Day: September 22, 2024

Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel and Cuban Minister of Public Health José Angel Portal Miranda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the healthcare sector during their meeting in Cuba.

Minister Al-Jalajel and Minister Portal Miranda discussed enhancing health cooperation and fostering the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and Cuba, aligning with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative aims to bolster the healthcare sector by improving the quality of services provided to all members of society.

As part of his official visit to Cuba, Minister Al-Jalajel met with officials from the Cuban government and executives from BioCubaFarma to discuss the production of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices in Cuba.

These discussions were part of a series of meetings aimed at developing medications and vaccines to tackle health challenges and mitigate risks.

Minister Al-Jalajel toured various medical institutions, including t
he University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, La Pradera International Health Center, and the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB).

The minister received insights into the services offered, technologies employed, and medical practices in Cuba’s healthcare sector.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip held a coordination meeting here today, Sunday, September 22, 2024. The meeting was chaired by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Also present were His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine; His Excellency Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; His Excellency Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain; His Excellency Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trkiye; Her Excellency Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State of the State of Qatar; His Excellency Ahmed A
boul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and His Excellency Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The ministerial meeting comes ahead of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss ways to intensify Arab and Islamic efforts during the General Assembly’s work to support initiatives aimed at recognizing the Palestinian state and ensuring the fulfillment of the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent, sovereign state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting also addressed several topics, including efforts to stop Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, ending the humanitarian catastrophe, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected areas.

The meeting was attended by Director General of the Office of the foreign minister Abdulrahman AlDawood and Counsellor at the Ministry of Fo
reign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has sent a cable of congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day.

In the cable, the Amir of Kuwait highlighted the deep, historical bonds that unite Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and their peoples. He praised Saudi Arabia’s consistent and honourable positions on Arab and Islamic causes and expressed particular gratitude for its steadfast support of Kuwait over the years.

The Amir also expressed pride in Saudi Arabia’s significant development achievements under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ leadership, which have elevated the Kingdom’s global standing. He prayed for King Salman’s continued health and success in steering the Kingdom’s progress and prosperity, with the backing of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

In similar cables, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Prime Mi
nister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah echoed the Amir’s sentiments. They commended the Kingdom’s remarkable developmental and civilizational progress and prayed for King Salman’s continued health and well-being and for the Kingdom’s further success under his wise leadership, supported by HRH the Crown Prince.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini welcomed Egyptian Presidential Secretary Mohamed Yehia at the embassy headquarters on Sunday.

During the meeting, Yehia extended greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the 94th Saudi National Day.

The presidential secretary conveyed President El-Sisi’s wishes for ongoing advancement and prosperity for the Kingdom and its people.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

In cooperation with the Arab Cultural House (The Diwan) in Germany, QatarDebate wrapped up the Adjudicators Academy on Sunday.

Held in Berlin, Germany for three days, the event is part of ongoing efforts to enhance debating skills in Arabic within Germany and expand the debate community in Europe.

The program prepared participants to become professional debating judges and coaches, and included a range of advanced practical activities and discussions on matters such as managing judging sessions efficiently, addressing potential issues that could pop up during debates, and making sound and objective judgments.

Debate instructor at QatarDebate Center Abdulrahman Alkubaisi said that the event provided rich and carefully tailored training content to enhance individual and collective skills in debate judging and coaching.

Alkubaisi added that participants learned how to analyze debates and assess the arguments and evidence presented by various parties, in addition to being subjected to a practical test in the
form of a mock debate.

In turn, Director General of the Arab Cultural House Dr. Lawrence Al Hanawi stressed the importance of the Adjudicators Academy in cultivating a culture of discussion and dialogue. He encouraged participants from various backgrounds to exchange opinions and perspectives in a civilized manner and to promote constructive critical dialogue on contemporary issues affecting society.

Al Hanawi praised QatarDebate’s pivotal role in promoting dialogue and constructive discussion, adding that through its rich programs, the Center has truly become a haven for free debate and a platform for promoting the Arabic language.

The Director General of the Arab Cultural House expressed his hope for further cooperation in the form of more joint training and qualifying programs for judges and coaches in both Arabic and German, in addition to launching Arab-German cultural and civilizational dialogues under the umbrella of the Oasis of Dialogue. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of investing in the y
outh by expanding their knowledge and developing their skills.

Al Hanawi said that the Arab Cultural House’s vision is to bring the Arabic and German cultures closer together, serving as a platform for constructive dialogue and cultural exchange.

He noted that it offers more than 16 cultural programs, ranging from Arabic language courses and teaching Arabic musical instruments, to films, photography workshops, and theater, in addition to issuing the Der Divan cultural magazine in both Arabic and German which features a selection of academics. Al Hanawi added that the Arab Cultural House also offers various workshops, discussion circles, an audio and podcast library, and translating of Arabic books into German, among others.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, who also chairs the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), led the Kingdom’s delegation at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Belem, Brazil.

The event, held under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” brought together global tourism leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable tourism growth. In his address, Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to transform its rapidly expanding tourism sector into a sustainable industry that fosters cultural exchange and strengthens global ties. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to improving tourism connectivity and sustainability, a focus area during the Kingdom’s presidency of the G20 in 2020.

Al-Khateeb emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s progress in tourism extends beyond mere economic benefits, offering an opportunity for people from across the world to experience the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage while also
allowing Saudis to explore global wonders.

