logo
Saudi deputy FM receives EU official in Riyadh

Saudi deputy FM receives EU official in Riyadh

Arab News7 days ago

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, and his accompanying delegation, in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the EU and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
A meeting was also held as part of the third round of political consultations between the Kingdom and the EEAS. Senior officials from both sides participated in the session, chaired by Raed bin Khalid Qarmli, director-general of the general directorate of policy planning at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, with Skoog representing the European side.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Water Authority Conducts 5,000 Inspections on Water Networks in Holy Sites, Makkah
Saudi Water Authority Conducts 5,000 Inspections on Water Networks in Holy Sites, Makkah

Asharq Al-Awsat

timean hour ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Water Authority Conducts 5,000 Inspections on Water Networks in Holy Sites, Makkah

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), in collaboration with partners in the water sector, is conducting intensive inspection tours across the holy sites and Makkah to ensure the readiness and reliability of water supply systems for this year's Hajj. As the peak Hajj season approaches, the authority is intensifying its monitoring of 14 critical water service networks in Makkah and the holy sites, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday. These networks represent one of the world's most advanced and integrated water infrastructures, dedicated to serving pilgrims. They encompass potable water systems, sewage networks, cooling water, sprinkler systems, and firefighting infrastructure. Specialized teams continuously monitor these networks to maintain operational readiness, anticipate potential malfunctions, and promptly identify any technical issues or operational violations, enabling immediate corrective action. As part of an early monitoring strategy, approximately 5,000 inspection rounds have been carried out by 12 dedicated field teams, totaling over 2,000 hours of on-site work to date.

Saudi GO Telecom signs deal to rebuild Syria's telecom sector
Saudi GO Telecom signs deal to rebuild Syria's telecom sector

Arab News

time3 hours ago

  • Arab News

Saudi GO Telecom signs deal to rebuild Syria's telecom sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's GO Telecom has signed an agreement with the Syrian government to help modernize the country's digital infrastructure, marking one of the first major private sector initiatives following the recent easing of Western sanctions. The agreement was signed by Syrian Minister of Telecommunications Abdul Salam Haykal and GO Telecom CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour. The deal aims to revamp Syria's aging communications network, a critical step in the nation's long path toward recovery. Riyadh-based GO Telecom is expanding its presence in post-conflict markets through strategic infrastructure investments. The move follows a significant policy shift by Western powers. Just weeks ago, the US and the EU began lifting long-standing sanctions on Syria — a decision widely seen as a turning point in international engagement with the war-torn country. On May 13, President Donald Trump announced the sanctions relief during a visit to Riyadh, calling it a 'historic opportunity' for Syria's recovery. The EU quickly followed suit, adopting legal measures to ease economic restrictions while maintaining those tied to security. 'This decision is simply the right thing to do,' said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, underscoring the bloc's support for Syria's reconstruction and political transition. The EU's move removed 24 entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, from its sanctions list. 'Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition, one that helps the Syrian people to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, peaceful Syria,' Kallas added. Syrian officials have welcomed the easing of sanctions as a pivotal moment. Speaking to the Associated Press on May 30, Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, said the changes would aid anti-corruption efforts and help pave the way for the return of millions of refugees. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also pledged joint financial support for Syrian state employees. A high-level Saudi economic delegation has visited Damascus to explore investments across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. 'The Kingdom will provide, with Qatar, joint financial support to state employees in Syria,' said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a visit to Damascus on May 31. He reaffirmed Riyadh's commitment to Syria's reconstruction and emphasized the Kingdom's involvement in the sanctions relief process. Prince Faisal added that Saudi Arabia remains one of Syria's key backers as it works toward economic recovery and long-term stability. The GO Telecom agreement is seen as a signal of growing regional cooperation, as international and Gulf partners begin to re-engage in efforts to rebuild Syria's shattered economy and infrastructure after over a decade of conflict.

Pakistan says Makkah Route Initiative to be extended to other cities for next year's Hajj
Pakistan says Makkah Route Initiative to be extended to other cities for next year's Hajj

Arab News

time3 hours ago

  • Arab News

Pakistan says Makkah Route Initiative to be extended to other cities for next year's Hajj

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Sunday that the Makkah Route Initiative facility will be extended to other cities of the country for next year's Hajj pilgrimage. The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to streamline immigration processes by enabling pilgrims to complete official travel formalities at their departure airports. Initially tested in Islamabad in 2019, the program was later expanded to Karachi, benefitting tens of thousands of Pakistani travelers. This saves pilgrims several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom, as they can simply enter the country without having to go through immigration again. Yousaf met Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Pakistan's religion ministry said on Sunday, to discuss Hajj 2025 arrangements in the Kingdom. 'The scope of the Road to Makkah project will be extended to other cities of Pakistan for the next (2026) Hajj,' Yousaf was quoted as saying by the ministry. He thanked the Saudi government for introducing 'innovations and new facilities' every year for the convenience of Hajj pilgrims, including those from Pakistan. 'The best facilities of food, transport and accommodation are being provided to Pakistani pilgrims,' Yousaf said. As per the Pakistani religion ministry, Al-Rabiah said the Kingdom would provide the best possible facilities to Pakistani pilgrims at Mina and Arafah. 'A large number of pilgrims come from Pakistan, it is an honor to serve them,' the Saudi minister was quoted as saying. This year, the Hajj rituals will commence on June 4, with the Day of Arafah on June 5, and Eid Al-Adha observed on June 6 in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan on Saturday successfully concluded its 33-day pre-Hajj flight operation, with more than 115,000 pilgrims transported to Saudi Arabia ahead of this year's pilgrimage.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store