On state visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince lauds ‘relationship written in our DNA’

Special On state visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince lauds ‘relationship written in our DNA’
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) poses with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, center, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremonial reception upon his arrival at the Indian presidential palace, in New Delhi, India, on September 11, 2023. (AP)
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Updated 12 September 2023
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On state visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince lauds ‘relationship written in our DNA’

On state visit to India, Saudi Crown Prince lauds ‘relationship written in our DNA’
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was given a ceremonial reception in New Delhi in honor of his visit
  • Analysts believe the Saudi-India partnership will have far-reaching implications for West Asian region

NEW DELHI: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to India, following close on the heels of the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi, represents a turning point in the region’s strategic dynamics and for the economies of both countries, according to analysts.

The crown prince arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning to head the Saudi delegation to the G20 summit before commencing a state visit at the invitation of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking an important boost to trade and diplomatic ties.

“We are very glad to be in India,” the Saudi crown prince and prime minister said during a ceremonial reception in New Delhi held in honor of his visit. “The relationship between India and the Arabian Peninsula goes back thousands of years in history.

“The relationship between us is in our DNA in Saudi Arabia. India is our friend. They helped us build Saudi Arabia over the past 70 years. There is a lot of Saudi work in India, helping development.

“This trip will highlight the Saudi work done here in India and ensure that our relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries, and, with the leadership of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I am sure this will happen.”




Indian President Droupadi Murmu (3R) looks on as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (3L) and his Saudi Arabian counterpart and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (2R) shake hands during a ceremonial reception at the President House a day after the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 11, 2023. (AFP)

On Monday, the two leaders oversaw the signing of several joint agreements covering energy, petrochemicals, renewable energy, agriculture and industry, as well as others in the social and cultural sectors.

Analysts believe the timing of the state visit and the scale of their engagement offers clues as to the direction of strategic thinking between the two governments. “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India following New Delhi’s successful hosting of the G20 holds significant implications,” Mohammed Soliman, director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute, told Arab News.

“It signifies a desire to strengthen bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and India, possibly through trade agreements, investments, or diplomatic cooperation.

“Additionally, the visit offers an opportunity for discussions on various fronts, including economic ties, energy security, regional diplomacy and multilateral engagement. It underscores the importance of Delhi and Riyadh collaborating on global economic and diplomatic matters.”

FASTFACTS

  • A joint statement issued on Monday said “means to deepen strategic relations between the two friendly countries” were reviewed.
  • It said “views on current regional and international issues” were exchanged.
  • It added that “the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas that aim to advance the economic partnership between the two countries” was stressed.

Also on Monday, the crown prince took part in the joint Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council meeting in New Delhi, where he told officials that relations between the two countries are mutually beneficial.

“Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India gained significance because of the importance attached to the first leaders’ meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council of India and Saudi Arabia,” Ranjit Kumar, a strategic affairs expert based in New Delhi, told Arab News.

“India attaches great significance to this council, which has become a medium for further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Prime Minister Modi has described Saudi Arabia as India’s most important strategic partner. Modi has rightly commented that cooperative relations between India and Saudi Arabia are very important for peace and stability in the region.”




Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held the first Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. (Indian Ministry of External Affairs)

The development of a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India will likely have far-reaching ramifications for the wider West Asian region, potentially expanding common interests beyond trade into areas like defense cooperation.

“Prime Minister Modi’s statement regarding the significance of the India-Saudi relationship for regional stability likely alludes to the ongoing geopolitical and economic convergence between the Middle East and South Asia, forming what is often referred to as West Asia,” said Soliman.

“In this evolving landscape marked by complex geopolitical dynamics, India and Saudi Arabia, both influential economies in the region with global and regional impacts, hold considerable sway over the trajectory of regional stability.

“As such, their cooperation becomes increasingly important, encompassing areas such as intelligence-sharing, diplomatic mediation in regional conflicts, economic growth, and the assurance of a secure and reliable energy supply within West Asia.”

One major strategic development to come out of the G20 leaders’ summit on Saturday was the unveiling of ambitious plans to create a modern-day “spice road,” with potentially wide-ranging geopolitical implications.

India and Saudi Arabia, along with the US, the EU, the UAE and others, launched the initiative to link railways, ports, electricity, data networks and hydrogen pipelines.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday.(Indian Ministry of External Affairs)

“This corridor will not only connect the two countries, but promote economic cooperation, digital connectivity between Asia, West Asia and Europe,” said Modi in footage broadcast by state media.

“As two of the world’s fastest growing economies, our mutual cooperation is important for the peace and stability of the entire region. For India, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important strategic partners.”

