Saudi Arabia FM calls for peace, addresses global challenges at G20 Summit opening

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
1 / 4
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
2 / 4
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
3 / 4
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
4 / 4
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the Group of 20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 19 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia FM calls for peace, addresses global challenges at G20 Summit opening

Saudi Arabia FM calls for peace, addresses global challenges at G20 Summit opening
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan leads Kingdom’s delegation on behalf of crown prince 

RIO DE JANEIRO: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday.

Prince Faisal, who is leading the delegation on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, spoke at the summit’s opening session which was called “Social Inclusion and Combating Hunger and Poverty.”

Prince Faisal highlighted pressing global challenges, noting that increasing tensions, military conflicts, and humanitarian crises were significant obstacles to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, adding: “Development and prosperity cannot be achieved on the ruins of death and destruction.”

Moving on to the ongoing crises in the Middle East, Prince Faisal pointed to Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, describing them as sources of severe human suffering and catalysts which were pushing the region toward broader conflict.

He said: “The ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon has caused unprecedented levels of human suffering; is pushing the region to the brink of a wider war … and is undermining the credibility of international law and institutions.”

Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to peace, stating the Kingdom’s unwavering stance on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance; the release of hostages; and a serious commitment to lasting peace based on the two-state solution according to the 1967 borders, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister also addressed the situation in Sudan, expressing concern over the severe human toll due to the conflict, and obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected communities.

In addition to political challenges, Prince Faisal commended Brazil’s initiative in launching the International Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s development and humanitarian objectives. He announced the Kingdom’s participation in the alliance, which resonates with its long-standing global efforts.

He said: “The Kingdom is pleased to be part of this alliance that is in line with its development goals and its global role in this regard, which is expressed by the programs of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (and) the Saudi Fund for Development, in addition to its global contributions to the programs of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to support developing countries.”

The Kingdom’s delegation included Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Deputy Minister of Finance (Saudi Sherpa for the G20) Abdul Mohsen bin Saad Al-Khalaf, and Ambassador to Brazil Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam.

The G20 Summit in Brazil serves as a platform for the world’s leading economies to address global challenges and promote collective solutions aimed at fostering sustainable development and social equity.

On the sidelines of the summit, Prince Faisal met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During their meeting they discussed US-Saudi relations, as well as regional developments and the efforts made in this regard.


19 arrested after three drug gangs dismantled in Saudi Arabia, interior ministry says

Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.
Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.
Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

19 arrested after three drug gangs dismantled in Saudi Arabia, interior ministry says

Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.

RIYADH: Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and the Eastern Province have been dismantled, an official source at the Saudi Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The networks were transferring drugs to other parts of the Kingdom and laundered the money they gained, the source said.

19 people involved in the activities of these gangs were arrested, including five Ministry of Interior employees, seven Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees, and seven Ministry of Defense employees. The necessary legal measures were taken against them and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior said it announced the arrests to affirm that security authorities are vigilant against all criminal activity targeting the nation and its youth with drugs, and that it will confront anyone who dares to tamper with the security of the Kingdom, its citizens, and residents on its territory.


Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation
Updated 41 min 57 sec ago
Follow

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation
  • Robots eliminating people is not ‘serious concern’
  • Excessive restrictions could slow progress, says Raibert

RIYADH: The idea that robots could take over the world is not a “serious concern,” said the founder of advanced robotics company Boston Dynamics, as he warned against excessive regulation at a Riyadh technology conference on Sunday.

“There’s some fear that robots are going to somehow get out of hand and take over the world and eliminate people. I don’t really think that’s a serious concern,” Marc Raibert said during the fourth edition of the LEAP summit.

While regulation is necessary, Raibert believes that excessive restrictions could slow progress.

He expressed his concern about “overregulation stopping us from having the benefits of AI and robotics that could develop because robots can solve problems that we face in addition to causing problems.”

He added that while regulating mature applications makes sense, limiting the technology too early could hinder its potential.

His comments were made during a fireside chat titled “The Future of Robotics and AI,” in which he highlighted the role of artificial intelligence-powered robots in elderly care and assistance for people with disabilities.

“We have a couple of teams working on physical designs, but more importantly on the intelligence and perception needed to be able to do those kinds of tasks,” Raibert said.

Beyond industrial use, robotics is expected to play an important role in healthcare, supporting patient care, people with disabilities, and elderly assistance, according to Raibert, who founded the leading robotics company in 1992.

“I think cognitive intelligence, AI, is going to help us make it a lot easier to communicate with the robot, but also for the robot to understand the world, so that they can do things more easily without having everything programmed in detail,” he added.

Raibert also introduced a project at his AI Institute called “Watch, Understand, Do,” which aims to improve robots’ ability to learn tasks by observing human workers.

The initiative focuses on on-the-job training, where a robot can watch a worker perform a task — such as assembling a component in a factory — and gradually replicate it. While this process is intuitive for humans, it remains a technical challenge for robots, requiring advancements in machine perception and task sequencing.

He pointed out that while humanoid robots are gaining attention, true human-like capabilities go beyond having two arms and two legs. He emphasized that intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interact effectively with the environment will define the next generation of AI-driven robotics.

Raibert discussed the differences between robotics adoption in workplaces and homes, explaining that industrial environments offer a structured setting where robots can operate more efficiently. He noted that robots are likely to become more common in workplaces before being integrated into homes.

However, integrating robots into homes presents additional challenges, including safety, cost, and adaptability to unstructured environments. He said while home robots will eventually become more common, their widespread adoption will likely follow the expansion of industrial and commercial robotics.

As part of LEAP, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is gathering global AI leaders at its DeepFest platform during the fourth edition of the summit.

With more than 150 speakers, 120 exhibitors, and an expected attendance of over 50,000 people from around the world, DeepFest showcases a range of cutting-edge AI technology.

The event explores emerging technologies, fosters collaboration, exchanges expertise, and builds partnerships, contributing to innovation and strengthening cooperation among experts across diverse industries.
 


Saudi Royal Guards show skills in sports, combat

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Saudi Royal Guards show skills in sports, combat

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
  • This event comes in the framework of the Royal Guard Presidency’s commitment to developing the combat and athletic skills of its members, enhancing their constant readiness to execute assigned duties with efficiency and professionalism

RIYADH: Under the sponsorship of the chief of the Royal Guard, Lt. Gen. Suhail bin Saqr Al-Mutairi, the Royal Guard Presidency celebrated the graduation of security and protection course participants and the conclusion of the second sports league, the fourth shooting championship and the third infantry competition, the SPA reported on Saturday.

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event, which featured sports performances and competitions in various disciplines, and demonstrations of shooting and marching, showcasing the participants’ high level of readiness and proficiency.

At the end of the event, Al-Mutairi honored the winning teams in the sports league and shooting championship, as well as the top achievers in the infantry competition.

He also honored the graduates of the security and protection courses who successfully completed their training programs, becoming a valuable addition to the Royal Guard Forces.

He stressed the importance of such events in fostering a spirit of competition, discipline and professionalism among members of the Royal Guard and commended the participants’ level of performance in various competitions and training exercises.

This event comes in the framework of the Royal Guard Presidency’s commitment to developing the combat and athletic skills of its members, enhancing their constant readiness to execute assigned duties with efficiency and professionalism.

 


Klija festival sheds lights on honey

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Klija festival sheds lights on honey

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
  • The 16th edition of the Klija Festival in Buraydah has garnered substantial attention with strong support from the region’s emir

RIYADH: Buraydah hosted the 16th Klija Festival from Jan.31 to Feb.9 at King Khalid Cultural Center, which attracted a large number of visitors.

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Visitors were able to explore a wide range of honey types and select their favorites from the diverse range of offerings.

Beekeeper Walid Al-Faifi said that at a young age he inherited the art of beekeeping from his father.

With more than 30 years’ experience, he presented several honey varieties at the festival, including sidr, samar, majra, and talh.

Beekeeper Abdulsalam Al-Muqbel, who has eight years’ experience, discussed the secrets of the profession that allow him to produce various honey types, such as wild sidr, fennel, arugula, citrus, shaflah (caper), talh, samar, and alfalfa honey, as well as pollen, local propolis, and royal jelly.

Beekeeper Mohammed Al-Muhaimid said that he was participating to be able to introduce visitors to the importance of honey, particularly its health benefits.

He highlighted its use as a natural ingredient in many dishes, including klija, and as a healthier alternative to sugar in tea.

Al-Muhaimid said that honey production demands significant time, effort and careful attention to the right conditions to ensure the best quality.

The 16th edition of the Klija Festival in Buraydah has garnered substantial attention with strong support from the region’s emir.

It promotes financial sustainability as an excellent platform for productive families and owners of small and startup businesses, offering them the opportunity to display their products and engage directly with customers.

 


Head of Muslim World League reviews medical program in Guinea-Bissau

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivers a lecture in Bissau. (SPA)
Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivers a lecture in Bissau. (SPA)
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Head of Muslim World League reviews medical program in Guinea-Bissau

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivers a lecture in Bissau. (SPA)
  • Al-Issa inaugurated a Qur’an competition and was awarded the country’s highest medal of honor for his efforts in religious diplomacy

RIYADH: The head of the Muslim World League delivered a lecture and reviewed the league’s medical program during a visit to West African country of Guinea-Bissau.

The league secretary-general, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, reviewed the medical program, which performs operations and distributes supplies in collaboration with the National Hospital in Bissau, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting was part of an official visit at the invitation of Guinea-Bissau’s prime minister, Rui Duarte de Barros.

Al-Issa earlier inaugurated a Qur’an competition and was awarded the country’s highest medal of honor for his efforts in religious diplomacy.