Finnish envoy hails Saudi Vision 2030 ahead of Helsinki circular economy forum

Exclusive Anu-Eerika Viljanen. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Anu-Eerika Viljanen. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Exclusive Finnish envoy hails Saudi Vision 2030 ahead of Helsinki circular economy forum
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Anu-Eerika Viljanen. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 29 May 2023
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Finnish envoy hails Saudi Vision 2030 ahead of Helsinki circular economy forum

Anu-Eerika Viljanen. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
  • “We are expecting to gather the brightest minds to Helsinki this week. We are first of all wishing to highlight the importance that it is a matter that one cannot do alone,” Anu-Eerika Viljanen told Arab News

RIYADH: Cooperation and collaboration are key to the success of this year’s World Circular Economy Forum in Finland, the country’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has told Arab News, praising the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as offering “limitless opportunities.”

This year’s World Circular Economy Forum brings together global leaders from the circular economy. It runs from May 30 to June 2 in Helsinki, the Finnish capital.

“We are expecting to gather the brightest minds to Helsinki this week. We are first of all wishing to highlight the importance that it is a matter that one cannot do alone,” Anu-Eerika Viljanen told Arab News.

“We need government-to-government cooperation and we need government-to-private sector cooperation. So everybody has their role and I think cooperation and collaboration is the key to success,” Viljanen added.

It is really important that women are at all levels — at all functions present in Saudi society because we women have a voice, and it deserves to be heard.

Anu-Eerika Viljanen

The ambassador said that one of the missions of the forum is to “go green,” adding: “Maybe there are new ways and new practices shared during the conference.

“Circular economy is an area that Finland has been at the forefront of for decades. Finland was the first country to establish a national circular economic road map and we have really been focusing on that area for a long time.”

The envoy began her Saudi mission in August 2022 and said that it is her first posting to the region.

“I am extremely delighted and extremely honored to serve here as Finish ambassador,” she added.

“The diplomatic ties between our countries are on a solid basis. The foundation is very solid — we have been working very effectively since the late 60s.”

Though economic matters were the previous focus of bilateral ties between Finland and Saudi Arabia, the latter’s Vision 2030 has added a range of new areas in which to cooperate, Viljanen said.

“Now with your Vision 2030, there are new areas emerging. The opportunities in your country now, with Vision 2030 — they are limitless,” she added.

The two countries are also working on digitalization as a central focus of cooperation, with systems including AI, cybersecurity, gaming and the metaverse a focus of bilateral efforts.

Viljanen said that during her tenure, many visits Saudi and Finnish ministers have made trips to one another’s countries.

“Those visits are really important to step up economic relations and with those visits, we always find new areas that we can intensify the already existing cooperation,” she added.

Viljanen hopes to see further cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Finland in digitalization and the circular economy.

“I would like to see my country partner with you because there are so many areas that we have also been focusing on that you are now focusing on,” she said.

And as Saudi Arabia earns a new reputation as a regional peacemaker, Viljanen said that Finland can offer lessons to the Kingdom.

“Finland has a long history in being the peacemaker,” she added.

Viljanen has been following the “achievements of Saudi Arabia” in efforts to broker peace across the region, including in Sudan.

Discussing Nisreen bint Hamad Al-Shibel, Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Finland, Viljanen said: “I’m really glad that there are more and more Saudi female ambassadors.

“It is really important that women are at all levels — at all functions present in Saudi society because we women have a voice, and it deserves to be heard.”

When asked how she would describe the cooperation between the two countries, Viljanen said: “Intensified collaboration.”

She added: “I would say the energy levels of your country and the positive energy that is present everywhere, and the changes, and transformation is really remarkable.”

And on the economic front, Saudi-Finnish initiatives covering digilitzation and the green agenda “go hand in hand” as part of bilateral efforts, Viljanen said.

“You need digitalization to advance the green agenda.”

Viljanen said: “I would like to increase the level of knowledge of Saudi Arabia and Saudis in Finland.

“I would love to see more Saudi students in Finland, more Saudi tourists in Finland, and also vice versa.”

 

 


Saudi program provides MRI training for Yemen radiologists

Saudi program provides MRI training for Yemen radiologists
Updated 26 September 2023
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Saudi program provides MRI training for Yemen radiologists

Saudi program provides MRI training for Yemen radiologists
  • Training will provide medical doctors at Marib General Hospital with the skills to operate the hi-tech equipment
  • Under the Saudi-backed program, 34 projects and development initiatives have been carried out in Yemeni governorates.

RIYADH: Radiologists in Yemen are to be trained in the use of MRI scanners as part of Saudi Arabia’s development and reconstruction program for the country.

The training will provide medical doctors at Marib General Hospital with the skills to operate the hi-tech equipment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The course is part of an ongoing project to equip the hospital authority’s radiology and MRI department with all the latest medical devices to improve the healthcare offering to communities in the Marib governorate.

Under the Saudi-backed program, 34 projects and development initiatives have been carried out in Yemeni governorates.

In the Marib governorate, Kara General Hospital was supplied with 24 medical devices, September 26 Hospital received 27 pieces of equipment, and 13 items were delivered to the Marib General Hospital Authority. Each hospital was also supplied with a fully equipped ambulance.

Overall, the Saudi initiative in Yemen has seen the implementation of 229 development projects covering the education, health, water, energy, transport, agriculture, and fisheries sectors, and has helped toward boosting the capacity of public institutions.


