Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade, gets top civilian award

Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade, gets top civilian award
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Saudi Arabia’s minister of defence (SPA)
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Updated 24 March 2024
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Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade, gets top civilian award

Saudi defense minister guest of honor at Pakistan Day parade, gets top civilian award
  • Nishan-i-Pakistan award given to Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr
  • Pakistan Day celebrates adoption of Lahore Resolution calling for independent state for Muslims of India on March 23, 1940

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Day military parade was held today, Saturday, at the Parade Avenue in the federal capital of Islamabad, with the Saudi defense minister attending as a guest of honor.

The parade is being held on the 84th anniversary of Pakistan's republic day, marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League party, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.

Saturday’s parade kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of the Pakistan air force and navy, while newly inducted J-10 C , indigenously built JF-17 , F-16 and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion and ATR participating in the fly past.

“The Saudi Defense Minister is attending the parade as a guest of honor,” state-run Radio Pakistan said. 

Separately, after the parade, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Saudi Arabia’s minister of defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, at a special investiture ceremony held at the Presidency. 

The Nishan-e-Pakistan is the second grade of the Order of Pakistan, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. It is awarded to “those who have rendered services of highest distinction” to the national interest of Pakistan. Government officials and civilians, including citizens of Pakistan and foreign nationals, have received the award. 

In the Pakistan honours system, the Nishan-e-Pakistan is equivalent to the Nishan-e-Haider, the the nation’s highest military gallantry award. 

“The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region,” state-run APP said.

The award ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as well as federal ministers, top military leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. 




The parade is being held on the 84th anniversary of Pakistan's republic day, marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League party, which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940. (Arab News)

 

“MILITARY PARADE”

Contingents of the Pakistan army, navy and air force as well as Special Services Group, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts marched past the dais during Saturday’s military parade, presenting a salute to the chief guest and the guest of honor. Troops from Azerbaijan and China also participated in the parade.

Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense system, guns, UAVs, short and long range missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Babur, Shaheen, Ghauri and Ababeel were showcased on the occasion. The army’s engineering corps also presented state of the art equipment.

 

 

The parade featured the march and fly past of the helicopters of the navy, air force and army.

“Formations of Sherdils and JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets presented breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers spreading a range of colors in the skies,” Radio Pakistan said. “Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces were part of the parade.”

“The sky divers of Special Services Group exhibited free fall from a height of ten thousand feet, carrying national flags and those of services. Afterwards, the national flag was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” Radio Pakistan added. “The parade culminated with presentation of a special song themed ‘Pochay Jo Naam Koi Tum Pakistan Batana.’”

 

 

In a message to the nation ahead of the parade on Saturday morning, PM Sharif said his government was committed to putting the country on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a “cogent policy reform framework.”

“We are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism,” the prime minister said.

“I can assure you that we stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework. I hope that these measures will bring economic stability and the current wave of high inflation will recede, bringing respite for our citizens.”

 

 

Separately, the Pakistan army congratulated the nation on Pakistan Day, saying “this historic day reminds us of the greatest sacrifices and contributions of our forefathers which they made in the struggle for creation of Pakistan.”

“On this day, Armed Forces of Pakistan renew their resolve to defend the motherland and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times and at any cost, and uphold the national flag.”

“Let’s cherish the vision of our forefathers and strive to fulfill the dreams they had for our beloved homeland. Happy Pakistan Resolution Day,” the foreign office said.


Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
Updated 24 sec ago
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Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
  • More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
  • Chinese taught at schools is ‘important step’ to boost ties

RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in Saudi Arabia for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting Saudi Arabia with the global community.

The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms.”

Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: “I see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.

• Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

He added: “When the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.

To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (Supplied)

“This has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.”

Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.

“The demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,” he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.

To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. “This is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.

“China wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.

“It seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.”

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.

Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.

This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in Saudi Arabia.

It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.

 

 


Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 48 sec ago
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Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met on Tuesday with the newly appointed ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia, Andy Rodriguez Duran.

Al-Sati welcomed him to the Kingdom and wished him success in his new duties. The two also discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.

Also on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and consular topics of shared concern.

 


Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan

Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
Updated 01 October 2024
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Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan

Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
  • Aside from prosecutors, delegates at the 3-day event include organizations that fight terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb, is leading a high-level delegation from the Kingdom at the 29th International Association of Prosecutors Conference, which began on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In addition to prosecutors from around the world, the participants at the three-day event include representatives of international organizations that combat terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime.

The Saudi delegation, which includes officials from the Public Prosecution and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, will take part in global discussions about mutual legal assistance, extradition procedures, and the exchange of information to help enhance international cooperation in the field of criminal justice.

On the opening day of the conference, Al-Mojeb took part in meetings with counterparts from Austria, Croatia, Turkiye, Georgia, Malta, Kenya and Nepal. They discussed the importance of developing cooperative frameworks to address common challenges related to cross-border crime and criminal justice, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi delegation also met a high-level team from South Korea’s Public Prosecution Office, during which they exchanged insights about the use of technology in criminal investigations, and discussed opportunities for further collaboration in justice-related fields.


Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services

Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services
Updated 01 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services

Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services
  • The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Tuesday updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services, Saudi Press Agency reported.

These changes, approved by the Saudi Cabinet in its session on Tuesday, will aim to provide more flexibility for the private sector, allowing businesses to better align visa needs with labor market demands and contribute to creating a more attractive work environment, SPA added.

One of the updates is the renaming of the seasonal work visa to the “temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services,” and extending the grace period for these visas from Shaban 15 until the end of Muharram (around Feb. 14 to July 25).

The new regulations will also address the needs of establishments operating during the Umrah season, by expanding their eligibility for temporary work visas.

The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency.

In addition, the ministry emphasized the protection of both employers and employees by mandating that a signed employment contract be provided to both parties, and requiring medical insurance as a prerequisite for obtaining a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad.

The new regulations will also introduce penalties aimed at preventing misuse of temporary work visas.

Businesses will now enjoy greater flexibility, with the option to extend visas for an additional 90 days and will no longer require endorsement when issuing temporary visas, streamlining the process.

These amendments are set to take effect 180 days after their approval, offering businesses time to adapt to the new system while ensuring that operations during the Hajj and Umrah seasons run smoothly.


NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club

NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club
Updated 01 October 2024
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NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club

NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club
  • Italian designer hails ‘visionary undertaking ahead of its time,’ saying project is a ‘jump into the future’

NEOM: Interior designs for the yacht club on NEOM’s first island destination, Sindalah, were unveiled on Tuesday ahead of the site’s opening later this year.

The Sindalah Yacht Club has been designed in collaboration with Stefano Ricci, and marks the Italian designer’s first foray into club interior design.

“As we place the finishing touches on NEOM’s inaugural island destination, we are thrilled to share with the world a behind-the-scenes look at what Sindalah will have to offer,” said Nicholas Smith, general manager of Sindalah.

“Our partnership with Stefano Ricci represents our dedication to enthralling future visitors and offering a truly premium experience for the world’s yachting enthusiasts,” he said.

The club will feature a terrace pool, lounge, and a fine-dining restaurant led by chef Enrico Bartolini, who restaurants around Italy have been awarded multiple Michelin stars.

With management by IGY Marinas, the yacht club will offer berthing for superyachts up to 180 meters in length.

The yacht club’s interior will be highlighted by white Carrara marble, complemented by accents of “Sindalah Blue” — a custom color inspired by the island’s surrounding waters — alongside briar-root wood surfaces, hand-woven textiles, and a coffered ceiling.

“I entered the Sindalah Yacht Club project because I believe that NEOM is a visionary undertaking ahead of its time, like Florence, which became the cradle of the Renaissance,” Ricci said.

“It’s a beautiful jump into the future that recalls our mission. As a Florentine designer, I hope to have conveyed the fine stylistic balance that ideally unites these two worlds.”