Saudi Arabia and Spain need to raise relations to a ‘strategic partnership,’ says Spanish FM Jose Manuel Albares

Short Url
Updated 08 February 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia and Spain need to raise relations to a ‘strategic partnership,’ says Spanish FM Jose Manuel Albares

Saudi Arabia and Spain need to raise relations to a ‘strategic partnership,’ says Spanish FM Jose Manuel Albares
  • Spain’s top diplomat calls for greater economic, cultural and clean energy cooperation with the Kingdom during Riyadh visit
  • Says UNRWA indispensable to Palestinians, so donors must restore funding while agency investigates allegations

DUBAI: Spain’s top diplomat has expressed his desire to grow the country’s already-strong ties with Saudi Arabia into a strategic partnership, eyeing developments in renewable energies.

Jose Manuel Albares, minister of foreign affairs, European Union, and cooperation, said Spain’s collaborations with the Saudi government had already shown that the two work “very well” together.

“(Now) we have to raise the level of our current partnership into a strategic partnership,” Albares told Katie Jensen, host of the Arab News’ current-affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” The full interview will be published and broadcast on Sunday.

“We saw there are still plenty of opportunities to work together, and there are fields that go beyond the economy, for instance, exchange in education, institutions that can come (to Saudi Arabia), exchange of students, culture, language, there are many issues, and many fields.”

Albares added: “When I think that when you see the cooperation of enterprises of Spain, such as Navantia or Airbus, it is a European consortium, but with a very strong Spanish interest in it, they have been of mutual benefit for both.

“So, I think we must continue on those issues. There is no moot point between us.”

Of particular interest for Albares is strengthening ties in renewable energy development, with Albares noting the depth of knowledge Spain has in the field.




Albares was speaking to Katie Jensen, host of the Arab News’ current-affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” (AN Photo)

He said that while there is “still plenty of room to improve what’s already an excellent relationship,” he has held positive discussions relating to green hydrogen, as well as solar- and wind-power development.

Asked of the challenges facing any “strategic partnership,” Albares said the “common past and common history” shared by Spain and the Arab Gulf states had set them in good stead.

“We are a Mediterranean country. We share that with many Arab countries. There’s a tradition of diplomacy between Spain and the different Arab countries. And there is this common past and common history. So yes, I think it’s time to renew,” he said.

“The Arab world is changing greatly. There are fantastic things happening in the Arab world and Spain wants to be part of that transformation. I met and talked to many women of the Saudi society, of the civil society. And I saw the thriving changes that are going on in Saudi Arabia. And we want to be part of that (transformation).”

Speaking during his diplomatic tour across the Gulf, visiting opposite numbers in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Albares said discussions had inevitably been drawn to the conflict in Gaza and the need for collaboration.

“(We discussed) how we can work together for a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and the entrance of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian state,” he said.

The full episode of Frankly Speaking will be released on Sunday.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Cambodian monarch on independence day

King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Updated 8 min 43 sec ago
Follow

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Cambodian monarch on independence day

King Salman (L) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
  • Sihamoni became the king of Cambodia in 2004 after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, abdicated the throne

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday congratulated Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni on his country's Independence Day celebration, the SPA reported.

In cable, King Salman wished the Cambodian king good health and happiness, as well as continued progress and prosperity for both the government and the people. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable.
The Southeast Asian nation declared independence from France on November 9, 1953.

Sihamoni became the king of Cambodia in 2004 after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, abdicated the throne. Sihanouk later died in 2012 of illness.

 


Mauritanian president arrives in Jeddah to perform Umrah

The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, arrives in Jeddah. (SPA)
The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, arrives in Jeddah. (SPA)
Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Mauritanian president arrives in Jeddah to perform Umrah

The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, arrives in Jeddah. (SPA)
  • The Mauritanian president also visited the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah

JEDDAH: Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah on Saturday to perform Umrah rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Mauritanian leader was welcomed at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah province, and several other officials.

After performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, the Mauritanian president also visited the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

 


Saudi women rise: W20 to ‘address systemic barriers’

Miznah Al-Omair. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Miznah Al-Omair. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Updated 09 November 2024
Follow

Saudi women rise: W20 to ‘address systemic barriers’

Miznah Al-Omair. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
  • Head of Saudi delegation Miznah Al-Omair unpacks women’s empowerment agenda

RIYADH: In a world where women’s economic participation is crucial for sustainable development, the W20 initiative is amplifying women’s voices within the G20 framework.

A beacon of advocacy and action, the Saudi delegation for Women 20, or W20, is led by Miznah Al-Omair, CEO of Al-Nahda Society, which was founded in 1963 to empower women in Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Omair emphasized the importance of including women’s issues in G20 dialogues: “The role of women must be considered in decision-making processes, as these decisions impact women’s economic realities.” This perspective underscores the need for a platform that prioritizes women’s voices in global economic policy discussions.