Saudi Arabia granted China’s Approved Destination Status

Saudi Arabia granted China’s Approved Destination Status
Updated 26 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia granted China’s Approved Destination Status

Saudi Arabia granted China’s Approved Destination Status
  • Agreement will boost connectivity between the countries, open opportunities across the tourism sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia was officially granted Approved Destination Status by China on Tuesday, allowing Chinese citizens to travel to the Kingdom on group tours, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A signing ceremony took place in Beijing in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, and China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Du Jiang.

The agreement will boost connectivity between the two countries and open opportunities across the tourism sector, the SPA added.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “Underpinned by China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a historic reform blueprint aimed at driving forward meaningful economic and social development, China and Saudi Arabia are unlocking limitless opportunities and driving forward mutually beneficial collaboration.

“The ADS status is expected to significantly boost inbound travel from China, creating greater ease of access needed to reach Saudi Arabia’s target of attracting 3 million Chinese tourists by 2030.

“Today signifies the culmination of months of dedicated efforts between our nations, encapsulating our enduring and historic bilateral relations, which are built on the foundation of shared vision and mutual interests.”

Du said: “Our decades of close bilateral bonds have shown that our nations share a deep appreciation for each other’s rich and diverse culture and are committed to fostering mutual understanding and respect.

“ADS, with its potential to enhance people-to-people exchanges and dialogue, is a testament to this shared vision.”

Hamidaddin said that the Kingdom’s Tourism Authority was collaborating with partners to expedite the expansion of aviation connectivity between China and Saudi Arabia.

He added: “We are also streamlining our visa services, offering e-visas in just under three minutes and visas on arrival. Additionally, we have integrated Chinese payment solutions like UnionPay to facilitate seamless payment for Chinese travelers.

“Offering over 162 bespoke products to the Chinese market, STA looks forward to deepening our collaboration with Chinese online travel agencies and companies.

“Together, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised to deliver extraordinary experiences, fueled by a commitment that knows no bounds.”

The Kingdom’s flag carrier Saudia has recently launched new direct flights to Beijing from Jeddah and Riyadh.


Saudi Cabinet says it hopes efforts to revitalize peace process will contribute to achieving stability in region

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Updated 29 min 9 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet says it hopes efforts to revitalize peace process will contribute to achieving stability in region

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
  • The Cabinet agreed to establish a Saudi-Algerian Supreme Coordination Council

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet said on Tuesday that it hopes efforts to revitalize the peace process will contribute to achieving security and stability in the Middle East.

The efforts, launched by the Kingdom, the Arab League, and the EU, in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, aim to establish an independent Palestinian state on June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan co-chaired a meeting that aimed to produce a “Peace Supporting Package” for the Middle East on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week.

During the meeting, Prince Faisal said there would be no solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict without an independent Palestinian state.

The meeting in New York was attended by representatives from nearly 70 countries and international organizations, and included around 50 speakers.

The Cabinet also confirmed its support for strengthening international cooperation in order to harness nuclear technologies to serve humanity, and the importance of implementing the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to reach a world free of such weapons, especially in the Middle East.

The Cabinet also agreed to establish a Saudi-Algerian Supreme Coordination Council.

It was also briefed on the results of the Kingdom’s participation in the UNGA and its efforts in achieving sustainable development goals, finding solutions to international challenges, and continuing to to address them.


UN envoy for Yemen condemns attack that claimed the lives of two Bahraini military personnel

Bahraini military personnel are pictured after performing funeral prayers for their colleagues who were killed on Monday. (BNA)
Bahraini military personnel are pictured after performing funeral prayers for their colleagues who were killed on Monday. (BNA)
Updated 26 September 2023
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UN envoy for Yemen condemns attack that claimed the lives of two Bahraini military personnel

Bahraini military personnel are pictured after performing funeral prayers for their colleagues who were killed on Monday. (BNA)
  • The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack
  • Grundberg expressed concern over continued military tensions at the Yemeni border and on several frontlines in Yemen over the past months

RIYADH: The UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg condemned on Tuesday an attack that claimed the lives of two Bahraini military personnel and injured several others in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Bahrain’s military said on Monday that one officer and one soldier had been killed in a drone attack perpetrated by the Houthis.

Grundberg expressed concern over continued military tensions at the Yemeni border and on several frontlines in Yemen over the past months that have led to casualties, including civilian loss of life.

He warned that any renewal of offensive military escalation risks plunging Yemen back into a cycle of violence and undermines ongoing peace efforts.“Continued flare-ups of fighting demonstrate the fragility of the situation in Yemen,” the special envoy said.

“We have been in touch with all sides to urge them to exercise maximum restraint at this critical time, and to use dialogue to resolve differences and diffuse military tensions,” he added.

Grundberg warned that “the minimum level of trust required for constructive dialogue is hard-earned, but easily lost.”

He emphasized the need for decisive steps towards a sustainable nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process to end the conflict.

He also offered his condolences to Bahrain and his wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack.

“Such attacks are unacceptable and threaten the longest period of calm since the war in Yemen began,” it said in a statement.


Saudi FM received by Qatar emir and prime minister

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan meet in Doha on Tuesday. (SPA)
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan meet in Doha on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 26 September 2023
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Saudi FM received by Qatar emir and prime minister

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan meet in Doha on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Prince Faisal is on an official visit to Qatar and also met with Qatar’s prime minister

RIYADH: The emir of Qatar received Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Doha on Tuesday.

During the visit, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prince Faisal discussed bilateral relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in all fields.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and topics of common interest.

Prince Faisal meets with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. (SPA)

Prince Faisal is on an official visit to Qatar and also met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

The two officials reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and ways to develop them.

They also reviewed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields, and exchanged views on the latest developments.