Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors
Sri Lanka’s state minister for foreign affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, and Saudi Arabia’s vice minister for human resources, Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain co-chair the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee in Riyadh on May 22, 2023. (Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Updated 23 May 2023
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Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors
  • Officials identified 63 areas for further cooperation, including environment, agriculture 
  • MoU on political consultations ‘an important achievement,’ Saudi envoy says 

COLOMBO: Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are broadening their political consultation and expanding bilateral cooperation to over 60 areas, officials of both countries have told Arab News after their first joint committee meeting. 

A delegation of Sri Lankan officials was in Riyadh over the weekend for the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee, which was established to expand bilateral engagements. 

The session was co-chaired by Saudi Vice Minister for Human Resources Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain and Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka’s state minister for foreign affairs. “I am extremely pleased with our growing bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Balasuriya told Arab News.   

“The recently concluded joint commission has identified 63 areas for cooperation in various sectors.” 

The two countries also signed a memorandum on political consultations, marking a new step in bilateral relations. 

“The MoU on political consultations provides opportunities for discussions between our two foreign ministries periodically. That will immensely help in the process of (enhancing) our relations,” Balasuriya said. 

“We are also pleased to witness the emergence of the Kingdom as a leading player in the international arena.” 

Envoys of both countries also welcomed the expanded cooperation. 

“The results of the meetings…will contribute to enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, work, environment, education, culture, sports, agriculture and humanitarian work,” Saudi Ambassador to Colombo Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani said.   

“I am sure that this visit will help consolidate the existing distinguished relations to a greater extent between the two countries.”  

Al-Qahtani added that the agreement on political consultation was “an important achievement” in bilateral relations, while Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Riyadh Pakeer Mohideen Amza said it was “immensely beneficial.” 

“Political consultations facilitate the foreign ministries of both countries to sit and discuss…matters of mutual interest,” Amza told Arab News. 

“Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia relations have reached a level of excellence and both countries are cooperating with each other in the international fora.”


Riyadh gathers to celebrate World Expo 2030 win

Riyadh gathers to celebrate World Expo 2030 win
Updated 29 November 2023
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Riyadh gathers to celebrate World Expo 2030 win

Riyadh gathers to celebrate World Expo 2030 win
  • Riyadh competed against South Korea and Italy to hold the prestigious event
  • Guests attending the celebratory event included the Ambassador of France to the Kingdom Ludovic Pouille

RIYADH: Fireworks and a grand laser show lit up the sky with the words “Riyadh the World’s Choice” on Tuesday evening. Flags in hand, citizens, residents and visitors gathered in the capital to celebrate the Kingdom’s win of the Expo 2030 bid.
Leading up to the celebration, crowds assembled in Ghadir District’s Olaya Street, directly across from the King Fahad Financial District, waiting in anticipation to hear the announcement of the Expo 2030 host.
The announcement of Riyadh hosting the Expo 2030 came on Tuesday evening following a majority of 119 out of 165 votes from member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions in Paris.
Riyadh competed against South Korea and Italy to hold the prestigious event.
Guests attending the celebratory event included the Ambassador of France to the Kingdom Ludovic Pouille.
“It’s a day of joy, it’s a day of pride, France was one of the first countries to support Riyadh’s bid for Expo 2030,” he said.
“I feel part of the family tonight so I’m really happy, I wish all the best to Riyadh.
“I am sure Riyadh will welcome the world in the best conditions in 2030 as you are already doing now, and long live the French-Saudi cooperation.”
Attendees who witnessed the celebrations near KFAD included artists and guests of the Noor Riyadh Light Art Festival.
Sandra Hegedus, president of Sam Art Projects, was in the capital for Noor Riyadh and attended the Riyadh Expo celebrations.
Hegedus said that Riyadh winning the bid to host Expo 2030 was “the best thing that could happen.
“It’s a country with a very young population, it puts a goal in front of the population; 2030 everyone is going to work together, it’s so optimistic,” she said.
Hegedus said that the drone and firework show was spectacular.
“The drone show — I have never seen anything like this — amazing, amazing,” she told Arab News.
Many Saudis took to the streets of Riyadh to celebrate.
Among them was Riyadh resident and Saudi citizen Abdullah Mansour Al-Otaibi who attended the celebrations with his family and friends.
“Honestly, the feelings that overwhelm me with Saudi Arabia winning the bid to host the Expo reflect the emotions of any Saudi who takes pride in his homeland and the achievement made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Al-Otaibi told Arab News.
Surrounded by a crowd of Saudis celebrating near King Fahd Financial District, Al-Otaibi felt overjoyed to welcome the world to Riyadh in 2030.
“We truly take pride in this accomplishment. I am really happy. The organized event was amazing,” he said.
The consensus from locals and visitors alike was a sense of pride and joy in welcoming the world to experience the culture and hospitality that the Kingdom has to offer leading up to and during 2030.


