There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News

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Updated 30 August 2024
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There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News

There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News
  • Ahead of EU-GCC summit in Brussels, European Council head outlines the potential benefits of deepening ties
  • The EU wants, and remains a strong supporter of, two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, says Charles Michel during Riyadh visit

RIYADH: The forthcoming joint summit of the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council will deepen bilateral political engagement, enhance trade and investment, and strengthen cooperation on pressing foreign policy issues, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, has said.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Michel discussed the upcoming EU-GCC summit, taking place on Oct. 16 in Brussels, where leaders of the two blocs are expected to discuss a broad range of issues, from the crisis in the Middle East to Russia’s war with Ukraine.

“I am very optimistic that this summit can be an important political moment because, together with the Gulf countries in the EU leaders, we want to upgrade our relationship to a more strategic level,” said Michel.

“We want this relationship to be sustainable, to be a long term, a long term relationship.”

Michel arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders discussed relations and ways of enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and the EU.




Charles Michel meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday on arrival in the Saudi capital. (SPA)

He was also scheduled to meet with Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the secretary general of the GCC. At the top of the agenda was the upcoming EU-GCC summit.

“We are working to prepare for the summit that will take place in Brussels in October between the GCC — the Gulf countries — and the EU,” said Michel. “This will be a historic moment and we would like the summit to be a successful one.

“That’s why it was important for me to meet with the crown prince to hear directly from him what the expectations in Saudi Arabia are for the summit so that we can prepare very well. My main goal is to make this summit an effective meeting.”

Michel underlined the potential outcomes of the summit, including the furthering of political cooperation on various issues between the GCC and the EU.

“First, political engagement — political at the highest level,” he said. “And this common opinion we have, the GCC and the EU, that there is a lot to gain if we work more closely together from a political point of view.”

Michel also underlined that the EU-GCC joint summit will “send a signal to the EU, into the private sector, that there’s a vast potential for more economic cooperation” with the Kingdom thanks to the opportunities presented by Saudi Vision 2030.

Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU have been rapidly evolving in many areas.

“In recent years, we have worked a lot to strengthen the ties to improve relationships in various fields, for instance, climate change, energy, all those topics are very important for all of us in the future,” said Michel.

There is, however, scope to develop ties further between Saudi Arabia and the EU in fields such as trade, investment, and hydrogen power. “In all those sectors there is a lot that we can do together,” he added.




Michel with undersecretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulmajeed bin Rashid Al-Samari and head of Saudi Arabia’s mission to the EU and the European Atomic Energy Community Haifa Al-Jedea. (SPA)

Describing the “vast potential” for economic cooperation that could result from the EU-GCC summit, Michel said the EU is ready to contribute to the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform and economic diversification agenda.

“We are ready to be a loyal partner, to support those efforts in line with this 2030 vision for the transformation of the country, and with this purpose to diversify the economy of the country,” he said.

However, opportunities for cooperation extend far beyond trade and investment into common security and foreign policy areas.

“In terms of geopolitical challenges, we need to cooperate,” said Michel. “We need to coordinate. The war in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East, the war launched by Russia against Ukraine.

“We think that more cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries could play a useful role in the future.”

Both Saudi Arabia and the EU have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the 10-month conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has created a major humanitarian emergency. Michel outlined the EU’s stance on the conflict.

“First, it is extremely urgent, we need to get a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” he said. “And we support all the efforts of those who are working very hard to make it happen and to make it possible.

“For instance, I had a conversation two weeks ago with (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu. We passed on a very clear message that we want a ceasefire, we want the release of hostages, we want the de-escalation.

“We want the two-state solution … the EU is a strong supporter of the two-state solution. You know that some EU member states recently, a few months ago, decided to recognize Palestine and we want to work with all our partners.”

Michel said “peace would be, and will be, the best security guarantee.”

Asked what steps are required to bring about the two-state solution, Michel said: “I think it is important to encourage the Palestinian people, to organize themselves with legitimate authorities, probably reforms also are needed.

“And we need to support all those invested in the community who are working to make those reforms possible.”




Michel speaking to Arab News reporter Lama Alhamawi, right, in Riyadh. (AN Photo)  

Michel called the crisis in Gaza “a humanitarian catastrophe,” adding that it is “extremely important, in the short term, to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in need.”

“That’s why the EU, together with the member states, have decided to mobilize a lot of support, a lot of money and a lot of support to provide this aid and this assistance to the people in Gaza and in the West Bank.”

In relation to the escalating tit-for-tat between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, Michel said the normalization of diplomatic relationships across the region was more urgent than ever. 

“This is important to encourage more stability and to encourage a country like Iran not to play games that have an impact in terms of instability in the region using proxies,” he said.

“We are on the side of the people of Lebanon because they are the first victims of all those difficulties in the country.”

