Latest news with #CrownPrinceMohammedBinSalman
Arab News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Iranian Ambassador in Tokyo hails Saudi and Arab support
TOKYO: Iranian Ambassador to Japan, Peiman Seadat, expressed his gratitude for the unified support of Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Muslim countries in their collective effort against the aggression of the Israeli war machine. He stated that this unity among Arab and Muslim nations is a testament to the strength of regional cooperation. In an exclusive interview with Arab News Japan on Wednesday, the Ambassador highlighted that Arab and Muslim countries recognize the seriousness of the aggression by the Israeli regime and the threat it poses to the entire region. Ambassador Seadat recognized the substantial support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Farhan. 'We are deeply grateful for the compassionate assistance provided by the Crown Prince to approximately 80,000 Iranian pilgrims who have been stranded in Saudi Arabia. His Highness personally assured us that these pilgrims are being welcomed as guests of the Kingdom. We will always remember the kindness shown to us by our brothers in Saudi Arabia.' The Iranian Ambassador, Seadat, also highlighted the support to Iran by Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, among others. He also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for his clear condemnation of Israel's aggressive actions against Iran.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Riyadh event highlights women's role in diplomacy
RIYADH: The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh has held a symposium to mark the forthcoming International Day of Women in Diplomacy. It was attended by Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji, female diplomatic leaders, and ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom. Elkhereiji spoke of the importance of empowering women in diplomacy, citing the progress made under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in light of the Vision 2030 reform plan. He noted that Saudi women now serve as ambassadors, leaders, and negotiators on the global stage, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The symposium discussed efforts to support women's diplomatic careers, the role of men in advancing change, and the unique contributions women bring to diplomacy. Topics also included the global rise of women in diplomacy, their impact on foreign and domestic policy, and ways to enhance female participation in multilateral forums to address future challenges.
Washington Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
The world has one last chance to save the two-state solution
Ali Shihabi is a Saudi author and commentator and member of the advisory board of the new Saudi region of Neom planned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The world should wait no longer to formally recognize the State of Palestine. This is not about sentiment or symbolism. It is about urgent, necessary action to rescue a peace process on life support. Recognition is a critical diplomatic tool to shift a stagnant and increasingly dangerous status quo.
Arab News
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has signed a deal to acquire up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as it gears up to launch operations later this year. The agreement, signed at the 55th Paris Air Show, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The deal supports Riyadh Air's plan to build a wide-body fleet capable of serving over 100 destinations globally by 2030. Owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was unveiled in March 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to become a global aviation hub by expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations and tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million. In a statement, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF governor and chairman of Riyadh Air, said: 'Our new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030. He added: 'With its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.' The A350-1000s, with an operational range exceeding 16,000 km, will enable long-haul connections ahead of high-profile events such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. In April, the airline received its Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, authorizing it to commence flight operations after meeting all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. 'Riyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent,' said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. The airline's launch supports Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to diversify its economy. According to the General Authority for Civil Aviation, the aviation industry generated $32.2 billion in tourism receipts and supported more than 958,000 jobs in 2023 — 241,000 in aviation and 717,000 in tourism-related sectors. 'We play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP,' added Douglas. The sector is a key pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to raise its gross domestic product contribution from 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030. Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft at Airbus, said: 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world!'
Al Arabiya
7 days ago
- Al Arabiya
Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia begin return home
A group of Iranian Hajj pilgrims who have been stranded in Saudi Arabia after Iran's airspace was closed began departing the Kingdom in batches under a joint air-and-land travel program, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday. 'The first group of Iranian pilgrims arrived today at Arar Airport, as part of ongoing efforts led by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with relevant authorities, to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Iranian pilgrims,' the news agency said. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. The initiative comes as part of directives by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure Iranian Hajj pilgrims are 'provided with comprehensive services and care until they return safely to their homeland and families,' the report added. The first group of Iranian pilgrims arrived today at Arar Airport where they were received by officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and partner agencies, who coordinated logistical support for their departure via the Jadidat Arar Border Crossing to Iran. Ministry field teams began immediate operations to streamline the pilgrims' transfer, implementing a comprehensive joint plan with the Iranian side to ensure a smooth, dignified, and prompt departure, in line with the requests of the Iranian official mission. The first batch of pilgrims departed on Sunday as part of the phased implementation of the ministry's return plan, according to SPA. A dedicated operations room closely monitored the process, ensuring all necessary services and support were provided up to the moment of departure.
