Saudi Arabia Implements Second Phase of Human Trafficking Protection Agreements

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Implements Second Phase of Human Trafficking Protection Agreements

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has started putting into action the second phase agreements of its project to boost efforts in protecting victims of human trafficking.

This initiative is in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The announcement came from Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and Chair of the Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, during a seminar in Riyadh.

The seminar, focused on enhancing cooperation in combating human trafficking, gathered local and international experts to discuss challenges and global best practices in fighting these crimes.

It’s part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, with government and international organization participation, to find better ways to combat and prevent human trafficking.

The seminar looked at laws and institutions, both nationally and internationally, designed to fight human trafficking. It also discussed regional and global agreements that set standards for fighting these crimes.

The goal was to raise awareness about common patterns of trafficking, recent developments, best ways to protect against it, and how to learn from successful global efforts to combat it.

Speakers stressed the need to work together to fight human trafficking and find new ways beyond the usual methods. They talked about the importance of having better ways to identify trafficking and help victims quickly, while also protecting their dignity.

They pointed out that trafficking crosses borders, violates human rights, and takes away freedom and dignity.

They said it’s crucial to have policies that focus on human rights, treat victims equally, and provide them with the care and support they need to integrate back into society.

They also talked about the importance of addressing the reasons behind trafficking and fixing gaps that let traffickers escape punishment, leaving victims without justice.



Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
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Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.


Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Sign General Cooperation Agreement

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Sign General Cooperation Agreement

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon meet in Ljubljana on Friday. (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Arabia and Slovenia signed on Friday a General Cooperation Agreement aimed at boosting cooperation across various fields.

The agreement was signed between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon in Ljubljana.

The agreement also aims at intensifying joint efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the leadership and peoples of both countries toward further progress and prosperity, said a Saudi Foreign Ministry statement.

Prince Faisal and Fajon held a meeting to discuss bilateral relations and means to develop them in various fields.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Islamabad Mosque

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

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque on Friday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of attacks on places of worship, the intimidation of innocent civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood, stressing Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.

It also extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

A suicide blast at a mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad killed at least 31 people and wounded scores more during Friday prayers.