For Soliman, the significance of this new corridor cannot be overstated. “The India-Middle East corridor holds significant potential for strengthening the relationship and strategic resilience among Mediterranean states, the Gulf region, and India — essentially forming a crucial geopolitical bridge between Europe and the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“This corridor can play a pivotal role in advancing economic integration through increased trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, it bolsters India’s energy security by diversifying its energy sources and promoting infrastructure development.

“This progress creates a foundation for enhanced diplomatic cooperation on transcontinental issues, marking a significant geopolitical and geoeconomic milestone in the 21st century.”

Analysts also point to the immense opportunities for Indian businesses created by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification and social reform agenda, particularly for those working in the tech sector.

“We know that Saudi Arabia has big aims. They are looking to become an economy in transition, moving away from oil,” Kabir Taneja, a fellow of the strategic studies program at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, told Arab News.

“We have the potential to set up projects both here and in Saudi Arabia. From India, the services sector, the IT sector is something that India can help with when it comes to developing a localized Saudi economy and, of course, Saudi Arabia has the capital to invest in infrastructure.

“For India, funding for infrastructure is where the main game is right now and that is what is fueling a lot of this 7.8 or 7.9 percent growth.

“It is the infrastructure development that is very similar to what happened with China, which is why it is very important when it comes to the bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.”




Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive to attend a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, September 11, 2023. (Reuters)

For Muddassir Quamar, associate professor at the Centre for West Asia Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, the strengthening of trade ties has come hand in hand with a shared acknowledgment of common strategic aims in the region.

“Both India and Saudi Arabia are leading global economies, which are growing very fast and recognize the importance of economic reforms and prosperity for the people,” Quamar told Arab News.

“Saudi Arabia is a regional power in the Middle East, it is the leading regional economy and plays a very important role in regional politics and stability.

“Some of the recent initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia to fight climate change, its mega reforestation drive, in green energy and the world water commission, are significant for regional stability.”




Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) inspects a guard of honour during a ceremonial reception at the President House a day after the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 11, 2023. (AFP)

Furthermore, the growth of Saudi-India ties reflects a broader shift toward a multipolar world, in which emerging economies are playing a greater role in determining their own relationships and the power dynamics within their respective neighborhoods.

As India this year becomes the world’s most populous country, and is potentially on track to become the world’s fourth biggest economy, Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region have adjusted their policy focus accordingly.

“Several initiatives have been identified to take the relationship to a new level,” said Kumar, the strategic affairs expert.

“In the fast-changing geopolitical profile of the Middle East, India and Saudi Arabia both need each other to balance their relationships for a peaceful and stable West Asia, where more than 8 million people of Indian origin reside and contribute for the betterment of the economy of the region.”

 


Tokyo governor looking forward to ‘exciting’ World Expo in Riyadh

Tokyo governor looking forward to ‘exciting’ World Expo in Riyadh
Updated 30 sec ago
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Tokyo governor looking forward to ‘exciting’ World Expo in Riyadh

Tokyo governor looking forward to ‘exciting’ World Expo in Riyadh
  • Japan will pass baton to Kingdom after Osaka hosts global event in 2025
  • Saudi Arabia, Japan can learn from each other on green issues, Gov. Koike Yuriko says

DUBAI: The governor of Tokyo hopes World Expo 2030 in Riyadh will be an exciting and sustainable event with the potential to “surprise the world.”

Speaking to Arab News Japan on Saturday, Gov. Koike Yuriko offered her best wishes to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh this week won its bid to host the prestigious event.

“I’d like to congratulate the Kingdom,” she said. “And I hope the Expo … would be an exciting one (and) make the people of the world surprised.”

Japan will pass the Expo baton to the Kingdom after Osaka hosts the event in 2025. Speaking on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, Koike said she hoped the event in Riyadh would be a “sustainable one.”

Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region and Japan should learn from one another and collaborate in order to achieve decarbonization and other green initiatives, the governor said.

“Saudi Arabia and the UAE are producing countries, while Japan is a buying one. Both regions already collaborate and can share knowledge and initiatives to seek the best ways to save the great climate,” she said.

Tokyo’s first female governor, Koike also spoke about the plans and initiatives in place to make the city greener.

“To tackle climate change in Tokyo is very challenging,” she said. “Our timeline is to curb CO2 emissions by 2030 and (achieve) net zero by 2050.”

As 70 percent of Tokyo’s CO2 emissions come from residential property, Koike said the city would implement a new policy in 2025 requiring all new buildings to install solar or renewable energy equipment.

“This is the very first regulation that requests people, or especially house-builders, to set solar panels or solar cells.”

