Saudi defense minister meets with French ambassador to Kingdom

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives the French ambassador to the Kingdom Patrick Maisonnave in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives the French ambassador to the Kingdom Patrick Maisonnave in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi defense minister meets with French ambassador to Kingdom

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman receives the French ambassador to the Kingdom Patrick Maisonnave. (SPA)
  • The two officials reviewed Saudi-French relations and discussed the latest developments in the region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman received the French ambassador to the Kingdom Patrick Maisonnave in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed Saudi-French relations and discussed the latest developments in the region.

A number of topics of mutual interest were also discussed, Prince Khalid wrote on X. 


‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future
Updated 17 sec ago
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‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future

‘Greening Arabia’ offers pioneering forum for a sustainable future
  • The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, it is also taking significant strides toward environmental stewardship.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is organizing the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Technologies’ second annual “Greening Arabia” event, which will run from Dec. 2-13.
The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, featuring participation from government bodies, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and leading experts from around the globe.
Attendees will include prominent local and international companies specializing in cutting-edge afforestation technologies, making it a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in combating desertification and drought.
IEFAT is a pivotal platform for discovering new environmental, economic, and knowledge-based opportunities.
The forum fosters strategic partnerships that can drive impactful change by bringing together diverse stakeholders — from environmental and renewable energy industries to sustainable enterprises and non-profits.
“Greening Arabia” aims to harness advanced technologies to enhance afforestation in arid environments and rehabilitate degraded lands.
The event will encourage participation in the Saudi Green Initiative, empowering local and international communities to embrace afforestation as a vital practice. It will also showcase innovative tools and methodologies, giving specialized companies the chance to present their groundbreaking products and projects.
Participants will engage in discussions on best practices in environmental economics, creating a shared vision for a sustainable future. The forum will identify investment opportunities in greening technologies and vegetation cover.
The COP16 president, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come.”
He made his statement at the “Road to Riyadh” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 27.
“It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources,” added Al-Fadley.
He noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 reflects its commitment to both domestic and international environmental preservation and restoration, highlighting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative.


Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah

Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah
Updated 41 min 11 sec ago
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Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah

Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah

Jeddah: An event in Makkah showcasing the history of long-distance desert travel has been hailed by visitors for highlighting an important part of Arabian history.

The Al-Qafila (Arabic for “convoy”) event was held at the Hira Cultural District, and included live performances showcasing the area’s historical depth and folk heritage.

It highlighted the use of convoys throughout Saudi history. The mode of travel was once crucial for inter-country transportation and trade, offering safety and protection from hazards and harsh climates.

Part of the Autumn Vacation series, the event also outlined the national importance of camels in Arabian history.

Camels symbolized wealth, generosity and power, playing a vital role in daily, economic and social life while representing the resilience of Arabs in desert regions.

The Hira Cultural District provides a diverse range of cultural, historical and recreational experiences for all segments of society.

The Autumn Vacation events will run until Nov. 16, blending culture and entertainment in unique ways. Highlights include equestrian displays, caravans, parades, the Light Theater, the Revelation Exhibition, the Challenge Field, the Sniper Experience and various competitions with prizes.

Located near the famous Jabal Al-Noor, the Hira Cultural District is a major landmark in Makkah, and attracts tourists from around the world.


Rare desert reptile found in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Rare desert reptile found in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
Updated 35 min 45 sec ago
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Rare desert reptile found in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders

Rare desert reptile found in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders
  • Rare lizard species known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) was spotted

RIYADH: A rare species of lizard known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) has been spotted in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

It is thought the lizard, notable for its striking coloration, has appeared in the Arar desert due to the abundance of plants and natural reserves in the area.

Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region is distinguished by its diverse ecosystems due to its vast size and unique geography, resulting in rich biodiversity and natural resources essential for ecological balance, especially among its varied wildlife.

Adnan Khalifta, a member of the Aman Environmental Society and a wildlife enthusiast, explained that this lizard is one of the rare and limited species in the Northern Borders region.

He said the medium-sized lizard has a flat body, broad triangular head, and relatively long tail, covered with large spiky scales on its back and head. It is active during the day.

He added the lizards feed on insects and invertebrates, living in rocky areas and gravel plains where it is well adapted.

To escape the desert heat, it climbs desert shrubs and rocks.

Its coloration generally blends with the sandy surroundings, but males display a striking blue along the head, neck, and sides during mating season to attract females, while females lack this coloration.


Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
Updated 12 November 2024
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Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit

Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
  • Leaders reiterate their backing for the Palestinian people and the fight for their legitimate rights
  • These include right to freedom and an independent sovereign state with East Jerusalem as capital

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said holding the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh reflects the sincere desire of its participants to continue efforts aimed at ending Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Bin Farhan reiterated during the summit's press conference how the leaders of Arab and Muslim countries called for ending Israeli violations, and easing restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday. 

He also reiterated that the summit supports the two-state solution as the only option to achieve a just and lasting peace to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Bin Farhan said the participating countries will coordinate with the international community to achieve a ceasefire and limit the expansion of the conflict, and reduce the growing threat posed by Israeli military operations to regional and international security.

Leaders of Arab and Muslim countries who attended an extraordinary summit in Riyadh on Monday issued a closing statement in which they affirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause, and their firm support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights.

These rights include the right to freedom, the leaders said, the right to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return for refugees, the right to the compensation to which they are due in accordance with international resolutions, and the right to challenge any attempts to deny or undermine these rights.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Jerusalem. They said Jerusalem remains a red line for Arab and Muslim nations, and expressed absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Jerusalem and defending the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites there.

They also affirmed their absolute support for Lebanon, including its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.


Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future

Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
Updated 12 November 2024
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Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future

Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
  • The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development

RIYADH: The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, recently launched an initiative to plant 1 million trees in the region by the end of 2024.

The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development and increase green spaces in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, launched at Qassim National Park in Buraidah, includes collaboration with government agencies and the nonprofit sector.

It seeks to promote environmental sustainability and enhance vegetation cover, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the initiative.

He also recognized the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification for its role in restoring vegetation in national parks.

The center’s director, Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Asmari, confirmed that the initiative includes cultivating 5 million seedlings by 2030 to improve vegetation cover and achieve environmental balance.

Al-Asmari also reviewed the center’s cultivation efforts in various regional locations, the SPA reported.

In Qassim National Park, 1 million seedlings have been planted, including varieties such as arta (calligonum), ethel (tamarix), qarath (acacia), ghaf (prosopis), and samar (acacia nilotica). An additional 120,000 seedlings were planted in the Unaizah forest.