Saudi focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting

Saudi focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting
Alibrahim held discussions with Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira on the latter’s agenda while holding the presidency of the G20. (SPA)
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Updated 23 July 2024
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Saudi focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting

Saudi focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Economy and Planning Minister Faisal bin Fadel Alibrahim has been holding talks with officials from several nations on the state of the global economy at the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, which began on Monday and ends on July 24, Alibrahim held discussions with Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira on the latter’s agenda while holding the presidency of the G20.

They also discussed efforts to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, agribusiness and renewable energy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The minister also met with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Secretary-General Mathias Cormann on regional and global economic developments, and Saudi Arabia’s work with the OECD.

In addition, Alibrahim had discussions with Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education Mohamad Maliki Osman.

They focused on ways to enhance relations including in the industrial, education, investment and financial sectors.

 

 


Saudi crown prince attends funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA
Updated 16 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince attends funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman participated in the funeral prayer of Princess Latifa bint Abdulaziz after the noon prayer on Wednesday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Princess Latifa died on Tuesday and was buried at Al-Oud Cemetery in Riyadh on Wednesday after the funeral prayer. 


India’s new consul general keen to promote ties with Saudi Arabia

India’s new consul general keen to promote ties with Saudi Arabia
Updated 36 min 13 sec ago
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India’s new consul general keen to promote ties with Saudi Arabia

India’s new consul general keen to promote ties with Saudi Arabia
  • Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India
  • Suri announced the consulate’s initiative to register Indian businesses and professionals, creating a comprehensive database

JEDDAH: The Indian community welcomed Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, the new consul general of India, at a grand reception in Jeddah.

The event saw a strong turnout of local people and distinguished guests eager to show their support.

Suri expressed his gratitude to the Indian community for their support and emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India.

Increased trade could foster greater cultural and economic exchanges, he said.

By unlocking new avenues for investment and innovation, Indian professionals could help bolster trade relations, paving the way for a prosperous future, Suri said.

He announced the consulate’s initiative to register Indian businesses and professionals, creating a comprehensive database, and said open house sessions with the community would continue with a more focused approach.

The event featured cultural performances by children as well as traditional Indian dancing and music.


New campaign highlights Red Sea tourism, investment

New campaign highlights Red Sea tourism, investment
Updated 54 min 9 sec ago
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New campaign highlights Red Sea tourism, investment

New campaign highlights Red Sea tourism, investment
  • More Than a Sea highlights the investment potential of the Red Sea, showcasing its 1,800 km coastline, 7 million residents, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage
  • Campaign promotes activities such as cruises, yachts, diving, snorkeling and beach outings

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Sea Authority has launched a campaign to support coastal tourism.

The “More Than a Sea” campaign highlights the authority’s contributions to tourism through four key pillars: Regulation, sustainability, attracting investment and promoting tourism in the Red Sea.

It highlights the authority’s regulatory role, including setting policies, issuing licenses and preparing infrastructure for marine tourism activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority has issued seven new regulations in partnership with relevant entities to oversee coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia.

“More Than a Sea” highlights the investment potential of the Red Sea, showcasing its 1,800 km coastline, 7 million residents, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes activities such as cruises, yachts, diving, snorkeling and beach outings.

It also highlights efforts to protect the marine environment by collaborating with public and private bodies to develop mechanisms for environmental protection, enhance the blue economy, preserve natural resources and manage marine waste.

The Red Sea coast features more than 150 beaches, 1,000 islands, and 130 cultural and natural sites. It boasts more than 20 blue holes, 500 diving sites, and diverse cultural traditions and cuisine.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the authority aims to contribute SR85 billion ($22.6 billion) to gross domestic product, increase spending to SR123 billion, and create 210,000 jobs by 2030, diversifying Saudi Arabia’s non-oil income sources.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza
Updated 04 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza
  • Foreign Ministry: “Saudi Arabia warns of these provocative statements and their consequences in undermining the mediation efforts”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli statements about the Gaza-Egyptian border and said the Kingdom stood with Cairo on the issue.

A Saudi foreign ministry statement issued late on Tuesday denounced Israeli ambitions on the Philadelphi corridor, in southern Gaza bordering Egypt, as well as “the absurd attempts to justify the continuous Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants to keep troops in the corridor for the foreseeable future.

“The Philadelphi Corridor — or to put it more correctly, the southern closing point (of Gaza) — must be in our hands. It must be shut. Any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek,” he said.

Egypt said it will not accept any Israeli presence along the corridor.
The control of the zone has been a major sticking point in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal in a war that is now entering its eleventh month.

“The Kingdom warns of these provocative statements and their consequences in undermining the mediation efforts,” the statement said.

Netanyahu’s insistence on a troop presence in the corridor has irked some allies who feel the issue should not be used as a reason to prevent a deal in the conflict.
Asked by reporters if the Israeli premier was doing enough to secure the hostage deal, US President Joe Biden said simply: No.

Benny Gantz, a former army general who served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet until he quit in June, criticized the prime minister’s stance on Philadelphi and pushed for an agreement to release hostages.
“The story is not Philadelphi but the lack of making truly strategic decisions,” said Gantz.

 


Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief

The President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Mazin Al-Kahmous speaks at the UN in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
The President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Mazin Al-Kahmous speaks at the UN in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 03 September 2024
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Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief

The President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Mazin Al-Kahmous speaks at the UN in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • UN meeting hears Kingdom developed electronic portal for government procurement to increase transparency and ensure more efficient public spending

RIYADH: Saudi authorities are working on several initiatives to prevent illegal activity in government procurement, the president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the UN in Vienna during an international meeting of government officials to discuss prevention of corruption, Mazin Al-Kahmous said the Kingdom has established a unified electronic portal for government procurement, called Etimad, with the aim of increasing transparency in government procurement activities, improving the efficiency of public spending, and reducing opportunities for corruption at all stages of public tenders.

He highlighted what he described as ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Nazaha and the Ministry of Finance to apply safeguards within Etimad for activities that carry a high risk of corruption, to help reduce the risk of collusion or fraud among businesses applying for government tenders.

Al-Kahmous also welcomed the support of authorities in the Kingdom for a collaboration between Nazaha and the UN Development Program on the launch of a global initiative to measure corruption and promote integrity in public procurement.