Day: August 15, 2023

With the participation of the town’s locals and expatriates, Marmarita Carnival continue to spread joy every year through its annual event held on the occasion of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The 46th Carnival toured the town of Marmarita, in Homs western countryside, and presented a variety of artistic activities and dance paintings.

Expatriates at the carnival feast said that they came to Marmarita to live the joy and love atmosphere in their homeland as this activity constitutes a distinctive social state showcasing the best of the region.

The carnival highlights the distinctive features of the region’s folklore, as it attracts participants and visitors from various governorates along with expatriates, the participants said.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad said that changes and developments the world is witnessing make activation of Arab joint action a necessity more than ever before.

“We reiterate that commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, non-intervention in its domestic affairs, is the basis and priority to Syria’s relations and policy to deal with different issues related to the country,” Mikdad said Tuesday at Arab Ministerial liaison committee’s meeting on Syria held in Cairo.

Mikdad called for combating all forms of terrorism until its full elimination as it poses a threat to Syria and other countries.

He added that the Arab fraternal role in supporting the Syrian people to overcome all war repercussions and end the Turkish occupation of Syrian lands is very necessary.

“We believe that the Turkish occupation does not pose a threat to Syria only, but it also threatens Arab national security and Arab interests in general, and therefore it is necessary to intensify efforts and take practical steps to put an end to it in line with our common interests, and the firm foundations of international law,” Mikdad said.

“Syria welcomes the return of all Syrian refugees to their country and it has taken a number of procedures and facilitations they need to return home,” Mikdad added.

Nearly half million refugees have voluntarily returned to Syria.

Mikdad said that it is important to intensify work with the international community and the United Nations to push for the implementation of the early recovery projects, particularly in areas where refugees are expected to return, in a way that leads to improve the necessary infrastructure to provide a decent life for refugees who are willing to return voluntarily.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday issued legislative decree No. 11 for 2023 to add a rate of 100% to the salaries and wages for the State’s civil and military employees.

President al-Assad also issued legislative decree No. 12 for 2023 to increase a rate of 100% to the salaries and wages for the retired.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has signed a memorandum of understanding with LONGi, the world leader in the solar energy industry, to promote innovation in solar energy technologies.

The MoU, signed during the Shanghai International Exhibition Conference 2023, is a world-leading solar trade event, highlights the commitment of both institutions to accelerate innovation and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

This partnership reflects KAUST’s commitment to developing solar energy technologies to face regional and global energy challenges. Combining the university’s latest research and innovation with LONGi’s industrial expertise is bound to drive influential developments in solar energy technology and contribute to the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The university’s collaboration with LONGi presents an opportunity to accelerate innovation in solar energy technologies at the KAUST Solar Center, in line with the university’s ambition to increase the efficiency and reliability of new photovoltaic technologies, move from laboratory-scale hardware development to industrial levels, and design solar energy technologies as per the specific requirements of the region.

Under the memo, KAUST will implement joint ventures and benefit from LONGi’s expertise and strengths in many areas, such as testing the concepts of new photovoltaic units in the real world and in external conditions, developing new materials and designs for solar cells, as well as developing advanced manufacturing processes, and improving performance.

The MoU also aims to promote talent development through improved joint educational and vocational training programs, workshops, mutual visits, exchange of ideas and expertise among researchers, engineers and students, promote a productive collaborative environment, come up with further innovations in solar energy and contribute to bettering the local workforce in the Kingdom’s photovoltaic sector.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir has arrived in the Republic of Paraguay.

He was received upon arrival by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay Raul Silvero and Saudi Non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay Hussein Asiri.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

President-elect of the Republic of Paraguay Santiago Pena Palacios has received in Asuncion Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, member of Cabinet and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir who is on an official visit to Paraguay.

Al-Jubeir conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH the Crown Prince to President Pena Palacios, and the government and people of Paraguay.

The two officials reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on issues of common interest.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Non-resident Ambassador to Paraguay Hussein Asiri, Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruben Ramirez, Paraguayan Minister of Public Works Claudia Centurion and other senior officials

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Five militants of Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab movement were killed today in a joint operation in Galmudug State in central Somalia.

Somali National News Agency (SONNA) said that the joint operation was conducted by Somali National Army’s Commandos unit and US Africa Command on Tuesday morning at an area 35 kilometers south of Galcad town in Galmudug State.

The operation killed five Al-Shabaab militants and injured others as well as destroyed Al-Shabab’s base in the area.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed, during a phone call on Tuesday, with the Interim President of Mali Assimi Goita, a number of issues of common concern, including the current situation in Niger.

During the phone call, Putin stressed the importance of a peaceful settlement of the ongoing developments in Niger, and the need to restore security in the Sahel region as a whole.

The Military Council in Niger announced on Sunday that they would “prosecute” President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and “undermining the security” of the country.

Source: Qatar News Agency