He added: “Despite the differences we have, Iran and the EU, we have decided to engage with Iran, to engage with the new president of Iran, to discuss our differences, and to see how we can try to make some progress, including regarding the nuclear challenge.”

Asked about Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Michel lauded the power of sport to bring disparate cultures together.

“We know that the Olympics or football — sport in general — is a way to bring people together and people with different languages, culture,” he said. “We are all together when we participate in sporting events.”

 


Bahrain king receives Saudi interior minister

Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
Updated 30 October 2024
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Bahrain king receives Saudi interior minister

Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
  • Prince Abdulaziz was also received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Interior Minister General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa

RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the Sakhir Palace on Wednesday.

Discussions on the close relations and security cooperation between the two countries took place during the meeting, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

King Hamad acknowledged the efforts of the security coordination committee which is a part of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, and highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration, SPA said. 

Prince Abdulaziz was also received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and his Bahraini counterpart General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa on Wednesday. 


Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show

Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show
Updated 30 October 2024
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Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show

Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show
  • 200 pets compete for prizes at family-friendly event in Riyadh

RIYADH: Feline fanciers from across the Kingdom gathered in the capital this week for the country’s first ever International Cat Show.

Organized by the World Cat Federation, in collaboration with the Middle East Cats Association, the event was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center as part of the Saudi Pet and Vet Expo.

The show, which ended on Wednesday, featured more than 200 cats competing in multiple categories and provided a platform for breeders, enthusiasts and the public to share their love for their furry friends and learn about responsible pet ownership.

The judging panel was led by WCF President Anneliese Hackmann and included experts from around the world.

The competing cats, all of which were aged between three months and a year, were judged on their physical attributes, such as head structure, eye shape, profile, chin, ear placement, body proportions, tail length and coat quality.

The top three winners in each category received a certificate, trophy and a ribbon from the WCF, with the runners-up given lots of useful pet care supplies.

Competitor Sara Binsaeed told Arab News: “Life is only once, so I should try it out for once at least. It’s not important that my cat wins, but at least we tried.”

That sentiment was echoed throughout the event, with participants taking the opportunity to celebrate their pets and create lasting memories with fellow cat lovers.

The Saudi Pet and Vet Expo included a range of activities designed to entertain and educate visitors, including the My Pet in My Life competition, in which people shared stories and photos that captured the special bonds they have with their pets.

There was also an adoption booth managed by the Rahmah Association for Animal Welfare, which sought to raise awareness of the benefits of adoption and the responsibilities that come with it.

At the Mini Farm booth, visitors were able to learn about sustainable pet care practices and pick up tips on how to better understand their animals.

There were also workshops and lectures on animal health, disease prevention and advancements in veterinary care, and even a mobile grooming station.

The expo, which attracted huge crowds to its family-friendly attractions, was part of Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to raising awareness of responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare.


Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh

Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh
Updated 30 October 2024
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Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh

Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh
  • Saudi-Korean bilateral ties are stronger than ever, says Korean Embassy official

RIYADH: South Korea has showcased the richness and beauty of its culture in Riyadh as Korea Week 2024 celebrations began on Tuesday.

Prince Sultan University played host to Korean Traditional Cultural Day, which was organized by the South Korean Embassy.

It included a series of cultural dances and musical performances from the Korea National University of Arts.

Junghoon Chang, a second secretary and consul from the embassy, told Arab News that while K-pop is very popular in Saudi Arabia, he hoped that the event would bring more aspects of Korean culture to people in the region.

“These K-pops are really based on our heritage. So, I thought showing our heritage could foster understanding of Korea for Saudis,” he said.

In terms of Saudi-South Korean ties, Chang said they are “stronger than ever, and getting stronger every day,” citing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2023, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Seoul the year before.

Chang added that cultural shows and exchanges like this one also build a “solid foundation for our bilateral relationships.”

The contemporary and traditional dances each bore a different theme, including self-discovery, time and its gift of temporality, interpersonal connections, our connection to nature and the delicate balance of life itself.

The first dance was titled “Who Are You?” It pondered whether we should or should not ask ourselves who we are and what our purpose is. It was followed by “If There Are Two Girls,” showcasing the different perspectives that can exist in the same time and space. “Distance” was about the love and fear born out of the distance between two individuals.

“The East Sea Rhapsody” showed a more traditional angle, with shamanistic music leading the dancers to the sight of the East Sea, representing new hope. Finally, “A Reversed Dawn” was inspired by the novel “Into the Morning” by Min Gyu Park, presenting a reflection on modern societal problems.

Once the dances were complete, a display of traditional musical group performances called Samulnori took to the stage.

Samulnori uses four basic percussion instruments; “samul” meaning “four” and “nori” meaning play.