The high-level event in Belem featured participation from G20 member states and representatives from 32 other countries and international organizations. The ministers focused on finalizing the G20 Tourism Working Group’s report, which outlines collective efforts to promote sustainable, balanced growth in global tourism.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Al-Khateeb held discussions with key tourism leaders, including ministers from Brazil, Italy, India, Spain, and Japan, as well as the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, and World Travel and Tourism Council President and CEO, Julia Simpson.

The Saudi Tourism Minister also engaged in a dialogue with public and private sector representatives organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This discussion coincided with the release of a joint report analyzing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global tourism sector, particularly in job creation, focusing on opportunities for youth and women.

As
part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has prioritized environmentally-friendly tourism development projects, including flagship ventures in Diriyah and NEOM. The Kingdom has also established the Sustainable Tourism Global Center, an international body dedicated to tracking and supporting sustainability efforts within the global tourism sector.

Al-Khateeb’s participation in the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting comes on the heels of significant achievements in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The Kingdom surpassed its goal of receiving 100 million tourists by 2030, achieving this milestone seven years ahead of schedule. This success is attributed to initiatives such as adding new air routes, expanding airports, and launching an electronic visa system, which streamlines access for international visitors.

Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in global tourism was underscored by its recent recognition as the fastest-growing tourist destination among G20 countries. International tourist arrivals i
n the Kingdom surged by over 121% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the sector created 925,000 jobs last year, with 45% of these positions filled by women.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater met on Sunday with HE President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed the strategic cooperation between the State of Qatar and the ICRC. They also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, Yemen, and the Rohingya crisis, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

HE President of the ICRC commended the State of Qatar’s role in the process of reuniting Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine, as part of its ongoing mediation aimed at reuniting families separated by the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

She voiced her aspiration to enhance joint cooperation between the State of Qatar and the ICRC.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 258 food baskets in Marib District in Marib Governorate yesterday to underprivileged families impacted by floods and heavy rainfall, benefiting 1,806 individuals from 258 families.

This distribution is part of the ongoing food aid project to support affected individuals in Yemen throughout 2024. This initiative is part of relief efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to mitigate the effects of the humanitarian crises faced by the Yemeni population.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: As a major international conference in Doha exploring global trends affecting families worldwide draws closer, key agreements for the hosting of the event have been signed between the Ministry of Social Development and Family and Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute.

The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends will be held from 30-31 October 2024 at Qatar National Convention Centre. Organized by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) with the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) as a strategic partner, it will bring together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world.

Ahead of the conference, MSDF and DIFI signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a sponsorship agreement for the strategic partnership between the two parties.

The signing was witnessed by HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundat
ion Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani.

The agreements were signed by HE Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, MSDF, Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim Al-Thani, and Executive Director DIFI, Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi.

A spokesperson for MSDF said: “This cooperation aims to enhance joint efforts between the Ministry of Social Development and Family and DIFI, and their commitment to supporting the family as a basic pillar of society and promoting social development policies that focus on improving people’s quality of life in Qatar.

“Through this agreement, the aim is to raise awareness about the challenges facing families in the modern era, and highlight the importance of the family’s role in sustainable development. It will include joint initiatives such as workshops and research studies that address family issues.” The MSDF said this agreement also reflects its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with local and international institutions that contribute to strengthening family policies, and p
raised the role of DIFI in enhancing efforts to maintain family stability and cohesion.

“The ministry plays a pivotal role in supporting programs, events, conferences, and awareness campaigns that contribute to raising awareness of the role of the family in achieving the sustainable development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,” said the MSDF spokesperson.

“This anniversary of the International Year of the Family represents an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the pivotal nature of the family. This cooperation highlights the importance that Qatar places on promoting social wellbeing, and the essential contribution that the family makes to achieving development a contribution that should be strengthened, protected, and continuously supported through an investment in building strong, cohesive families.” Dr. Al Emadi said: “Qatar has proven its deep commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to support families around the world, beginning with its organization of the conference
to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2004, and then the 20th anniversary conference of the International Year of the Family in 2014.

“This year’s conference will be an embodiment of this legacy, bringing together thought leaders and experts to exchange ideas and explore best practices that contribute to enhancing family wellbeing, and working to establish strategic partnerships that enhance the sustainability of family wellbeing and social development. We look forward to the conference having a positive impact on societies around the world.

“Through our partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, we aim to translate research and policies related to the family into tangible reality, by highlighting pressing issues facing Qatari families. We also work to exchange expertise that contributes to building solid institutional capabilities supporting the sustainability of family wellbeing. These joint efforts are essential to achieving positive and susta
inable impact on communities in Qatar and beyond.” More than 2,000 delegates including policymakers, researchers, family practitioners, parents, and young people will gather at the conference as it focuses on four major megatrends affecting families across the world: technological change, demographic change, migration and urbanization, and climate change.

The conference, which is held every decade, has a crucial role in developing policies and programs centered around supporting and empowering families on a global scale. For its 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family edition in Doha, the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an executive partner, with QatarDebate founded by Qatar Foundation as youth partner, and the event supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Source: Qatar News Agency

King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the occasion of the 94th National Day.

In a cable, King Abdullah expressed his sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing him good health, happiness, and a long life, and the Saudi people’s steady progress and prosperity.

Source: Saudi Press Agency