Saudi Arabia: No diplomatic relations with Israel without Palestinian state
Kingdom’s foreign ministry calls for end to Israel’s aggression against Gaza, withdrawal of occupation forces
Updated 07 February 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said there will be no diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Israel unless Palestinians had an independent state, state news agency SPA reported early on Wednesday, citing a statement from the foreign ministry.
The statement by the foreign ministry said Riyadh was steadfast on Palestinians obtaining their legitimate rights.
“The Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the statement said.
The official note addressed comments attributed to US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, without outlining his remarks.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that “Kirby said that the Biden administration has received positive feedback that Saudi Arabia and Israel are willing to continue to have normalization discussions.”
The Saudi statement also demanded “Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip.”
The Kingdom called on permanent members of the UN Security Council to “expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday.
Blinken is on a regional tour to discuss the situation in Gaza with allies. He arrived in Israel after visiting Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday.
The consulate asked Saudis to exercise caution and use its emergency contact number if required
Updated 10 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s consulate in Houston has urged Saudis to follow all instructions issued by local authorities regarding Storm Beryl, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The consulate asked Saudis to exercise caution and use its emergency contact number if required.
Beryl hit Texas on Monday, killing several people and zapping power to nearly 3 million homes and businesses as it headed east.
It has now weakened to a tropical depression, the National Hurricane Center said Monday evening.
Deputy FM meets with Sudan’s Al-Burhan to reiterate calls for ceasefire, humanitarian aid
Waleed Al-Khuraiji met with the chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan
Updated 09 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi deputy foreign minister on Monday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for a ceasefire in Sudan as laid out in last year’s Jeddah Declaration, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Waleed Al-Khuraiji met with the chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in Port Sudan on Monday.
During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s welcome and support for all UN and international efforts aimed at reaching a peace in Sudan and for humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Al-Khuraiji also passed on to Al-Burhan the greetings of the Saudi leadership, stressing its keenness to restore security and stability to Sudan.
Saudi nature walking scheme promotes environmental awareness
Two-day event included volunteering activities like clean-up campaigns and park maintenance
Updated 09 July 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: A two-day event organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification saw more 100 hiking and mountain climbing enthusiasts explore nature while promoting environmental awareness in Jazan.
The “Walking in Nature’s Embrace” initiative, which concluded on Sunday and is also being held in other national parks of the Kingdom, is part of Saudi Summer 2024 and was held in Wadi Lajab National Park and the Al-Qahar mountains of Jazan’s Al-Raith governorate.
The ‘Walking in Nature’s embrace’ initiative offered locals and visitors various volunteering opportunities, including tree maintenance in national parks, clean-up campaigns and environmental education. (X: ncvcksa/SPA)
Hikers traversed designated paths that feature historical landmarks and ancient rock inscriptions dating back millennia, while engaging in volunteer efforts and promoting environmental awareness messages under the slogan “Naturally Beautiful,” using QR codes they carried.
The scheme offered locals and visitors various volunteering opportunities, including tree maintenance in national parks, clean-up campaigns and environmental education. The activities, geared toward encouraging environmentally conscious behavior, were also designed to foster community engagement.
HIGHLIGHT
The ‘Walking in Nature’s Embrace’ initiative is being held in various national parks of the Kingdom and is part of Saudi Summer 2024.
Abdulkarim Tayyash, a local environmental enthusiast, highlighted the unique appeal of the region, describing the summer atmosphere and stunning nature of the Al-Qahar mountains and Wadi Lajab as a top experience for tourists and visitors in Jazan.
The ‘Walking in Nature’s embrace’ initiative offered locals and visitors various volunteering opportunities, including tree maintenance in national parks, clean-up campaigns and environmental education. (X: ncvcksa/Supplied)
“The Jazan area, with its enchanting landscapes, diverse vegetation, mountainous terrain and lush green plains, offers one of the most rewarding experiences for nature lovers,” he told Arab News.
Tayyash also discussed his love for mountain hiking, a passion he is encouraging in his children. “We have made daily walks in Al-Raith a family tradition,” he said. The area, encircled by picturesque mountain chains, provides an ideal setting for both casual strolls and more ambitious climbs.
The ‘Walking in Nature’s embrace’ initiative offered locals and visitors various volunteering opportunities, including tree maintenance in national parks, clean-up campaigns and environmental education. (X: ncvcksa/Supplied)
Visits to the “beautiful” waterfalls in Wadi Lajab are “always worthwhile,” Tayyash added.
The region is rich with green mountains and trees, he said, adding that he encourages his children to help preserve botanical diversity and enhance the area’s beauty and greenery, offering a perfect setting for hiking, photography and enjoying sports.
The ‘Walking in Nature’s embrace’ initiative offered locals and visitors various volunteering opportunities, including tree maintenance in national parks, clean-up campaigns and environmental education. (X: ncvcksa/Supplied)
Issa Al-Qarbi, a vegetation expert, highlighted the role of the scheme in developing environmental awareness: “These participatory events in Al-Qahar mountains are crucial for preserving our natural assets and developing our vegetation cover.”
Al-Qarbi described the region’s diverse terrain, including towering mountains, deep valleys and unique rock formations, as a draw for visitors and adventurers alike.
“The mountains are famous for their dense vegetation, comprising various types of trees, shrubs and wild plants, making them a haven for nature lovers, environmentalists and those seeking unique ecological experiences,” he added.
The Al-Qahar and Al-Raith mountains feature a relatively moderate climate compared to the surrounding coastal areas, making them attractive destinations during the summer months. The area boasts wildlife and birds, as well as scenic waterfalls and flowing streams.
Beyond natural attractions, the region is home to traditional mountain villages that offer insights into local cultures and lifestyles.
The blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes the area an ideal destination for those seeking an experience that combines adventure, relaxation and cultural exploration.
Private museums unlock the past in Saudi Arabia’s north
The museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the Trans-Arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s
Updated 08 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Border Region, a quiet revolution is underway to preserve the area’s rich cultural heritage through an unlikely medium: private museums.
These personal collections, often tucked away in homes and personal spaces, are becoming important ties across generations, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
One museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the trans-arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s. (SPA)
Stepping into the museums transports visitors to a bygone era, allowing them to see firsthand the rich tapestry of the region’s history and the daily lives of the people who once lived there.
Ahmed Al-Sultani, a collector turned curator, has transformed part of his Arar home into a time capsule. “For over 25 years, I’ve been gathering pieces of our past,” he said in an interview with SPA.
One museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the trans-arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s. (SPA)
Ancient household utensils, including copperware, coffee pots, jugs, and food containers, make up part of his collection, which also holds items once owned by nomadic Bedouin and local residents.
The museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the Trans-Arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s.
One museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the trans-arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s. (SPA)
Drawing visitors from both the local community and beyond, Al-Sultani’s museum has become a magnet for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and school and university students. Heritage pieces are displayed to recreate authentic glimpses of the past and as important introductions to the history of the region.
Meanwhile, Zahia Al-Anazi is breaking new ground as one of the first women in the region to open a private museum. Her collection includes objects related to women’s lives along the Northern Border.
One museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the trans-arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s. (SPA)
Visitors to Al-Anazi’s museum step into meticulously recreated scenes from the past. A bride’s room, replete with traditional outfits and wool furnishings, provides insights into local wedding customs, while a beauty room displaying items such as kohl and hair oils offers insights into past cosmetic practices.
Another room is dedicated to traditional Northern attire, as well as vintage household utensils, including copperware and kitchen tools.
One museum showcases lightweight weapons, swords, and daggers, alongside tools from the region’s development during the trans-arabian Pipeline era from 1950 to the early 1980s. (SPA)
Al-Anazi said that she learnt about handicrafts, such as embroidery, spinning, and sewing, from her grandmothers and mother, prompting her to open the museum.
“My goal is to preserve our heritage and instill its value in everyone, especially the new generation,” she said.
Al-Anazi’s approach reinforces aspects of national identity among children and introduces younger generations to the beauty of their past.
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Jordan’s Ayman Safadi discuss Gaza war with Irish FM
Safadi emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts to stop Israeli breaches of international law
Updated 08 July 2024
Arab News
AMMAN: The Saudi foreign minister and his Jordanian counterpart discussed Israel’s assault on Gaza, escalating tension on the Israeli-Lebanese border and the humanitarian crisis in the region with the Irish foreign minister on Monday.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke to Michael Martin by phone, and also discussed relations between the Kingdom and Ireland.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Martin also discussed efforts to halt the Gaza conflict and the humanitarian crisis, Jordan Press Agency reported.
During their phone call, Safadi emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts to stop Israeli breaches of international law, stressing the importance of protecting civilians, and ensuring the delivery of aid to Gaza.
He also warned against illegal Israeli measures targeting the Palestinian population and the Palestinian National Authority in the occupied West Bank, describing these as “a flagrant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation.”
Safadi expressed appreciation for Ireland’s call to end the aggression against Gaza, and for recognition of a Palestinian state, and support for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and statehood based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law.
In response, Martin praised Jordan’s role in promoting regional security, stability, and peace, as well as its efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