Kim Wonmin, a professor at the Korean National University of Arts, said: “In the past, people tried to alleviate the hardships of work by using the instrument as a tool.

“These percussion instruments were also used when people were celebrating the gathering of crops, sharing and also giving thanks for the crops they have made.”

Four Samulnori dances were performed. The first, “Samdo Seol Janggu” emphasizes the janggu, a double-headed drum. It combines the melodies of three Korean provinces — Central, Yeongnam and Honam — and is performed in a “call and response” format signifying the performers’ synergy.

The “Samdo Nongak Garak,” an instrumental dance involving metal and leather tools, symbolized yin and yang, the balance between opposing forces that is vital in Korean culture and is featured on the country’s flag.

“We can understand them easily as negative and positive powers. However, in our philosophy, yin and yang are not countering aspects, in fact they are complementary and interdependent,” Wonmin said.

Citing performance as an embodiment of life, Wonmin said that Korean music symbolizes natural elements.

“The four instruments you have seen on stage, they all resemble aspects of nature,” he said.

The sharp sounds produced by the kkwaenggwari represent lighting and thunder. Janggu imitates the sound of raindrops, jing, the sound of the wind, and the buk represents the clouds.

The night finished off with Pan Gut and the Lion Dance, both of which incorporated more movement. Originating from the Hwanghae-do region, the Lion Dance is a ritual where performers wear lion masks to cleanse the space of any negativity, showing off the lion’s power.

Korea Week will continue until Nov. 4, including the Korean National Day reception at the Korean Embassy on Oct. 30 with the attendance of Ambassador Byung Hyuk Choi.

The week will also include taekwondo performances by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team at Alasala University in Dammam on Nov. 2 and at Riyadh Misk School on Nov. 4.

Chang highlighted the biggest similarity between the Korean and Saudi cultures: Kind treatment of others, which serves as a strong basis for diplomacy.

“Diplomacy is all about people, and how you treat people,” he said.


Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt
Updated 30 October 2024
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Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio, whose tenure in the Kingdom witnessed substantial achievements in diplomatic and cultural spheres since he was appointed in 2019, is now preparing to take on a new role as ambassador to Egypt.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, Iwai oversaw several key projects that aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative to diversify the economy and reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.

Working closely with Saudi leaders, he facilitated Japanese support in sectors like technology, renewable energy and infrastructure development.

The ambassador’s efforts to foster Japanese investment in the Kingdom led to agreements that brought advanced technology and expertise, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy projects.

Iwai also oversaw former Japanese Prime Minister Kishia Fumio’s and former Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa’s visits to the Kingdom.

He was an ambassador of culture as much as diplomacy, promoting numerous events that introduced Japanese art, cuisine and traditional performances to Saudi audiences.

His focus on cultural exchange strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered mutual respect and understanding.

Iwai promoted youth engagement, encouraging scholarship programs and exchange opportunities that allowed Saudi students to study in Japan.

As ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iwai was well-known on social media for his Arabic-language video messages throughout the years, in which he would celebrate Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

Before he started his role in the Kingdom, Iwai was the Japanese ambassador to Iraq.

He entered the Foreign Ministry in 1984 after graduating from the faculty of law at Kyoto University in Japan. He previously served as director general of the Secretariat of the Cabinet Office’s International Peace Cooperation Headquarters.


Deal set to boost Saudi cultural entrepreneurship

Deal set to boost Saudi cultural entrepreneurship
Updated 30 October 2024
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Deal set to boost Saudi cultural entrepreneurship

Deal set to boost Saudi cultural entrepreneurship

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority will sign an agreement to support cultural entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.

The ministry announced its role as cultural sponsor of Biban 24, an entrepreneurship forum scheduled for Nov. 5-9 in Riyadh.

This event aims to boost Saudi Arabia’s creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On the forum’s opening day, a strategic partnership will be signed to empower cultural entrepreneurs with resources to build successful ventures in Saudi Arabia’s creative sector.

High-level panels will feature discussions on Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy. Music Commission CEO Paul Pacifico will lead a session on opportunities in the music sector, and a panel on culture’s economic impact will feature Cultural Development Fund CEO Majid Al-Hogail and senior Ministry of Culture officials. Other sessions will address the role of cultural SMEs in economic development.

The ministry’s exhibition will offer visitors an immersive experience, showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural ecosystem with a focus on the 2024 Year of the Camel initiative.

The fund will also have a dedicated space, and interactive screens will highlight entrepreneurship opportunities in the cultural sector.

Live demonstrations will showcase Saudi cultural diversity, the “Literature Cloud” podcast will be broadcast live, and musical performances will highlight local heritage.

The ministry will also host 10 startups daily in the startup section to showcase cultural technology innovations.

The market section will feature spaces for cultural and artistic products supporting the creative economy.