GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration

GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration
1 / 3
The Governor of Riyadh Province, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, was among the dignitaries who graced the event. (Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub/AN)
GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration
2 / 3
Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Qatar’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, delivers a speech during the event. (Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub/AN)
GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration
3 / 3
The GCC was formed on May 25, 1981, at a conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. (Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub/AN)
Short Url
Updated 27 May 2024
Follow

GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration

GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration
  • Riyadh event celebrates 43 years of unity, calls for regional stability

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council marked its 43rd anniversary in Riyadh on Sunday with a ceremony attended by its members, ambassadors, and various guests including Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar.

In his speech, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the council was an “icon and embodiment of the shared religious, historical, social, and cultural values that are reinforced by the geographical extension of the GCC countries.”

Al-Budaiwi said the council has had a clear vision for integration since its inception.

The GCC was formed on May 25, 1981, at a conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. A charter was signed creating the council for the Arab states.

The six-member bloc was initially formed as an economic group but then grew with the wider mission to provide stability and security for the region. The cooperation grew further to include other areas including energy, agriculture, telecommunications and education.

Al-Budaiwi said the region was facing difficult and unprecedented challenges, citing the killings, forced displacements, and other violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

“We underscore the firm position of the GCC regarding the Israeli aggression. Therefore, we call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and an end to the Israeli military operations in all parts of Gaza, including the city of Rafah, and ensuring the provision of all humanitarian aid, relief, and essential needs to its population,” Al-Budaiwi said.

He urged the international community to adopt policies that would end the violence against the Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Islam’s holy sites.

Al-Budaiwi said the GCC supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital — in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.

He also highlighted the achievements of the GCC in recent years.

“Our commitment to enhancing economic relations and opening new markets for the GCC countries is not only aimed at diversifying our economic activities but also at positioning the council’s countries as a strategic player on the global trade stage.

“Faced with these achievements and joint GCC projects, we now have a great responsibility to continue and preserve the gains that have been achieved during this blessed journey,” Al-Budaiwi said.

He added: “We have confidence in the capabilities and energy of our youth, whom we see as our strongest bet to achieve success and further strengthen the role and position of the cooperation council regionally and internationally.”

There was also a speech delivered by the ambassador of Qatar to Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, before the closing ceremony.

The event ended with traditional songs and dances of each member nation, including Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance.


‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates parallels of Saudi and Iraqi cultures

‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates parallels of Saudi and Iraqi cultures
Updated 2 sec ago
Follow

‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates parallels of Saudi and Iraqi cultures

‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates parallels of Saudi and Iraqi cultures
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s culture ministry launched the “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday, celebrating the similarities between the rich cultural heritages of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Organized by the ministry, “Common Ground” is a showcase of the identity and culture of Saudi Arabia and Iraq through a variety of activities, including art, music and folklore.

The ministry announced the launch on its social media account on Wednesday, inviting residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”

The festival, which runs through Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Boulevard City in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The agenda features an array of events, including an artistic evening and a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, whose contributions to art and literature are noted. His works ranged from novels, plays and songs to television programs and screenplays.

The opening night of the second edition of this unique cultural event featured a set of songs by reknowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir.

The first day features a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture, with several seminars discussing the heritage of Saudi Arabia’s Middle Eastern neighbor.

There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists at the festival.

Separately, on Wednesday, the Iraqi Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Al-Ula, one of the Kingdom’s top cultural destinations, as the two leaders discussed regional events.

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
Updated 19 December 2024
Follow

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
  • Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.

By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.

The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.


Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy
Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh governor receives newly appointed Palestinian envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, and Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Baha Gov. Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz met with Ambassaor of India to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan to discuss topics of mutual interest.
 


Saudi, Australian defense ministers meet in Riyadh

Saudi, Australian defense ministers meet in Riyadh
Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Saudi, Australian defense ministers meet in Riyadh

Saudi, Australian defense ministers meet in Riyadh
  • Prince Khalid, Richard Marles discuss latest developments in region

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman on Wednesday received his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, at his office in Riyadh.

The pair discussed relations between their countries as well as the latest developments in the region, including efforts to support security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A number of other senior officials from the two sides attended the meeting. Marles is also Australia’s deputy prime minister.


Riyadh events industry conference draws to a close

Riyadh events industry conference draws to a close
Updated 18 December 2024
Follow

Riyadh events industry conference draws to a close

Riyadh events industry conference draws to a close
  • Industry leaders highlight investment opportunities
  • 3-day summit saw numerous deals agreed

RIYADH: Experts in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector spoke to Arab News about the need for international collaboration and local investment on the last day of industry talks in Riyadh.

On the final day of the International MICE Summit on Tuesday, business leaders highlighted how the booming industry offered unique opportunities for job creation and investment.

The three-day event covered sector-related issues and hosted the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding.

Six Saudi ministers took part in IMS24, which was organized by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority. A total of 20 speaking sessions and 19 workshops were held, and eight MoUs signed.

IMS24 also witnessed companies including RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion announce the opening of new offices in Saudi Arabia, in preparation for 12 new events due to start in 2025.

Faisal Al-Rajhi, CEO of Almatar Travel Group, told Arab News that the Kingdom’s hosting of numerous exhibitions and conferences in recent years had helped it become a pioneering destination for the MICE industry.

Exhibitions and conferences were boosting job growth and offering local investors the chance to gain valuable insights from international experts, he added.

Mansour Al-Jabarty, CEO of YNZ, said IMS24 was an ideal platform for those seeking to gain expertise in the field and held exceptional significance given Saudi Arabia’s prominence in hosting such events.

Bilal Al-Barmawi, CEO and managing director of 1st Arabia, stressed the importance of building partnerships to increase MICE capabilities, while Ahmed Al-Saif, chairman of Max Group, added local investment in the sector had become an urgent necessity for companies seeking to go global.

The MICE segment was a key driver of economic growth, and the Saudi market was now an attractive destination for foreign investment, he added. This would not have been realized without the boom in exhibitions and conferences that the Kingdom has witnessed in recent times.