Day: October 20, 2022

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HRH Crown Prince Announces Second Editions of Middle East Green Initiative Summit and Saudi Green Initiative Forum in November 2022

Riyadh, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Saudi Green Initiative announced the second editions of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum, held under the theme ‘From ambition to action’, taking place next month in tandem with COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The MGI Summit will be held on 7 November and the SGI Forum will be held on 11-12 November.

HRH the Crown Prince said: “I would like to thank His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian government for hosting the MGI Summit and SGI Forum in Egypt this year. We are holding them in tandem with COP27, an event bringing nations from around the world together under one roof, to advance global climate ambitions by inspiring joint activity at the local, regional, and international levels. Our partnership with Egypt reflects a shared belief in the importance of collaborative action to address the environmental and climate challenges facing the region and the world today.”

Building on the success of the inaugural Summit, which was hosted in Riyadh last year, the second edition of the MGI Summit will be held in conjunction with the COP27 World Leaders Summit, in partnership with Egypt. During the event the Kingdom will shed light on the key climate challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa Region, ensuring regional priorities are placed on the global stage.

The MGI Summit is a strategic regional platform that promotes cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange and discussion between Heads of State, relevant government ministers and policy makers. The first-of-its kind summit contributes to accelerating the transition towards a green economy and building a more sustainable future for future generations.

The second edition of the SGI Forum will convene an elite lineup of climate experts and thought leaders to discuss the progress that has been made towards achieving the climate targets announced by the Kingdom last year. The theme of this year’s forum, ‘From ambition to action’, reflects Saudi Arabia’s determination to turn these targets into reality by catalyzing collective action to confront climate challenges that impact the entire world.

MGI and SGI were launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in 2021 to enhance Saudi Arabia’s environmental action, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.The initiatives demonstrate Saudi’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges facing the country and the region including high temperatures, low rainfall, dust storms and desertification. The launch of MGI and SGI also reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing public health and improving the standard of living for its citizens and residents.

Under SGI, the Kingdom will plant 10 billion trees across the country and designate 30% of country’s land and sea territories as protected areas during the coming decades. In addition, Saudi Arabia has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030. The national goals contribute to achieving regional targets set out by the Kingdom at the MGI Summit. These focus on reducing regional carbon emissions by more than 10% of global contributions and planting 50 billion trees across the region as part of the world’s largest afforestation program.

More details about the events are available on: https://www.greeninitiatives.gov.sa/ar-sa/mgi-summit/

https://www.greeninitiatives.gov.sa/ar-sa/sgi-forum

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Somalia Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia over “OPEC+” Decision

Mogadishu, Somalia has expressed its solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of the statements issued regarding the decision of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries “OPEC +”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia said in a statement today that the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the OPEC + decision to reduce production in order to avoid oil market volatility.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Saudi Tourism Authority Holds Promotional Meeting in Egypt

Cairo, The Saudi Tourism Authority held its promotional meeting in Egypt, with the participation of more than 35 entities representing the most important components of the Saudi tourism system, who shed light on the enormous potential, facilities provided, and investment opportunities, and held meetings with success partners in one of the most important markets in the region.

This step is a reflection of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s efforts to promote Saudi tourism and attract larger segments of regional markets, in addition to supporting and empowering the private sector by concluding important agreements and building fruitful partnerships. The Saudi Tourism Authority, also invited key travel and tourism companies in Egypt to participate in meetings with the influential authorities in the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Several parties participated with the Saudi Tourism Authority in this meeting, including the Tourism Development Fund, the Royal Commission for AlUla, Saudi Cruise, and MDL Beast, in addition to many major companies operating in the tourism sector, including airlines, hotels, and tourism agencies, as well as the “Nusuk” platform, one of the initiatives of the pilgrim service program.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Ma’aden, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Sign Agreement to Collaborate on R&D

Riyadh, The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East, has signed an agreement with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) to collaborate on the research and development of mining technology.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, where it was signed between Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, Deputy CEO of Ma’aden, and Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf, President of KFUPM.

The agreement will facilitate collaboration on scientific and technical research, establish joint research programs to develop technology solutions and harness research and development expertise within a governed framework.

