Trump tells Gulf leaders Iran must cease support of proxies as part of nuclear deal

RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with African countries, promoting trade and integration and enhancing consultation and coordination on shared issues.

Speaking at the Africa Day ceremony at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the minister described Africa as a continent of opportunities with natural resources, a young population and renewable potential.

He said African countries were important in Saudi foreign policy, stating: “Africa hosts the largest number of Saudi diplomatic and consular missions, and the Kingdom intends to increase its embassies in Africa to more than 40 in the coming years.”

Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom had provided more than $45 billion in support for development and humanitarian projects in 54 African countries, with Saudi aid agency KSrelief alone delivering more than $450 million in assistance across 46 African nations.

Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom’s goal was to invest $25 billion in Africa, secure $10 billion in exports and offer $5 billion in development financing to the continent by 2030.

The event, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” was attended by more than 400 guests, including Saudi officials, diplomats, businesspeople and society members.

The dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Djibouti’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, highlighted the day’s symbolic and political importance, calling it a reminder to pursue an Africa based on dignity, fairness, and justice.

“It is a day for remembrance, unity, and collective responsibility. We honor our ancestors, recognize our leaders’ vision, and reaffirm our commitment to an African future founded on dignity, equity, and justice,” he said.

He stressed the need for African states to raise their voices in international forums, strengthen pan-African cooperation, and promote youth, indigenous knowledge and cultural identities.

Bamakhrama added: “On its path to development, Africa does not walk alone and relies on the solidarity of its partners, especially Saudi Arabia. We welcome the resolutions adopted by the Saudi Arabia-Africa summit held in Riyadh in 2023, which marked a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership.

“The Saudi Vision 2030 offers new opportunities to build lasting bridges between our people. Together we can transform this cooperation into a lasting alliance.”

The head of the African Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iya Tidjani, paid tribute to the vision of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism, who saw African unity as essential for the continent’s development and global standing.

“Sixty-two years ago, when Africa still bore the scars of slavery, colonization, apartheid and discrimination, African heads of state laid the foundations for the Organization of African Unity’s charter, marking a turning point in the quest for independence. Their successors, supported by the African Union, remain committed,” he said.

“Africa Day, formerly African Freedom Day and later African Liberation Day, originates from the collective resistance of the African people. The 2025 commemoration under the theme of justice for Africans continues this legacy.”

He urged younger generations to draw inspiration from the legacy and work toward the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.

On the sidelines of the reception, Africa’s cultural diversity was highlighted by a handicraft exhibition representing various countries.

Through the celebration, the African Diplomatic Corps aimed to convey solidarity, unity and determination to the international community while calling for dialogue, historical recognition and concrete action for justice for Africans and people of African descent.

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has completed departure procedures for Iranian Hajj pilgrims leaving through the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.

This was done following directives from King Salman and based on a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

The aim was to support Iran’s pilgrims amid the current circumstances in their country and provide necessary services until they can safely return home after completing Hajj. 

The ministry, through its sectors and affiliated entities, deployed all human and technical resources to facilitate the pilgrims’ movement, the SPA reported. 

It coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure smooth and organized transport to the border within an integrated service and security framework.

Alireza Bayat, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization in Iran, recently praised Saudi Arabia for assisting the pilgrims, noting the quality organization and services at border crossings and other locations. 

He said Iran’s pilgrims were satisfied with the support they had received and for the excellent organization of the Hajj.