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The security forces seized a drug dealer in his possession (8) kilograms of heroin in Anbar.
The General Directorate of Narcotic Affairs stated in a statement that its detachments carried out, through a force from the Anbar Narcotic Affairs Directorate, a preemptive qualitative operation that resulted in the seizure of a drug dealer in his possession of (8) kilograms of heroin, and he was placed under arrest according to a judicial decision.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency
Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), met Mohammed Al-Zarkani, the outgoing Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Bahrain.
The undersecretary praised the efforts exerted by Al-Zarkani throughout his tenure, lauding his interest in enhancing cooperation with NPRA.
He commended Al Zarkani’s efforts to develop competencies through various programmes and exposure to international expertise, wishing him further success in the future.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Jameel bin Muhammad Ali Humaidan, Labour and Social Development Minister and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)’s Board of Directors Chairman, met Mohammed Zarkani, the outgoing Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Bahrain.
Humaidan praised the ongoing cooperation between the ministry and the IOM, praising the organisation’s support for promoting a safe work environment by enhancing the qualification of national competencies and expertise, particularly in the area of combating human trafficking.
The minister affirmed Bahrain’s keenness to enhance cooperation with various specialised international organisations. He commended the efforts exerted by Mohammed Zarkani throughout his tenure, wishing him further success.
Al Zarkani commended Bahrain’s efforts on a global scale in fighting human trafficking, creating a safe environment, and strengthening the system of human rights and worker protection.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) is the first smelter in the region to be successfully recertified to the newest version (V3) of Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)’s Performance Standard which was released in May 2022.
The certification, for three years starting from 31 August 2023, was achieved with no major non-conformance following a rigorous on-site audit of Alba and its facilities. The scope of the certification included the production and marketing of primary aluminium from alumina, calcinations of petroleum coke, water desalination, anode manufacturing, smelting, casting and captive power generation at the Alba Calciner and Smelter sites in Bahrain.
On this achievement, Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali, said:
“This ASI recertification underlines our commitment to environmental stewardship, transparency, and social responsibility.
This will not only enhance our credibility as a responsible aluminium producer but also contribute to a more sustainable future — thus positioning us on par with other responsible players in the aluminium industry.”
Alba joined the ASI as a Production and Transformation member since February 2019, and attained ASI Performance Standard Certification in January 2020 followed by ASI Chain of Custody Standard Certification in April 2023.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Local Administration and Environment Minister Hussein Makhlouf discussed with head of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria (UNHCR) Sivanka Dhanapala and the accompanying delegation latest developments regarding the commission’s work, the possibility of expanding the projects currently being implemented, and issue of the return of refugees to their country.
Makhlouf underscored that the facilitating return of refugees and providing all requirements are priorities for the government, in addition to providing the refugees’ needs and implementing projects that guarantee their stability.
He hailed the steps taken by the UNHCR on the refugee return, including, humanitarian aid and livelihoods support.
He pointed out the continued cooperation and coordination and providing all necessary facilities to implement the joint programs with the UNHCR.
In turn, Dhanapala thanked the Syrian government for the facilities it provided to make the UNHCR’s work a success and create appropriate conditions for the return of refugees.
Both sides also underlined the need to continue implementing solar lighting projects due to their importance, and increase activities in the areas affected by the earthquake.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency
General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums participated in workshop on assisting Arab countries remove their sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The workshop was organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in Tunisia.
A number of Arab countries which have cultural property took part in the workshop, including Syria that has Qala’at al-Hosn (Krac des Chevaliers), Saladin Citadel, and Aleppo Old City as sites have been inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2013 due the terrorist war on the country.
Head of the Buildings Department in Aleppo Old City Rasha al-Masri stressed the importance of the Old City historically and culturally, and pointed out the dangers that the city suffered due to terrorism and the earthquake occurred on February 6th which increased the danger and caused some collapses to the city.
Director of Qala’at al-Hosn Hazem Hanna, underlined the importance of both al-Hosn and Saladin Citadels as an outstanding sample of military architecture in the medieval period.
Director of Lattakia Antiquities Ibrahim Khair Beik referred to the rehabilitation works that started in 2016 for the buildings Saladin Citadels which has been affected by the terrorist war within existing capabilities, noting that the earthquake has increased the danger of collapsing many buildings of the Saladin castle as well as the fires that broke out in 2020 in the coastal area, which extended to include the castle.
The participants highlighted ALECSO’s initiative on cultural property, affirming the importance of these events in helping to implement the recommendations of UNESCO and its affiliated bodies to save these endangered sites.
The 37 session of World Heritage Committee in 2013 inscribed Syrian heritage sites on the List of Heritage in Danger, which aims to exert all possible support efforts to save these sites as they represent value for all humanity.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency
The 50th extraordinary conference of Federation of Arab Communities in Latin America (FIARAB) continues its work on its second day at Damascus University.
Today’s activities include a dialogue meeting with economic actors organized by the Syrian Federation Chambers of Commerce and Syrian Federation of Chambers of Industry on encouraging investment, and a presentation by Economy and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Mohammad Samer al-Khalil, on the economic reality and the strengths of the Syrian economy and then a dialogue session with the participants.
Minister of Tourism, Mohammad Rami Martin will also give a presentation on tourism in Syria and the factors of tourist attraction, followed by a dialogue session with the participants.
Heads and member of expatriate institutions and associations, representatives of expatriate clubs and Arab cultural centers in Latin American countries participate in the conference.
The three-day conference will discuss means to enhance the role of the Syrian expatriates to defend their homeland and its issues in service of its goals and humanitarian civilization.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency
On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz will honor tomorrow after the evening prayer the winners of the 43rd edition of King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the competition Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s constant support for this competition that is testimony to the Kingdom’s endeavor to care for and disseminate the teachings of the Holy Quran.
He said that this competition motivates Muslim youths around the world to memorize the Quran, and contributes to raising a generation that adheres to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, adding that this year’s competition witnessed the participation of the largest number of countries since it started in 1399 Hijri.
The competition brought together 166 contestants from 117 countries, and has a prize pool of SAR4 million.
E-judging was used in the preliminary and final competition qualifiers.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
The Assistant General Supervisor of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, held a meeting with the Associate Vice-President of the External Relations and Governance Department at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Satu Santala, in Riyadh today.
During the meeting, they delved into topics of mutual interest concerning humanitarian and relief projects that involve both parties. Satu Santala commended the significant relief efforts extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, primarily through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, across various essential sectors. She particularly acknowledged the support provided in the agricultural sector.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
The Mongolian Minister of Environment and Tourism, Bat-Erdene, held a meeting in Ulan Bator with the Minister of the State and Member of the Cabinet, Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd, and the accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they engaged in discussions concerning environmental matters, wildlife conservation, and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Mongolia.
In attendance at the meeting were the Saudi Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and Non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Mongolia, Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, along with several senior officials.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
The GCC Committee of Central Banks Governors held its 81st meeting in Salalah today, as Oman is the current presidency country.
The meeting was chaired by HH Sayyid Taimour bin Asa’ad Al Said, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), with participation of Governors of GCC central banks and the GCC Secretary-General.
During the meeting, a number of topics related to monetary and financial developments in the GCC states were discussed, in addition to issues related to supervision and surveillance of the banking sector, payment systems, FinTech in the GCC banking sector and GCC Central Banks Digital Currency (CBDC).
The committee also addressed issues related to latest developments within the framework of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), cybersecurity in the banking sector and common topics between GCC Afaq Payment System and the Arab RegionalPayment System (Buna).
Moreover, the committee reviewed the GCC Secretariat’s General report on implementing its decisions at the previous meetings. The committee was also briefed on updates on the progress of the signature and ratification of the agreement on linking GCC payment systems and other monetary and banking issues, in addition to the topics listed in the committee’s agenda, on which appropriate decisions were taken.
Source: Oman News Agency
The occupation army’s storming of Nour Shams camp in Tulkarm on Tuesday morning caused great destruction, as the army stormed the camp supported by bulldozers and extensive military reinforcements, resulting in the martyrdom of a young man and the injury of a number of others by bullets from the occupation forces.
The occupation bulldozers destroyed the main street adjacent to the entrance to Nour Shams camp, “Nablus Street,” and a number of parked vehicles.
The occupation army also destroyed the monument of the martyr Saif Abu Libda in the camp
Source: Maan News Agency