Next year, Tokyo will host the SusHi Tech summit, which aims to make Tokyo a smart city and promote a digital economy. The event will also encourage startups to come up with new initiatives to help Tokyo achieve its green goals.

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Koike said she was “anxious” for the Palestinian people.

“I have asked a Japanese company, which runs the sanitary goods products in that area, to send their products to children and women in Gaza,” she said. “The Japanese government previously supported building a school for deaf children. But that was bombed many years ago.”

Koike said she hoped the crisis could be resolved as soon as possible.


Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance embraces metal music

Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance embraces metal music
Updated 34 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance embraces metal music

Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance embraces metal music
  • Local band Immortal Pain fulfills growing appetite for genre among Saudi music lovers

JEDDAH: Saudi metal band Immortal Pain delivered a loud and lively concert at Comic Con Arabia in Jeddah, with a huge crowd of fans cheering and singing along with them.

Friday night marked the second performance of the band at the convention. They have been in the rock and metal scene since late 2005, starting with two members and later doubling.

In a previous interview with Arab News, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Emad Ashoor said the band started with only him and the lead guitarist Rasheed Attar. Later, drummer Moayad Al-Shammari and bassist Anan Al-Sabban joined the group, and just last year, they signed a contract with Saudi recording company Wall of Sound: Dark Mode.

The local band has been in the rock and metal scene since late 2005, gradually increasing their audience over the years. Instagram/immortal_pain_official. (Supplied)

The Jeddah-based band has been throwing mini-concerts across the Kingdom. They have also released original music and are working on releasing more to their Saudi, Arab, and international audiences.

While they previously spoke to Arab News about their origins, this time the members shared insight into the dynamic of the group and how they work together on making their songs and music videos.

It all begins with inspiration.

“The four of us gather, talk about our latest encounters in life and how we felt,” said the drummer Al-Shammari. “Then we express everything in music. We let our instruments talk for us.”

The four of us gather, talk about our latest encounters in life and how we felt. Then we express everything in music. We let our instruments talk for us. (Supplied)

On the unusual places or moments that can inspire, Al-Shammari said: “One day, I was passing by a construction site, and the sounds of wrecking and drilling inspired me somehow and I made a song based on the noise of the construction site.”

Ashoor, gifted with a poetic sense, takes over the next step of writing the lyrics.

So far, they have been writing lyrics in English, but they all agreed they were open to the challenge of writing in Arabic and were eager to experiment and evolve with their music.

The four of us gather, talk about our latest encounters in life and how we felt. Then we express everything in music. We let our instruments talk for us.

Moayad Al-Shammari, Immortal Pain drummer

Once the lyrics are in place, they decide upon a melody and arrange the song, deciding which riff goes first and which follows. The lyrics are recorded last.

When asked about the difficult times they have encountered throughout their career, the four agreed that starting was tough as metal music was considered a Western genre and was not popular locally. Although they have supportive families, they said it was hard for them to find an audience at the very beginning.

Their audience gradually increased from a few people to several dozen, and by the time they played at Comic Con last year and this year, they had amassed about 1,000 music fans.

“Rock and metal are both on the rise contrary to what Gene Simmons and the likes of KISS might think. They can go ahead and retire if it’s getting too loud,” bassist Al-Sabban joked when asked about the metal scene in the Kingdom.

“But the local and global scenes are growing,” he said, adding that Metallica would be playing in the Kingdom next week. “As we all know, when Saudi Arabia gets involved, it’s going to be bigger and better.”

When MDLBeast announced that Metallica would be performing in Saudi Arabia, fans from across the Middle East and North Africa bought tickets to see the legendary metal band.

Immortal Pain also told Arab News exclusively that after only releasing singles, they are officially going to record their first full album first thing next year. They also revealed that in 2024, they will hit the road on a tour across the MENA region, throwing concerts in the Kingdom, the UAE, and Egypt.

Al-Shammari proudly added that they have also received an invitation to perform in Germany, and while nothing is yet confirmed, they are hoping things will work and they will hold an international concert.

For updates about the band, follow their Instagram @immortal_pain_official.

 


Saudi Arabia showcases crafts, culture at Milan exhibition

Saudi Arabia has previously participated in Milan’s Artigiano in Fiera exhibition and offered cultural experience workshops.
Saudi Arabia has previously participated in Milan’s Artigiano in Fiera exhibition and offered cultural experience workshops.
Updated 02 December 2023
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Saudi Arabia showcases crafts, culture at Milan exhibition

Saudi Arabia has previously participated in Milan’s Artigiano in Fiera exhibition and offered cultural experience workshops.
  • The Saudi Company for Crafts and Handicrafts will display its most notable craftwork, while the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts will exhibit work from 12 of its students

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is participating in the Artigiano in Fiera exhibition in Milan, Italy, which runs from Dec. 2-10. The Saudi pavilion, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, will showcase various aspects of the country’s culture and rich national heritage.

According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, participating organizations include the Saudi Heritage Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, and the Saudi Handicrafts Company.

The pavilion will also highlight Arabic poetry’s relationship to Italian culture. A selection of Arabic verses will be translated into Italian and hung on murals at the entrance.

Saudi Arabia has previously participated in Milan’s Artigiano in Fiera exhibition and offered cultural experience workshops. (Ministry of Culture)

The Heritage Commission will showcase the creative ingenuity of 25 artisans and the traditional handicrafts and crafts that have long been a source of pride for the nation.

The Saudi Company for Crafts and Handicrafts will display its most notable craftwork, while the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts will exhibit work from 12 of its students.

Twelve chefs from the Culinary Arts Commission will be on hand to provide the public with a live cooking demonstration of popular delicacies from across Saudi Arabia. A traditional restaurant will offer coffee and traditional produce, too.  

FASTFACT

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts will exhibit work from 12 of its students at Artigiano in Fiera exhibition in Milan, Italy, until Dec. 10.

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission, meanwhile, will present shows involving 13 traditional performing arts.

Saudi Arabia’s participation in Artigiano in Fiera is a component of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts, in cooperation with other cultural organizations, to represent the Kingdom in international forums in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s aims is to promote worldwide cultural exchange.

As part of the 2023 Year of Arabic Poetry project, the ministry is focusing on the Kingdom’s interest in “intangible cultural heritage,” such as the relationship between Arabic poetry and Italian culture.

 


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
Updated 02 December 2023
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
  • Monarch wishes Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed ‘good health and happiness’
  • Annual event marks unification of 7 emirates into one nation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a message of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to mark his country’s national day on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king “wished the Emirati president continued good health and happiness, and the government and friendly people of UAE further progress and prosperity.”

He also lauded the fraternal relations that bind the two countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message to Sheikh Mohammed.

The UAE is celebrating its 52nd National Day anniversary, which falls on Dec. 2 each year and commemorates the unification of all seven emirates into one nation.

The UAE leader received congratulatory messages from around the world, as did Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, vice president, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Presidential Court.

The US congratulated the UAE and sent its best wishes for the country’s continued success.

“The United States and the UAE are bound together by more than five decades of friendship and partnership,” the State Department said, attributing the comments to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Our many successes stand as a testament to our leaders’ shared commitment to advance regional peace and stability, deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and drive forward an affirmative agenda for prosperity and peaceful coexistence,” it said.

Blinken said the two countries shared a “vision of an interconnected region and world,” which was embodied in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, also known as the Abraham Accords, and the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai.

“In these and many other groundbreaking diplomatic efforts, the UAE’s leadership has been instrumental,” he said.


Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
Updated 02 December 2023
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Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
  • ITU scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges
  • CST will lead ‘Foster a Circular ICT Industry’ track

RIYADH: The Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission has agreed to join the Green Digital Action initiative convened by the International Telecommunication Union.

An announcement was made on the sidelines of COP28, in the presence of ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Green Digital Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action, by transforming into a digital infrastructure that enables environmental and sustainable solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative is supported by several international entities and agencies.

FASTFACT

The International Telecommunication Union scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges.

The commission said it would be leading the “Foster a Circular ICT Industry” track as part of Green Digital Action, which covers reducing ICT sector emissions, advancing climate solutions through open environmental data and technologies, implementing green standards, facilitating a green transition across all industries through digital technology, and leveraging digital systems for disaster alerts and early warnings.

By joining the initiative, the commission will be helping to provide digital and sustainable solutions to address climate challenges and improve and implement regulations that enable a circular economy that contributes to reducing carbon emissions, the report said.

It also seeks to move to an eco-friendly digital infrastructure by collaborating with the public and private sectors and UN organizations.

The commission has also organized a panel discussion to be held on the sidelines of COP28 to highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in leading digital sustainability.

Titled “Circular Economy,” it will be attended by ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas as well as representatives from countries that will apply the “E-Waste Management Regulations” launched by the Kingdom in partnership with the ITU.

The initiative aims to implement the regulations in Zambia, Rwanda and Paraguay as a way to tackle the challenges facing the treatment of e-waste around the world and raise awareness of the issue among policymakers and industry leaders.

Saudi Arabia has launched many initiatives that contribute to raising awareness and educating the public about the best practices for the use of technology to create a sustainable future for all.