Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt
Iwai Fumio recently met with Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar at the end of his tenure in the Kingdom. (X/@emara_riyadh)
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Updated 30 October 2024
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Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio, whose tenure in the Kingdom witnessed substantial achievements in diplomatic and cultural spheres since he was appointed in 2019, is now preparing to take on a new role as ambassador to Egypt.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, Iwai oversaw several key projects that aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative to diversify the economy and reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.

Working closely with Saudi leaders, he facilitated Japanese support in sectors like technology, renewable energy and infrastructure development.

The ambassador’s efforts to foster Japanese investment in the Kingdom led to agreements that brought advanced technology and expertise, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy projects.

Iwai also oversaw former Japanese Prime Minister Kishia Fumio’s and former Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa’s visits to the Kingdom.

He was an ambassador of culture as much as diplomacy, promoting numerous events that introduced Japanese art, cuisine and traditional performances to Saudi audiences.

His focus on cultural exchange strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered mutual respect and understanding.

Iwai promoted youth engagement, encouraging scholarship programs and exchange opportunities that allowed Saudi students to study in Japan.

As ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iwai was well-known on social media for his Arabic-language video messages throughout the years, in which he would celebrate Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

Before he started his role in the Kingdom, Iwai was the Japanese ambassador to Iraq.

He entered the Foreign Ministry in 1984 after graduating from the faculty of law at Kyoto University in Japan. He previously served as director general of the Secretariat of the Cabinet Office’s International Peace Cooperation Headquarters.


Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah

Desert convoy event brings Saudi traditions to life in Makkah
Updated 1 min 8 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 Northern Borders

Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders
Updated 31 min 44 sec ago
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Rare desert reptile found in Northern Borders

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

RIYADH: The 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.

Recently, in Wadi Al-Hanthalia, south of Arar, a rare lizard species known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) was spotted, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This lizard, notable for its striking coloration, has appeared in the Arar desert environment, likely due to the abundance of plants and natural reserves in the area.

Adnan Khalifa, 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.

It is a medium-sized lizard with 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 that Savigny’s agama feeds 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 41 min 29 sec ago
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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.


Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts

Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts
Updated 12 November 2024
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Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts

Pakistan PM visits MWL, praises solidarity efforts
  • Shehbaz Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation visited the Muslim World League headquarters in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

They were received by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the league’s secretary-general and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity, unite the voices of Muslim scholars, and convey the true message of Islam.

Sharif and his delegation arrived in the Kingdom to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, held on Monday.

In his address at the summit, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Palestine, supporting its right to self-determination as an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.

He stressed that this is the only solution to achieve peace, ensure justice, and preserve the holy lands.

The Pakistani PM condemned all violations committed by Israel against Palestine and Lebanon, affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with their people and calling for an end to the escalation in violence against them.

He also urged for the siege on Gaza to be lifted and for access to food, water, electricity, and medical aid to be ensured.

The prime minister underscored that Israel must be held accountable for its crimes and comply with UN resolutions.