid prayer (Ministry)
Prince Khaled bin Salman meeting with leaders and senior officials in the Ministry of Defense following the Eid prayer (Ministry)

Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, conveyed on Friday the praise of the Saudi leadership for the armed forces’ heroic role in defending the Kingdom.

Prince Khalid conveyed the praise of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz for the country’s armed forces in safeguarding security and stability and confronting what they described as unjustified Iranian aggression.

The Saudi Minister’s remarks came after he performed Eid al-Fitr prayers in Riyadh alongside Ministry of Defense personnel, including senior leaders and officials from both civilian and military ranks, as well as officers and non-commissioned officers of the armed forces.

He also met -via video call- with ministry commanders and senior officials, extending Eid greetings and conveying to them the congratulations and regards of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince on the occasion.

Prince Khalid bin Salman prayed for continued blessings, lasting security and prosperity for the nation, and success in its defense.


UAE Says it Dismantled Terrorist Network Funded by Iran, Hezbollah

The cell members arrested by the UAE authorities published by the official news agency (WAM)
The cell members arrested by the UAE authorities published by the official news agency (WAM)
TT

UAE Says it Dismantled Terrorist Network Funded by Iran, Hezbollah

The cell members arrested by the UAE authorities published by the official news agency (WAM)
The cell members arrested by the UAE authorities published by the official news agency (WAM)

United Arab Emirates security authorities have dismantled a terrorist network funded and operated by Lebanon's Hezbollah and its backer Iran, arresting its members, the state news agency (WAM) said on Friday.

It said the network, which had been operating under a fictitious commercial cover, was involved in "money laundering, financing terrorism and threatening national security,” and sought ⁠to undermine financial stability.

Lebanon's ⁠Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as a terrorist plot against the UAE, denounced Hezbollah's alleged involvement, and offered cooperation by Lebanese authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

In a post on X, it also reiterated a Lebanese government decision issued earlier this ⁠month banning Hezbollah's military and security activities.