Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni at the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council’s Culture Committee on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Updated 24 April 2025
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Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

  • They say it is important to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations and the committee will help achieve this
  • Ministers praise the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens in 2024, which showcased music, theater, films, crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom

JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Greek counterpart, Lina Mendoni, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council’s Culture Committee on Wednesday.

The ministers said it was important to strengthen cultural cooperation between Riyadh and Athens, and activate a memorandum of understanding they signed in July 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Badr said the committee will help achieve this.

The ministers praised the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2024, which showcased musical and theatrical performances, films, traditional crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom.

Greece participated at Saudi International Crafts Week in Riyadh in November 2024, and the Benaki Museum in Athens is taking part in the Islamic Arts Biennale, which began in January in Jeddah and continues until May.

Other senior Saudi and Greek officials present at the committee meeting included Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to the Kingdom.
 

 

 


Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli military operations against Iran with British PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 49 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli military operations against Iran with British PM

  • Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.

The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Updated 14 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025
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King Salman orders Saudi officials to aid stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

  • Directive issued after authorities in Tehran close their airspace following attack by Israel said to have targeted Iranian nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs
  • Plan for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide help to the stranded pilgrims presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: King Salman on Friday ordered Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian Hajj pilgrims stranded in the Kingdom receive all necessary support until it is safe for them to return home.

The directive came shortly after Israeli authorities launched early-morning airstrikes against Iran, which they said targeted nuclear sites, nuclear scientists and military chiefs. Tehran closed the country’s airspace in the aftermath.

The plan to provide help to stranded Iranian pilgrims was presented to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring they receive all necessary support.

The annual pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam that all Muslims are required to complete at least once during their lives if physically and financially able, concluded on Monday. Tens of thousands of Iranians visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj each year. More than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part this year and authorities described it as a success.

Iran retaliated to the Israeli attack later on Friday by targeting Tel Aviv with missiles, raising fears of prolonged and more-dangerous exchanges of fire.