Saudi Cabinet renews condemnation of Qur’an burnings in Sweden, Denmark

Special Saudi Cabinet renews condemnation of Qur’an burnings in Sweden, Denmark
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly session of the Council of Ministers. (SPA)
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Updated 25 July 2023
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Saudi Cabinet renews condemnation of Qur’an burnings in Sweden, Denmark

Saudi Cabinet renews condemnation of Qur’an burnings in Sweden, Denmark
  • Cabinet reiterated Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Qur’an burnings in Sweden and Denmark
  • Said actions were violation of laws and customs, went against values of tolerance and moderation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers held its weekly session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Tuesday, renewing the Kingdom’s condemnation of attacks on Islamic sanctities in Sweden and Denmark.

The Cabinet reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of the burnings of copies of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark, describing them as a flagrant violation of all laws and customs and in direct contradiction with international efforts seeking to spread the values of tolerance and moderation.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s participation in Italy’s international conference on migration held on Sunday to discuss the migration crises and Riyadh’s support in joint UN efforts to address security challenges, calling on the international community to stand in solidarity and cooperation.

Attending the conference on behalf of the crown prince in Rome was Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.

The Cabinet also commended the results of the 18th Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries summit hosted in Jeddah, which resulted in the strengthening of joint Gulf action on regional and international security efforts facing global concern.

The Council of Ministers also commended the Kingdom’s active international participation in combating the effects of climate change through various efforts to reduce emissions including diversifying the energy mix use and promoting the use of clean technologies.

Saudi Arabia recently participated in the UN High-level Political Forum 2023 held from July 10-19 in New York in an effort to achieve sustainable development goals.

During the meeting, the Kingdom highlighted Vision 2030 initiatives under the framework of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals including in areas of human development, healthcare, and diversification of the economy.

Ministers approved a number of memorandums of understanding during the meeting, including a tax management MoU between the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority in the Kingdom and the Tax Office of Australia.

The Cabinet also approved a MoU between the Radio and Television Authority and the China Media Group for cooperation in the fields of radio and television.

Also approved was an MoU in the field of combating terrorism and its financing between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The ministers discussed a draft of MoUs between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment of Iraq. Also discussing Iraq the cabinet also highlighted a potential for investment through the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

The Cabinet also discussed a protocol draft of an MoU between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the General Authority of Customs of China regarding health requirements for exporting products from the Kingdom to China.

Cabinet members also authorized the Saudi Ministry of Investment to sign a draft agreement with Dijbouti on the mutual encouragement and protection of investment.

The Cabinet authorized the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services to sign a draft agreement with the government of Barbados in the area of air transport services.

The Cabinet also approved assigning the Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics for Roads Affairs Badr bin Abdullah Al-Dulami to carry out the work of the CEO of the Public Authority for Roads.


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)
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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)
  • 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

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.


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.


Museum Professional Association established in Riyadh

Museum Professional Association established in Riyadh
Updated 26 September 2023
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Museum Professional Association established in Riyadh

Museum Professional Association established in Riyadh
  • Princess Haifa bint Mansour bin Bandar said the association’s primary objective was to manage and guide museums
  • Museum Professional Association was established in accordance with the Ministry of Culture’s strategy for the nonprofit sector

RIYADH: The National Center for Non-profit Sector has approved the establishment of a Museum Professional Association, which will be headquartered in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Princess Haifa bint Mansour bin Bandar has been appointed as chair of the association’s board of directors. Other board members include Tahani Al-Mahmoud as vice president, Laila Al-Faddagh as financial supervisor, and Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Noura Al-Gosaibi, Sarah Al-Omran and Noura Al-Zamil.

Princess Haifa said the association’s primary objective was to manage and guide museums, while fostering an environment that promoted innovation and professional development.

She added that it aimed to attract and support professional talent, organize training programs, provide the necessary tools and resources, recognize and honor artistic achievements and facilitate effective communication among professionals in the field.

The association was established in accordance with the Ministry of Culture’s strategy for the nonprofit sector. This aims to establish a diverse system of nonprofit organizations, including 16 professional associations in 13 cultural sectors across the Kingdom.


KSrelief, UNDP call for joint action to address humanitarian, development crises

KSrelief, UNDP call for joint action to address humanitarian, development crises
Updated 26 September 2023
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KSrelief, UNDP call for joint action to address humanitarian, development crises

KSrelief, UNDP call for joint action to address humanitarian, development crises
  • Organizations committed to aid projects globally including Yemen, Somalia
  • Nations should provide more financial support to deal with funding crisis, say officials

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief and the UN Development Programme recently organized a high-level roundtable discussion titled “The Humanitarian, Development, and Peace Nexus: From Theory to Practice with the Compass Towards 2030” on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York City.

Participating in the discussion, which was moderated by Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States Abdallah Al-Dardari, were KSrelief’s Supervisor-General Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, and International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

Al-Rabeeah said that KSrelief was committed to providing humanitarian assistance to help alleviate suffering across the world, and ensure recovery and development that can lead to sustainable peace.

He added that if all these elements can be brought together, “we can hope to save lives at the onset of a crisis and also improve the lives of generations to come.”

KSrelief, he added, would keep expanding its partnership with the UNDP through projects in Yemen and Somalia.

Steiner said that the collective results of humanitarian, development and peace-building support in countries with protracted crises are essential to keep them on the right track to achieve the promise of prosperity for the world, as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the close of the roundtable discussion, KSrelief and the UNDP called for an integrated approach that links humanitarian, development and peace-building actors to face increasing humanitarian emergencies and development crises.

Earlier, the KSrelief chief participated in a high-level meeting on bridging the humanitarian funding gap with Martin Griffiths, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator.

The session was organized by Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the EU, in the presence of representatives from several countries and humanitarian organizations, on the sidelines of the UN assembly.

Al-Rabeeah said that humanitarian efforts must be combined to expand the scope of donor countries, bodies and individuals, and raise the level of coordination and impact of humanitarian aid.

He noted that Saudi Arabia holds annually the “Gift of Dates” campaign in partnership with the World Food Programme costing over $136 million, which benefits 72 countries around the world.

Al-Rabeeah said KSrelief has supported the global response to the COVID-19 crisis by providing vaccines, medical devices, medicines and care units.

Al-Rabeeah also attended a session on the Rohingya crisis with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikha Hasina Wajid.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia has been a firm supporter of the international community’s stand vis-a-vis the Rohingya, to ensure they live in peace and dignity. He said that the Kingdom has hosted 260,000 Rohingya refugees, providing healthcare, employment and education at a cost of $2.25 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia has also been supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and other countries over the past few years through 43 projects costing $186 million, for emergency relief, education, shelter and health.

In addition, he said KSrelief carried out 25 other projects costing more than $26 million.


Saudi authorities thwart massive hash-smuggling attempt

Saudi authorities thwart massive hash-smuggling attempt
Updated 26 September 2023
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Saudi authorities thwart massive hash-smuggling attempt

Saudi authorities thwart massive hash-smuggling attempt

RIYADH: Drug smugglers were caught with a massive 114,973 kg haul of cannabis in Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority found the drugs concealed in a vehicle’s boot as it passed through the Empty Quarter crossing.
The authority said it remains vigilant against smuggling, working closely with its partners in the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
The authority urges the public to report any suspicious activity or information related to smuggling by contacting the responsible authorities.