Saudi Cabinet welcomes US-Ukraine talks held in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
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Updated 12 March 2025
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Saudi Cabinet welcomes US-Ukraine talks held in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
  • Cabinet also discussed the results of talks between the crown prince and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Monday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed talks between US and Ukrainian officials, which were hosted by the Kingdom as part of its efforts to bring an end to the three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The talks took place in Jeddah on Tuesday at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The Cabinet also discussed the results of talks between the crown prince and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Monday.

The talks included an emphasis on the Kingdom’s support for international efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine and achieving lasting peace, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two countries also praised the strength of their economic ties and welcomed the re-establishment of the Joint Business Council during the talks, SPA said.

The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international meetings held in the Kingdom that sought to consolidate the foundations of cooperation and partnership and enhance consultation and coordination to address current challenges in the region.

The Cabinet commended the contents of the statement issued by the recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting held in Jeddah and emphasized the Kingdom’s complete rejection of calls to displace the Palestinian people from their land. It affirmed the Kingdom’s continued work with friendly countries to advance the implementation of the two-state solution.

It also commended measures taken by the Syrian leadership to preserve civil peace in the country and complete the process of building state institutions to achieve security and stability. It reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

The Cabinet also discussed the positive growth rates achieved by economic activities in 2024, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and the progress made in major projects and national strategies.

The Cabinet said that celebrating Saudi Flag Day is an affirmation of pride in its value that extends throughout the history of the Saudi state since its founding.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations in various fields, including chairing the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.


Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call
Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.


Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians

Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians
Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians

Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians
  • The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.

The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.

Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.

 


RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
Updated 08 April 2025
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RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
  • US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
  • Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities

RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.

The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.

The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.

The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.


Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
  • Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
  • Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.

The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.

This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.

Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.

Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.

On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.


Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
Updated 08 April 2025
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Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
  • Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
  • Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.

This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.