Category: General

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Haitham Al Ghais, the Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum 2024.

The two sides discussed means to strengthen the energy sector, especially energy security and the rapid regional and international developments and conditions that have affected global energy markets, in a way that contributes to enhancing the stability of global oil market prices.

The meeting discussed the role played by OPEC in supporting the global oil market and the means to enhance cooperation.

The Secretary-General praised the efforts made by OPEC and its major and vital role in maintaining the stability and balance of oil markets and facing their future challenges, in coordination with member states.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Doha: The State of Qatar has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and tension surrounding the city of Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State in the Republic of the Sudan, calling on all parties to de-escalate the situation, exercise restraint, and avoid further conflict, which could have disastrous consequences for civilians.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need for dialogue among all Sudanese parties to bring an end to the armed conflict permanently, paving the way for comprehensive negotiations that will ultimately lead to a comprehensive agreement and lasting peace. The ministry also stressed the importance of placing the Sudanese crisis at the top of the international community’s agenda and addressing its root causes comprehensively.

The ministry reiterated Qatar’s unwavering position in support of Sudan’s unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting any form of interference in its internal affairs and fully respecti
ng the choices of its people for freedom, peace, justice, and prosperity.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al Khuraiji met in Riyadh on Sunday with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki.

During the meeting, they discussed issues facing Africa, in addition to the most prominent efforts made in this regard and latest topics of shared concern.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Dead Sea, Acting Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Social Development, Eng. Soltan Al-Jurais, led the Kingdom’s delegation participating in the 11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference (APCMC), held in the Dead Sea region, Jordan, from April 28 to 30, 2024.

Eng. Al-Jurais delivered a speech emphasizing the vital role of the cooperative sector in both developmental and economic aspects, especially in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). He highlighted some areas of economic empowerment initiated by the Kingdom to support socially vulnerable groups.

This includes close collaboration with partners from both the public and private sectors to establish cooperatives focused on creating job opportunities and enhancing production for targeted sectors, he noted.

Additionally, he reviewed the recent Saudi initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of the cooperative sector within the Kingdom.

On the sidelines of the conference, Eng. Al-Jurais met with the Presiden
t of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Dr. Ariel Guarco, where they reviewed the ministry’s key achievements in the cooperative sector in recent years.

They also discussed topics of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of enhancing partnership between the ministry and the ICA in various fields.

Moreover, they explored global best practices and lessons learned from member countries in the alliance, highlighting the significance of the cooperative sector in economic and social development areas in the Kingdom.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Rafha, The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority is celebrating a major win for wildlife conservation after three red-necked ostrich chicks hatched in the reserve.

It is the first time in over 100 years that this ostrich species has been spotted in northern Saudi Arabia.

In late 2021, the reserve launched a dedicated ostrich resettlement program. The program focused on creating a suitable habitat for a pair of red-necked ostriches, which proved successful, with the ostriches adapting well to the reserve environment. This spring, the pair laid a clutch of 12 eggs, and three chicks hatching naturally.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife. Over 138 species call the reserve home, including sand gazelles, oryx, Arabian wolves, foxes, cats, hares, and a variety of birdlife like the houbara bustard and the crested lark. The reserve also shelters a diverse range of invertebrates and reptiles.

Spanning a vast 91,500 square kilometers, the reserve is the
second-largest royal reserve in Saudi Arabia. Its stunning landscape is complemented by a vibrant plant life, with over 179 documented species.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

This Sunday morning, settlers resumed their raids on the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the sixth day of the Jewish Passover.

483 settlers carried out their incursions into Al-Aqsa, in successive groups, through the Mughrabi Gate, the keys of which have been controlled by the occupation authorities since the occupation of Jerusalem, and through which incursions are carried out daily, except for Friday and Saturday of each week.

The settlers performed their prayers during the storming of Al-Aqsa, guarded by the occupation forces.

While the forces were stationed at the gates of Al-Aqsa, checked the identities of those arriving there, prevented some from entering and demanded that they return after the end of the ‘morning and afternoon’ raids

Source: Maan News Agency

Riyadh: Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, arrived in Riyadh today to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development, to be held on April 28 – 29.

Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, he was received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Kingdom Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and several other officials.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Joint parliamentary talks were held between Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, the Shura Council Chairman, and Dr. Hanafi Ali El Gebali, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the sidelines of his participation in the Sixth Conference of the Arab Parliament.

Al Saleh affirmed that the robust historical relations between Bahrain and Egypt continue to witness further development, stronger cooperation and shared vision towards Arab affairs, which reflects the aspirations of the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of Egypt.

He highlighted the continuous growth in their trade, educational, cultural and investment partnerships, as well as the firm cooperation between the two countries, which has been supported and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian Prime Minister.

Al Saleh noted the efforts made by Egypt in sup
porting Arab causes. He praised Egypt for hosting many important Arab conferences and events that discuss various topics, especially the Palestinian cause, which he described as the central Arab cause.

Al Saleh commended Egypt’s honorable position in supporting the Palestinian people and affirming their legitimate rights, as well as rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands.

He praised the ongoing parliamentary cooperation between the legislative authorities in Bahrain and Egypt. Al Saleh highlighted the pivotal role played by members of the legislative councils in both countries to advance development and prosperity. He affirmed the need to expand the scope of consultation and exchange of parliamentary expertise and experiences between Bahrain and Egypt.

For his part, Dr. Hanafi Ali El Gebali, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed pride in the long-standing relations between Egypt and Bahrain, as well as the deep ties between the peoples of
the two countries.

He pointed out that the bilateral visits between the leaders of Egypt and Bahrain demonstrate the strength of the distinguished relations between the two countries.

El Gebali stressed the importance of supporting the course of economic relations and continuing to advance the field of trade and industrial exchange between Bahrain and Egypt.

He affirmed full support for Bahrain in hosting the 33rd Arab Summit on May 16, praising Bahrain’s effective initiatives to enhance Arab countries’ cohesion and unity.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his Syrian counterpart, Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is on a visit to Syria as part of an Arab tour.

The two parties discussed the strong historical relations between the two countries, and means to enhance cooperation. They exchanged views on the current regional situation, including the war in Gaza and its impact on regional security and stability.

They also reviewed the ongoing preparations for the 33rd Arab Summit that will be hosted by Bahrain on May 16th.

This included discussions about the summit’s programme and the topics and issues to be included on the agenda for the meeting of Arab leaders.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Russian air defense systems shot down 17 Ukrainian drones over different areas of Russian territory.

Russian Defense Ministry said, in a statement, that nine drones were destroyed over Bryansk region, three over the Kursk region, two over the Belgorod region, and three over the Kaluga region.

In recent months, Ukraine has intensified the frequency of attacks using drones on Russian regions.

Clashes are still continuing between Russian and Ukrainian forces without achieving any political breakthrough to end this military operation that began two years ago.

Source: Qatar News Agency