KFUPM has 16 research centers based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and spanning multiple disciplines such as research in engineering, hydrogen, renewable energy, intelligent manufacturing and robotics, and more.

R&D, technology and digital transformation are essential for the advancement of the mining industry and are critical to deliver Ma’aden’s long-term growth strategy.

Ma’aden will leverage KFUPM’s research capacity to produce viable technology solutions that can be rapidly adopted by the market. The two parties have also agreed to work together to facilitate the development of entrepreneurial businesses.

Through its partnership with leading local and international entities and institutions, Ma’aden will pursue to enhance its capabilities to advance the mining industry in the Kingdom.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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The Prime Minister-designate confirms the next government’s interest in strengthening relations with the Russian Federation

Baghdad Prime Minister-designate Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani affirmed the interest of the next government in strengthening relations with the Russian Federation and building balanced relations in the interest of the two friendly peoples.

A statement by his media office said that Al-Sawadni received, today, Thursday, the Russian Ambassador, Elbrus Kutrashev, who congratulated him on his assignment to head the next Iraqi government, conveying the greetings of the Russian leadership, expressing wishes for success for the relations between the two countries further development and prosperity.

During the interview, Al-Sudani expressed the future government’s interest in strengthening relations with the Russian Federation and building balanced relations in the interest of the two friendly peoples.

According to the statement, the Prime Minister in charge of the historical relations that unite Iraq with Russia, stressing the determination of his future government to activate prospects for bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Assistant Supervisor General of KSrelief Meets with Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Assistant Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) for Planning and Development Dr. Aqeel bin Jamaan Al-Ghamdi met here today with Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mark Donovan.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues of common interest related to the humanitarian and relief affairs and ways to enhance them in order to serve the needy and affected around the world.

Ambassador Donovan praised the humanitarian role of the Kingdom, hailing the advanced professional performance of the KSrelief in the field of humanitarian work.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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The President received the credentials of two newly accredited ambassadors, from the Vatican and Oman

President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, received credentials of two new ambassadors accredited to Lebanon.

Ambassadors are: Vatican Ambassador, Monsignor Paolo Borgia and Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Saeed Al Saidi.

The official ceremonies to present the credentials took place, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Bou Habib, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hani Shmeitli, Director General of Protocols at the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Nabil Shedid, and the Director of Protocols at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abeer Ali.

Upon the ambassadors’ arrival, successively, to the presidential palace, the army’s music played the anthem of the country represented by each ambassador, and the flags were raised on the mast of the presidential palace alongside the Lebanese flag.

Then, the ambassador of each country saluted the flag before being accompanied by the Republican Guard Brigade.

Ambassadors then entered the salon of October 22 amid two rows of spears, and from there to the ambassadors’ salon to present his credentials to President Aoun, and to introduce him to the members of the diplomatic mission.

Upon leaving, the army’s music played the Lebanese national anthem.

During the ceremony, the ambassadors conveyed to President Aoun the greetings of their Presidents, and stressed working on everything that would strengthen bilateral relations between their countries and Lebanon.

For his side, the President conveyed his greetings to the ambassadors’ Presidents, stressing in return Lebanon’s keenness to strengthen relations with their friendly countries for the benefit of Lebanon, their countries, their people and the Lebanese.

President Aoun also wished the new ambassadors success in their new duties.

Biographies:

The following is a brief biography of the ambassadors who presented their credentials today:

Vatican Ambassador Monsignor Paolo Borgia

– Born in Italy.

– Ordained priest on April 10, 1999, and bishop on October 4, 2019.

– Holds a doctorate in canon law.

– Entered the diplomatic department of the Holy See on December 1, 2001, and moved in several positions in the missions and embassies of the Holy See in: Central Africa, Mexico, the Holy Land, Cyprus and Lebanon.

-Worked in the Departments of Relations with States and Public Relations of the Secretariat of State in the Vatican City.

-On September 3, 2019, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Milazzo and Papal Ambassador.

– Fluent in: Italian, English, Spanish and French.

Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Saeed Al Saidi

-Holds a PhD in Education from the University of South Carolina, in the United States of America.