Through its strategic initiatives, W20 seeks to foster gender equality and empower women economically, ensuring their concerns are heard and integrated into high-level discussions, she said.

We must ensure that every woman can voice her needs and aspirations in the economic landscape, fostering an environment where they can thrive.

Miznah Al-Omair, Head of W20 Saudi delegation

W20 operates independently while maintaining connections with government entities. Its main objective is to ensure women’s issues are integrated into G20 discussions, official declarations and commitments, shaping the agenda of this influential forum.

By advocating for policies addressing the particular challenges women face, the W20 initiative is creating a more equitable economic landscape.

Host countries play a key role in shaping the W20 agenda by identifying areas that reflect their specific contexts. For instance, Brazil’s focus this year highlights the intersection of race and ethnicity with women’s economic challenges.

Al-Omair explained: “By examining the unique challenges women face based on their race and ethnicity, we can develop targeted solutions that address systemic barriers.”

This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of women’s diverse experiences and facilitates the creation of tailored solutions to address their needs.

W20 collaborates with various stakeholders to compile evidence-based recommendations for women’s economic empowerment. These recommendations are presented to G20 leaders for adoption, promoting best practices that can be tailored to different national contexts.

“If a successful program exists in one country, we encourage others to adopt similar frameworks that can benefit women economically,” Al-Omair said. This collaborative spirit is crucial for building a unified approach to women’s empowerment across nations.

Since Saudi Arabia hosted the W20 summit in 2020, significant progress has been made in advancing women’s roles in the economy. The focus has shifted from simply including women in discussions to actively promoting their participation and leadership in various sectors.

“We have made tremendous advancements, and our efforts are reflected in the increasing visibility and effective roles of women in various sectors,” she said. This progress is notable, yet it highlights the ongoing challenges women face in achieving full economic participation.

Despite these advancements, obstacles remain. Women’s participation often depends on individual aspirations and the supportive infrastructures present in different sectors.

“While reforms to laws and regulations promote gender equality, equal opportunities in the private sector have yet to be achieved,” Al-Omair said.

This variability underscores the need for continued advocacy and the development of frameworks that foster an inclusive environment for women.

One standout initiative from Al-Nahda Society is its financial literacy program, launched in 2017. This program equips women with essential skills in budgeting, planning and investment, promoting financial independence.

“This program has proven impactful, helping women gain financial independence and equipping them to launch and sustain their businesses,” the organization’s CEO said.

By focusing on financial literacy, the W20 agenda will empower women to take control of their economic futures.

“We must ensure that every woman can voice her needs and aspirations in the economic landscape, fostering an environment where they can thrive,” Al-Omair said.

This commitment to inclusivity is key to creating a future where women’s economic participation becomes the norm, not the exception.

W20’s collaborative efforts highlight the importance of context-sensitive approaches to women’s empowerment. Effective solutions must resonate with each country’s social and national frameworks.

 

 


Two Saudi military personnel dead, one wounded after attack in Yemen

Two Saudi military personnel dead, one wounded after attack in Yemen
Updated 09 November 2024
Follow

Two Saudi military personnel dead, one wounded after attack in Yemen

Two Saudi military personnel dead, one wounded after attack in Yemen
  • Coalition spokesman Al-Maliki: Attack occurred on Friday during sports training at camp
  • Bodies of fallen servicemen, injured officer transported to the Kingdom

RIYADH: A Saudi officer and a non-commissioned officer were killed and another officer injured following an attack within a military camp in Sayoun in Yemen, the spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced on Saturday.

Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki said that the attack occurred on Friday evening during a sports training session at the camp.

The camp plays a critical role in supporting coalition forces, training personnel, combating terrorism and smuggling, and aiding humanitarian and development initiatives in Yemen, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The perpetrator, identified as being affiliated with the Yemeni Ministry of Defense, acted independently and does not reflect the values of the Yemeni ministry, SPA added. 

Al-Maliki underscored that most members of the Ministry appreciate the coalition’s significant efforts in supporting Yemeni legitimacy and alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The bodies of the fallen servicemen and the injured officer were transported to the Kingdom following their evacuation from Yemen.

Al-Maliki confirmed that the joint forces, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Defense, will conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover the motives, apprehend the attacker, and bring him to justice.

Al-Maliki extendeded sincere condolences and sympathy on behalf of the coalition’s leadership to the families and loved ones of those killed, and wished the injured soldier a speedy recovery.


Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets Italian official

Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets Italian official
Updated 09 November 2024
Follow

Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets Italian official

Deputy speaker of Saudi Shoura Council meets Italian official
  • The two officials discussed cooperation, and stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary relations in order to achieve common goals

BRASILIA: Deputy Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami met with President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana at the 10th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) recently in Brazil.

The two officials discussed cooperation, and stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary relations in order to achieve common goals, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by Shoura Council members Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jibreen and Yazid bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri.