RIYADH: Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Raja Ali Ejaz, called on the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, and extended an invitation to visit Pakistan, which the secretary-general accepted.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation and friendly relations between the GCC and Pakistan in various fields to serve their common interests, as well as the developments in the political and security situations in the region.
“Several matters of mutual interest were discussed, including convening of joint ministerial meeting and resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations,” a statement by the ambassador said.
“The secretary-general affirmed that the GCC attaches high importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and is keen to further strengthen the ties,” the envoy added.
The ambassador extended an invitation to the secretary-general to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, and the secretary-general accepted the invitation.
The Pakistani ambassador also called on Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and thanked him for the center’s humanitarian and aid activities carried out in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Al-Rabeeah briefed the Pakistani ambassador on KSrelief’s efforts to help afflicted and needy peoples in the world.
The Pakistani ambassador expressed his admiration of KSrelief’s achievements and its vital role in humanitarian work.
KSrelief has implemented 1,536 projects worth nearly $5 billion in 59 countries. The initiatives were carried out in cooperation with 144 local, regional and international partners since the inception of the center in May 2015.
According to a recent KSrelief report, the countries and territories that benefited the most from the center’s projects include Yemen ($3.47 billion), Palestine ($363 million), Syria ($305 million) and Somalia ($202 million).
The center has also concluded a number of agreements with the UNHCR to support refugees from Syria, Yemen as well as the Rohingyas, and has partnered with humanitarian organizations including the World Food Programme, UN Children’s Emergency Fund and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
KSrelief has a representative office in Pakistan that carries out humanitarian assistance in the fields of food security, education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene and charitable assistance, said the envoy.
DiplomaticQuarter: GCC chief accepts Pakistan invitation to visit the country
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DiplomaticQuarter: GCC chief accepts Pakistan invitation to visit the country
Saudi crown prince discusses preparations to host Expo 2030 with BIE head
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the Kingdom’s preparations to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh with the secretary-general of the Bureau International des Expositions on Wednesday.
Writing about the meeting on social media platform X, Dimitri Kerkentzes said he was “honored” to discuss the preparations with the crown prince.
“The BIE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will work hand in hand to make Expo 2030 a tremendous success for the Kingdom, the region, and the world,” he added.
Riyadh defeated challenges from South Korea and Italy to host the prestigious event in November 2023, and was selected by a majority of 119 out of 165 votes by BIE member states.
Madinah megaproject aims to make region a hub for wellness tourism
- Facility will cover 240,000 square meters and aims to establish Madinah as a global destination for health and wellness
- Once built, center hopes to accommodate up to 30 million visitors a year by 2030
RIYADH: Almqr Development Co., the investment arm of Madinah Regional Municipality, has signed an agreement with a national construction company to build a wellness resort and rehabilitation center, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Forming part of the “Heart of Uhud” project north of the Prophet’s Mosque, the facility will cover 240,000 square meters and aims to establish Madinah as a global destination for health and wellness.
Once built, with the support of local and international investors, the center hopes to accommodate up to 30 million visitors a year by 2030.
Mulberries — the superfood coloring Al-Ahsa’s markets
- Small red and black fruits are highly prized, not just for their delicious taste but for the health benefits they bring
- Season is brief, starting after the chill of winter and lasting around a month
RIYADH: Mulberry season has arrived, adding a bright splash of color to the fruit and vegetable markets in Al-Ahsa governorate.
The small red and black fruits are highly prized, not just for their delicious taste but for the health benefits they bring.
Their season is brief, starting after the chill of winter and lasting around a month. The current harvest is red, but the berries can also be blue or purple. They are sweet when fully mature and have a tart flavor during the earlier stages.
Mulberries enjoy a devoted following among farmers and consumers alike. Prices fluctuate depending on ripeness and size, ranging from SR5 ($1.33) to SR15 ($4) per half kilo, Saudi Press Agency reported.
They are a popular ingredient in cakes and ice cream, or as a decoration for various foods. The juice is enjoyed by many and the berries can be frozen for later consumption.
Dr. Hossam Al-Din Hussein Mahmoud, a professor of fruit science at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, said various types of mulberries were grown in the region including red, Iranian, Kashmiri and American.
He also talked about ongoing research at the university’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, which aims to document all strains and varieties of fruit found in Al-Ahsa, and discussed the health benefits associated with mulberries.
Classed as a superfood, they are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are also believed to contribute to healthy blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Their high anthocyanin content means they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can lower the risk of some diseases and enhance the immune and digestive systems.
Consumption of mulberries is also linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease risk, lower blood cholesterol, better skin health and heart rate regulation.
Saudi development program teams up with Selah Foundation for water project in Yemen
- The initiative, in Hadhramaut region, will install solar power stations to provide the energy required to improve the availability and supply of water to 1.7 million people
- The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has more than 229 active projects in 8 sectors, including education, health, water, transportation and agriculture
RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen and the Selah Foundation for Development agreed on Wednesday to cooperate on a renewable-energy water-security project in Yemen’s Hadhramaut region, which they said will benefit about 1.7 million people.
The deal was signed by Hassan Al-Attas, the assistant general supervisor of the development program, and Ali Hassan Bashmakh, the foundation’s executive director.
The governor of Hadhramout, Mabkhoot bin Mubarak bin Madhi, attended the signing ceremony and thanked Saudi authorities for the assistance provided to Yemen through the development program. He also expressed gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the employees of the program for their contributions.
Al-Attas said his organization has more than 229 active development projects in Yemen, helping to improve the lives and livelihoods of people across the country. They span eight sectors, including education, health, water, transportation and agriculture.
As part of the project in Hadhramaut, solar power stations will be established in nine areas to provide the energy required to improve the availability and supply of water. Training and capacity building will also be provided to ensure local technicians can operate and maintain the solar equipment.
The development program and the foundation previously partnered with the Arab Gulf Program for Development on other renewable-energy projects to help improve the quality of life of an estimated 62,000 people in five of Yemen’s governorates. And in January, the two organizations launched a water-security project that aims to benefit about 800,000 people in Aden. On the Yemeni island of Socotra, the development program’s projects help meet about 50 percent of water needs, 100 percent in Al-Ghaydah, and 10 percent in Aden.
The Selah Foundation for Development received the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development in 2020 for its continual efforts to enhance water security.
Other officials who attended the signing ceremony on Wednesday included Yemen’s planning and international cooperation minister, Waed Badheeb; the minister of water and environment, Tawfiq Abdulwahed Al-Sharjabi; and Mohammed Al-Jaber, supervisor general of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.
Saudi FM receives Salvadoran counterpart in Riyadh
- During the reception, the ministers reviewed relations between the Kingdom and El Salvador and opportunities to enhance cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Salvadoran counterpart Alexandra Hill Tinoco in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the reception, the ministers reviewed relations between the Kingdom and El Salvador and opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
Various topics of common interest were also discussed during the meeting.