Saudi doctor wins first Great Arab Minds award in medicine

Saudi doctor wins first Great Arab Minds award in medicine
Updated 29 November 2023
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Saudi doctor wins first Great Arab Minds award in medicine

Saudi doctor wins first Great Arab Minds award in medicine
  • Dr. Najm: Award is ‘culmination of a long journey and diligent work in the field of heart surgery’
  • Doctor attributes success to ‘great education’ he received in Saudi Arabia

MAKKAH: Saudi surgeon Dr. Hani Najm has been named the first winner of the Great Arab Minds award in medicine, which was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai, in January 2023.

The award, which celebrates the most brilliant minds in the Arab world and their positive impacts on society, acknowledges accomplishments across six categories: engineering and technology, medicine, economics, architecture and design, natural sciences, and literature and arts.

It was presented to the Saudi surgeon in recognition of his outstanding contributions to pediatric and adult cardiac surgery, as well as his innovations in surgery to treat congenital heart diseases.

The doctor is credited with the design and development of a flexible, growth-compatible heart valve to be used inside a child’s body. It can be implanted in the heart and adjusts according to a child’s growth over the years, sparing infants and children the risks of multiple surgical procedures.

 

 

Najm participated in over 10,000 surgical operations in newborns, children, and adults with heart diseases, managing complex and critical cases.

Born in Riyadh, Najm graduated from the College of Medicine, King Saud University in 1985. He was trained in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and pediatric congenital heart surgery in Canada.

For 17 years, he headed the Children’s Heart Center at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh and was a pioneer in performing critical heart surgeries for patients in the Kingdom, sparing them the need to travel abroad for treatment. He was also one of the first surgeons to perform an artificial heart transplant in Saudi Arabia.

He headed the Saudi Heart Association, served as editor in chief of the Journal of Saudi Heart Association, and was an associate professor at King Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh. He is also an international lecturer in the field of congenital heart surgery.

He joined Cleveland Clinic in 2016 as the chair of pediatric and congenital heart surgery and is currently a member of many national and international professional organizations, including the Gulf Heart Association, the Board of Trustees of the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Speaking to Arab News, Najm said: “This award is the culmination of a long journey and diligent work in the field of heart surgery. I did not expect this much success in the beginning.

“This award will reflect greatly on my work and on the work of eminent Arab scholars, who in turn will aspire and work hard to obtain the award … a source of pride for all Arabs.

“When I came to the US, one of my most important goals was to be an ambassador for my country. I was striving to gain the trust of the team, the hospital, and the community. Everyone knew that I was coming from a different society, so I worked hard to prove myself and (show) that my recruitment was the right move,” he said.

Najm dedicated this award to his homeland, which he said opened the doors for him to the best centers in the world for training.

He underlined that the excellence he has achieved is the result of the great education he received in Saudi Arabia.

He also thanked his wife and children for supporting him during this journey and the many long hours he spent in the hospital for surgeries.

In a message to Saudi doctors, Najm said: “You have a high level of professionalism, just like all the doctors in the world. The root of my distinction is the education I got from King Saud University, on which I built my scientific and practical experiences. You are the seeds of success, and you can get global recognition, especially in light of the great support provided by our country.”


‘A chance to bring the world to Riyadh’: Saudi officials, delegates react to Expo 2030 win

‘A chance to bring the world to Riyadh’: Saudi officials, delegates react to Expo 2030 win
Updated 16 min 46 sec ago
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‘A chance to bring the world to Riyadh’: Saudi officials, delegates react to Expo 2030 win

‘A chance to bring the world to Riyadh’: Saudi officials, delegates react to Expo 2030 win
  • Riyadh wins vote by a convincing margin, securing 119 out of 165 votes from the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris

PARIS: There were celebrations all round on Tuesday evening following the news that Saudi Arabia will host World Expo 2030.

Riyadh won the vote by a convincing margin, securing 119 out of 165 votes from the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris.

As the majority was more than two-thirds, it meant a second round of voting was unnecessary.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and climate envoy Adel Al-Jubeir told Arab News he was “elated, satisfied, happy, pleased” by the result.

“We now have a chance to bring the world to Riyadh and show Riyadh to the world,” he said, adding the Expo would be “something the world has not seen before.”

“It will be transformative, and it will be a model for exhibitions after Riyadh to emulate.”

Confirming the votes, BIE Secretary-General Dimitri Kerkentzes said: “Saudi Arabia was able to get more than two-thirds of the votes that were submitted. I think that shows there is a very, very strong commitment from the global community to not only go to Riyadh, but to really make it something special for the world, something innovative and something that we will work on together.”

Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the mayor of Riyadh Region, said: “We’re very proud, it’s a historic day for all of us. We’re very glad about the accomplishment today, but I think the work just started. We’re ready to welcome the world in Riyadh.”

Ghadir Al-Hassan, director of Riyadh 2030 Bid Book, told Arab News that work had already begun on several initiatives, including the investment lab and procurement hub. There are also plans to expedite the registration process.

The Saudi bid for Expo 2030 received high-profile public backing from French President Emmanuel Macron, who declared his country’s support last year.

A video presented before Tuesday’s vote showed an endorsement from international football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Riyadh with his family to play for Al-Nassr.

Saudi delegates have also expressed their congratulations over the win.

Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin, delegate to the BIE and UNESCO, told Arab News: “Congratulations to Saudi Arabia, congratulations to the region, and congratulations to the world.

“The world has chosen Riyadh. Why Riyadh? Riyadh offers a platform for sustainable partnership. It is not a business fair. It is not a show. It is something that will have a sustainable result. This is what Riyadh aims for,” she said.

Princess Haifa also cited the country’s work ethic and commitment and noted that the next phase of preparing for Expo 2030 would begin on Tuesday night — the same evening of the vote.

Riyadh’s designated Expo 2030 team has pledged the event will be the most accessible Expo yet and the first to have a positive impact on the environment.

The Expo is expected to take place in Riyadh between October 2030 and March 2031.


Japan relaxes visa requirements for Saudi nationals

Japan relaxes visa requirements for Saudi nationals
Updated 29 November 2023
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Japan relaxes visa requirements for Saudi nationals

Japan relaxes visa requirements for Saudi nationals
  • The scheme will come into effect on Dec. 4

Japan on Wednesday announced the relaxation of visa requirements for Saudi nationals, introducing multiple-entry visa schemes for Saudis who meet certain financial requirements.

According to the Japanese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the new visa was introduced for short-term stays for the purpose of tourism, business, and visiting relatives or friends. It will be granted for a period of 90 days with a validity of three years.

The scheme will come into effect on Dec. 4, and will require applicants to visit the embassy or consulate-general in order to submit their application.

“We hope the several visa relaxation measures the Government of Japan has taken will make the relationship between the people of Japan and Saudi Arabia closer and deeper,” the embassy said in a statement.

 


Riyadh to host World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea, Italy 

Riyadh to host World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea, Italy 
Updated 29 November 2023
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Riyadh to host World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea, Italy 

Riyadh to host World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea, Italy 
  • Saudi capital was picked by majority of 119 out of 165 votes by member states of Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions
  • The secret ballot was carried out using electronic voting, and Riyadh was confirmed as the successor host to Osaka in 2025

PARIS: Riyadh will host the World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea and Italy for the prestigious event.
The Saudi capital was picked by a majority of 119 out of 165 votes by the member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions.
The secret ballot was carried out using electronic voting, and Riyadh was confirmed as the successor host to Osaka in 2025.

During the BIE event in the French capital, candidates presented their final Expo progress reports to member states and government-appointed delegates in an 11th-hour attempt to win votes.
The event is expected to represent the culmination of Vision 2030 and showcase the Kingdom’s achievements, with a particular focus on hospitality, tourism, and culture.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman used a visit to Paris in June to showcase the Kingdom’s bid for the Expo, attending an exhibition held by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh that showcased Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and cultural depth.
The bid began to draw support from high-profile French backers, with influential French senator Natalie Goulet saying that holding the expo in the Saudi capital would be “the culmination of Vision 2030.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said: “I would like to thank the 130 countries that have already announced their support for the Kingdom’s bid. Distinguished dignitaries, you have all acted as indispensable partners providing insight, feedback, and support throughout the Kingdom’s campaign.”
He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering commitment to collaborate with all nations to deliver an Expo built by the world for the world and to find new pathways for collective action and collaboration.”
The foreign minister said the Kingdom will “provide facilities packages of $348 million to a pool of 100 eligible countries.”
Arab News backed the Expo bid through a #WhyRiyadh campaign launched on Sept. 23 – the Saudi National Day.

The program also seeks to increase green coverage from 1.5 percent to 9.1 percent, enhancing quality of life by creating open areas to improve public health, reduce energy consumption, and ultimately make Riyadh one of the 100 best livable cities in the world.
Seventy percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 30, and with a qualified labor force across industries fueling the race to 2030, there is excitement, energy, and enthusiasm in the first Arab capital to host the world event.
“Diriyah will be very famous by 2030, the city of Riyadh will be unrecognizable,” Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Group, told Arab News during an event leading up to the Expo 2030 announcement.
“What Singapore did in 60 years, what the Emiratis did just in tourism in 30 years, the crown prince wants to accomplish that in 15 years,” he added.
In a symposium held in Paris earlier in November, the Royal Commission’s directors of landscape architecture, Lamia Al-Muhanna, and Nouf Al-Moneef, unveiled a color-coded map with planned pavilions, performance venues, support facilities, and an exhibition village.
Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of tourism, used the event to say: “Choosing Saudi, choosing Riyadh, is choosing the world.”
Delivering Expo 2030 will mean massive infrastructure developments in the Saudi capital, including an increase in hotel capacity by 70,000 new rooms.
The venue will be accessible via a newly developed metro linking Expo City to a reconstructed King Salman Airport, set to be one of the largest aviation hubs in the world at 57 million sq. meters.
The Kingdom’s new airline, Riyadh Air, will further increase the capital’s accessibility, with flights to 100 countries by 2025.
“As host, we will create a world-class site expo to enable you to build pavilions and experiences in a way that matches your national priorities and aspirations,” said Ghida Al-Shibl, a member of the Riyadh Expo 2030 team.
She said: “By Feb 2028, participant parcel and expo village will be open. We will fast-track all necessary requirements including imports, visas, and regulations.”
Al-Shibl said the Kingdom will launch a participant lab in 2025 that will run through 2030 as a 24/7 concierge service to support “your move, and a variety of housing options for teams and families, in addition to access to excellent healthcare and education and banking services.”