-Worked in the Scientific Research Council as Director of Research in the Education and Human Resources Sector.

-Appointed as an ambassador in his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was attached to the Department of the Minister’s Office.

-Transferred to his country’s embassy in Washington, before he was appointed head of the Sultanate of Oman’s mission to the United States of America.

-Transferred to the World Trade Organization Department, before being assigned to run the International Cooperation Department’s business.

-In 2021, he was assigned to supervise the economic affairs sector.

Dean and members of the Honorary Council:

President Aoun met with the Dean of the Council of Honors, the Director-General of the Presidency of the Parliament, Mr. Ali Hamad.

The meeting was also attended by members: Director-General of the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Antoine Choucair, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Adnan Daher, Brigadier General Michel Abu Rizk, and Brigadier General Ali Makki, in the presence of the Protocol Director at the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Nabil Shedid.

Dr. Shedid briefed the President on the work of the Council and the criteria it adopted within the framework of its interest.

For his side, President Aoun praised the performance of the council since its formation.

Source: Presidency of the Republic of Lebanon

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Al-Araji stresses, in his meeting with the NATO delegation, the use of modern technologies in cybersecurity

Baghdad National Security Adviser, Qassem Al-Araji, received today, Thursday, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Operations, Thomas Govos, in the presence of the Commander of the NATO mission in Iraq, Lieutenant-General Giovanni Maria Iannucci.

During the meeting, according to a statement by Al-Araji’s office, joint cooperation between Iraq and the NATO mission was discussed, in the fields of training, advice, exchange of experiences, and capacity building for the Iraqi armed forces and security services.

Al-Araji stressed the need to update training programs to keep pace with developments in the world in the military and security fields and the use of modern technologies, especially in the field of cybersecurity.

Al-Araji stressed that Iraq seeks to strengthen the strategic relationship with NATO, and to develop Iraqi national expertise, especially in the field of border protection and drug control.

For his part, the Assistant Secretary-General of NATO stressed that Iraq is an element of stability in the Middle East, and that the alliance seeks to strengthen its positive relations and joint cooperation with it, praising Iraq’s cooperation in protecting the mission’s personnel and facilitating their tasks.

He pointed out that NATO continues to support Iraq in the fight against terrorism.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Interpol of Baghdad arrests a suspect in Iran wanted for murder

Baghdad The Arab and International Police Directorate arrested a suspect wanted for a murder in Iran.

A statement by the Ministry of Interior stated that Interpol of Baghdad managed to arrest a person accused of murder in accordance with the provisions of Article 406 of the Penal Code, as the arrest process came in cooperation and coordination with Interpol of Tehran, and the accused was brought to Iraq for his trial and the completion of the necessary legal procedures.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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/ 13 / persons accused according to various legal articles arrested in Diyala

Baquba Diyala police arrested 13 suspects according to various legal articles.

Spokesman for the Diyala Police Command, Brigadier-General Nihad Al-Mahdawi, told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that the police arrested the suspects in Baquba, Al-Muqdadiya, Al-Abara and Mandali.

He indicated that legal measures were taken against the accused and referred to the judicial authorities.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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ISIS attacks a security point within the Waqf Basin, northeast of Baquba, in Diyala

Baquba ISIS gangs attacked a security point in the Waqf Basin in Diyala Governorate.

A security source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that clashes took place between the security forces and a terrorist group that attacked a security point in the vicinity of the Green Line orchards within the Waqf Basin, northeast of Baquba.

He added that the clashes resulted in the injury of an officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel and a policeman in a preliminary outcome.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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A security source: A lieutenant colonel was martyred and two policemen were wounded in clashes northeast of Baquba

Baquba A security source announced the killing of an officer and the wounding of two security personnel within the Waqf Basin, northeast of Baquba.

He told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that the outcome of the clashes in Green Line area within the Waqf Basin, northeast of Baquba, was the killing of a lieutenant-colonel in the Model Regiment and the injury of two policemen.

A security source had announced that a lieutenant-colonel and a policeman had been wounded in clashes between security forces and ISIS gangs in the green line area, northeast of Baquba.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency