Saudi Arabia plays crucial role in achieving Middle East peace, says Danish foreign minister

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Updated 03 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia plays crucial role in achieving Middle East peace, says Danish foreign minister

Saudi Arabia plays crucial role in achieving Middle East peace, says Danish foreign minister
  • Rasmussen commends Kingdom’s efforts in Palestine, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic
  • FM ‘thrilled’ about first official visit in 9 years

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in achieving peace in the Middle East, Denmark’s foreign minister told Arab News during an official visit on Sunday, the first such visit in nine years.

Lars Lokke Rasmussen commended Saudi Arabia’s continuous diplomatic efforts in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic.

He noted “the very crucial … and constructive role Saudi Arabia is playing in the entire region” at a critical time that has seen a ceasefire implemented in Gaza, a new president elected in Lebanon, and a new regime come to power in the Syrian Arab Republic.

“There is a real possibility that we could have peace in Syria, but also (to) a large extent a more … peaceful region,” Rasmussen added.

The foreign minister underlined that his visit to the Kingdom is driven by two key objectives: to recognize Saudi Arabia’s constructive role in the region and to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors such as trade and investment.

Rasmussen’s visit is the first by a Danish foreign minister to Saudi Arabia in over nine years.




Lars Lokke Rasmussen commended Saudi Arabia’s continuous diplomatic efforts in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic. (X/@KSAMOFAEN)

“Finally, I’m here, and I’m very thrilled about it for many good reasons,” he told Arab News.

His visit coincided with that of the Syrian Arab Republic’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who was in Riyadh on his first official visit since he led the overthrow of the Assad regime late last year.

Speaking of the country’s new leader, Rasmussen expressed he was “happy” with the developments that took place in Damascus, adding that “Saudi Arabia is a very important player in all this” and that “there’s a real possibility of a long-lasting peace and a much more stable region.

“Of course, we recognize that there are dilemmas, given the past of the new leader, so to speak …

“Should we pay attention to his curriculum vitae, or should we pay attention to the speeches he’s giving now? … I think the jury’s still out, but we want to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Rasmussen said.

Denmark intends to engage with the new Syrian Arab Republic government, he said, explaining that as a foreign minister, he has introduced humanitarian assistance packages to the Syrian Arab Republic following the announcement of the government.

Rasmussen said the aid was introduced for two reasons: to assist in a humanitarian sense and to send a message from Denmark to Syrian Arab Republic that the former was ready and willing to engage.

During his visit, the foreign minister is set to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss geopolitical relations further.

On the topic of the recent ceasefire in Palestine, the Danish official stressed that a two-state solution is the “only solution” to the reconstruction of Gaza, addressing statements made by other world leaders that the solution cannot be “exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries.”

Rasmussen said: “I support a two-state solution … that is a consensus decision in the Danish parliament and has been our position for many, many years.

“And that’s why we have joined the global coalition behind the two-state solution,” he added, referring to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

“And I want to commend my good colleague in Saudi Arabia for taking this initiative together with the European Union. I think that is, at the end of the day, the only suitable solution.”

He added that a two-state solution is also in Israel’s best interest.

“You can’t solve that problem without creating a sovereign Palestine state, and any idea of just exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries … It’s not doable,” he said.

Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League recently released a joint statement in response to US President Donald Trump, rejecting his proposal that regional leaders take in Palestinians from Gaza.

“Jordan (has) already done tremendously good work and shown a lot of generosity hosting many, many Palestinian refugees,” Rasmussen said.

“Now we need the ceasefire, and then we need a proper discussion about reconstruction in Gaza,” he said.

The official stressed that the Palestinian Authority must also be involved in the solution.

He proposed that the EU aid the Palestinian Authority “in order to give them the needed competencies to take upon themselves this task.”

The foreign minister also addressed the status of relations between Denmark and the US following Trump’s attempts to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.

“I think the narrative that all Greenlanders should prefer to become Americans is not a true narrative,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Rasmussen said that he and Trump “have an excellent working relationship.




Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen speaks to Arab News during an official visit to Riyadh on Sunday. (AN Photo/Jafar Al-Saleh)

“Frankly … and I don’t think it will offend him, he’s kind of (a) different politician. But we managed to overcome that,” he said.

He added that despite the “America first” policy and “tariffs” in Trump’s first term, Danish-American relations actually managed to grow stronger, with the US becoming Denmark’s largest export market.

“We have awaited his inauguration,” he said.

“Equally as important (are) the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I really think there’s huge potential for further cooperation.

“I really want to recognize the development in Saudi Arabia, which is quite impressive.”

While Denmark is a small country, it is home to world-class companies with strongholds in green energy, food security and water management, Rasmussen said.

During his trip, the official will also meet with Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, with whom he plans to sign a memorandum of understanding, the details of which have not yet been disclosed.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 15 sec ago
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.

In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.

The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.


Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers
Updated 11 min 40 sec ago
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Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

MAKKAH: A cardiac team at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, performed a three-hour emergency open-heart surgery to save the life of a 59-year-old Iraqi Umrah pilgrim suffering from a severe coronary artery clot.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was quickly weaned off ventilators and made a steady recovery, stabilizing his condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The case highlights King Abdullah Medical City’s ability to provide exceptional specialized care for Umrah and other pilgrims, the SPA added.

Meanwhile, the cardiac catheterization team at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, also part of the Makkah Health Cluster, saved the life of an 86-year-old Libyan Umrah pilgrim who suffered a heart attack and required urgent intervention.

The hospital’s heart center is fully equipped for such cases, with highly qualified medical teams committed to delivering advanced healthcare in line with the highest standards, according to the SPA.

The team at Al-Noor also treated a 68-year-old Egyptian woman performing Umrah, through a cardiac catheterization procedure on her right coronary artery.

The patient arrived at the emergency department with severe chest pain, low blood pressure, and a weak pulse, the SPA reported. Examinations revealed a blocked coronary artery and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical intervention.


Kingdom prepares mosques for Eid Al-Fitr prayer

Kingdom prepares mosques for Eid Al-Fitr prayer
Updated 22 min 56 sec ago
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Kingdom prepares mosques for Eid Al-Fitr prayer

Kingdom prepares mosques for Eid Al-Fitr prayer
  • The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh has instructed ministry branches throughout the Kingdom to hold the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in all designated prayer areas.

The ministry has made extensive preparations to ensure mosques and open-air areas are ready for worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The prayer will be held in all mosques, except those near Eid prayer areas or rarely used for Eid prayers in some villages, where residents will use local prayer areas.

The directives include early preparations to ensure maintenance, cleanliness and service availability at prayer areas for a peaceful experience.

The Eid prayer throughout the Kingdom will take place 15 minutes after sunrise, based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar, the SPA reported.

The Kingdom has 19,887 mosques and prayer areas, all prepared to provide a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Cleaning and sterilization protocols have been implemented to maintain hygiene in these sacred spaces, according to the SPA.

Comprehensive maintenance has been performed on electrical systems, air conditioning, and audio equipment to ensure optimal comfort during prayers.


Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday
Updated 26 min 48 sec ago
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Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Friday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense. 

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods. Similar conditions are expected in the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. 

The directorate indicated that moderate rain may fall in the Najran region, while light rain is expected in the Madinah region, the SPA reported. 

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire

US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire
Updated 24 March 2025
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US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire

US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire
  • The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping

RIYADH: US and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday aimed at making progress toward a broad ceasefire in Ukraine with Washington eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire deal before securing a wider agreement.
The talks, which followed US talks with Ukraine on Sunday, come as US President Donald Trump intensifies his drive to end the three-year-old conflict after he last week spoke to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A source briefed on the planning for the talks said the US side was being led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior State Department official.
The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping.
Russia will be represented by Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who is now chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service.