Sri Lanka to build on, maintain relations with Saudi Arabia: envoy

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Updated 20 December 2024
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Sri Lanka to build on, maintain relations with Saudi Arabia: envoy

  • Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
  • Commemoration of anniversary will serve as a catalyst to further consolidate bilateral relations 
  • Two countries to issue a postage stamp, unveil a logo besides other cultural activities

RIYADH: Sri Lankan Ambassador in Riyadh Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad expressed his desire to elevate bilateral relations to new heights as Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Ajwad said: “Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.”

He added: “Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have a very long background of ties. According to the history books, it started in the seventh century … when Sri Lankan King Aggrabodhi III dispatched a delegation on a fact-finding mission to Saudi Arabia, on the request of the Arab people who were living in Sri Lanka at that time. The king sent an envoy to Madinah to learn about Islam from Prophet Muhammad.”

This ancient trade and people-to-people relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka flourished over time. The two established formal diplomatic relations in 1974. The first Saudi ambassador to Sri Lanka was appointed in August 1977. The Sri Lanka mission was established in Jeddah in 1983. The Embassy of Sri Lanka was established in Jeddah with M.R.M Thassim as the first accredited ambassador, and shifted to Riyadh in 1985.

“We are celebrating this historic moment. It’s a milestone in our bilateral relations. We have decided on a logo to be unveiled soon to mark this occasion, both countries have agreed on that. We will soon launch it both in Saudi Arabia as well as Colombo. The logo will demonstrate the close bilateral relations,” said the ambassador.

“We will issue a postal stamp to mark the occasion. Both countries are now working on that to release a stamp to demonstrate the depth of relations,” Ajwad told Arab News.

“We also took some initiatives to mark the golden jubilee occasion such as the green initiative with the tree planting campaign in Riyadh in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Riyadh municipality — we have already planted trees in four parks with our community. It is aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative that aims to plant 10 billion trees,” he said.

“(We) also initiated planting campaign in the Sri Lankan Schools in Riyadh and Jeddah to mark the 50th anniversary,” he added.

“We initiated an Ambassadors Cup cricket tournament among our community to mark this occasion. We already had it in Jeddah, and now we have a final on Dec. 27 in Riyadh,” he said.

“We have also launched events to boost cultural cooperation between the two countries.”

Ajwad noted that Saudi Arabia under the visionary leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has embarked on an ambitious Vision 2030 program.

“We witness Saudi Arabia’s fastest developments in all spheres,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka was one of the first countries which pledged support for Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030. He also said Sri Lanka is proud of the Kingdom winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

“I believe the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations will serve as a catalyst to further consolidate our bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest in the years ahead,” said Ajwad.

Following the commemorative year, “we are planning to initiate the first political consultation meeting between the foreign ministries of both countries, finalizing the roadmap for economic cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia and the relevant ministry in Sri Lanka, and activating the MoU on foreign investment signed this year between Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

On diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said: “We are very closely working on all aspects.”

He added that the Saudi-Sri Lanka Joint Committee was established under the General Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries in 2003.

The committee held its first session in 2023 in Riyadh. The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Abdullah Nasser Abu Thnain, deputy minister of human resources and social development, while the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Tharaka Balasuriya, former minister of state for foreign affairs.

“We have identified around 63 items for economic cooperation under the Joint Committee. We have also set up an economic roadmap under the framework of the Joint Committee,” said the ambassador.

“It’s a very promising roadmap. So we will build on the relations that we have already maintained, to elevate it to the new heights,” said Ajwad.

Saudi Arabia’s assistance to Sri Lanka is broad and diverse. The Kingdom has provided assistance to the tune of $455 million to implement over 15 development projects in education, irrigation, agriculture and road networks, including the establishment of Medical Faculty at the University of Sabaragamuwa, the development of the Wayamba University township and the Kurinchakerni Bridge project.

The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has also implemented 18 projects including shelter, food security, and humanitarian operations at a cost of more than $15 million.

Formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Committee between the two countries has further strengthened bilateral ties, said the envoy.

“We are also focused on the private sector interactions between the two countries,” he added.

Tourism is a very promising area for Sri Lanka. “We saw an increased number of Saudi tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Saudis are placed third in number of tourists visitng Sri Lanka,” said Ajwad, adding: “We are working closely on promoting tourism. It’s a promising area. We can work in the hospitality sector as well. There is a big interest.”


Madinah leads Saudi organic aromatics market

Updated 59 min 59 sec ago
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Madinah leads Saudi organic aromatics market

  • The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares
  • Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant

RIYADH: Madinah has solidified its position as the Kingdom’s largest producer of organic aromatic plants, contributing 78 tonnes — 26.4 percent of the national total of 296 tonnes.

This reflects the region’s strong agricultural productivity and its key role in medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A recent report by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce detailed the national landscape, showing Qassim as the second-largest producer with 15.9 percent, followed by Riyadh with 14.9 percent and Jazan with 14.7 percent.

Together, these four regions account for approximately 72 percent of the Kingdom’s total organic medicinal and aromatic plant production, the SPA reported.

The report outlined cultivated areas, with Madinah leading at 37 hectares, followed by Qassim with 36, Riyadh with 35, and Jazan with 34 hectares — underscoring strong regional competition in the sector.

Madinah mint was identified as the region’s most prominent organic aromatic plant, valued for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor, according to the SPA.

Its cultivation is deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage and presents attractive investment opportunities at various scales.

Other aromatic plants grown in Madinah include basil, henna, and moringa.

The report also highlighted broader investment opportunities within the aromatic plant production sector.


Saudi FM arrives in Syria with high-level economic delegation

Updated 59 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi FM arrives in Syria with high-level economic delegation

  • Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with President of the Syrian Republic Ahmad Al-Sharaa
  • The high-level economic delegation includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment

DAMASCUS: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Damascus on Saturday with an economic delegation on a visit to discuss ways to support Syria’s war-ravaged economy, authorities said.

The high-level economic delegation, which includes Saudi officials from the ministries of finance and investment, will hold a consultation session with their Syrian counterparts.

Syria and Saudi Arabia had previously discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sectors. 

Saudi Arabia has been one of the most important regional supporters of Syria’s new authorities, who took over after ousting longtime ruler Bashar Assad in December after nearly 14 years of civil war.

On a visit to Riyadh earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he would lift US sanctions on Syria, a move that paves the way for economic recovery in the war-torn country.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani welcomed Prince Faisal, who is “heading a high-level delegation,” on arrival at Damascus airport, a Syria foreign ministry statement said.

The pair were scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon.

A Saudi foreign ministry statement said Prince Faisal would meet with interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and “the high-level economic delegation” would hold talks with Syrian officials about ways of cooperating “that contribute to supporting Syria’s economy and strengthen institution building.”

In February, Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia in his first trip abroad as president.

Last month, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, another key backer of the new authorities, announced they would settle Syria’s debt to the World Bank totaling roughly $15 million.

Damascus is hoping that the lifting of sanctions, particularly by the United States, will pave the way for support from the international community.

Years of war and sanctions have battered the country’s economy, infrastructure and industry.

A recent United Nations Development Programme report estimated Syria’s “lost GDP” during the 2011-2024 war to be around $800 billion.

Prince Faisal first visited Syria’s new authorities in January.


Kingdom extends aid to global communities

Updated 31 May 2025
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Kingdom extends aid to global communities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,155 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Baidoa district, Bay region, benefiting 6,930 people.

KSrelief also signed an agreement with the International Wars and Disaster Victims’ Protection Association to operate the third phase of the dialysis center at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, benefiting 665 individuals.

In Yemen, the agency distributed 3,471 food packages to the neediest groups in Al-Madinah district, Marib governorate, benefiting 24,297 people.

KSrelief signed an agreement with a civil society organization to distribute 800 tonnes of dates in Chad. The $2 million initiative aims to support vulnerable families across several regions and is expected to benefit about 500,000 people.

The agency implemented the two-week Saudi Noor program in Burkina Faso to combat blindness and related diseases. KSrelief’s medical team examined 8,000 individuals, distributed 2,000 eyeglasses, provided medication to 3,886 patients, and performed 800 surgeries as part of the initiative.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,438 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 318 organizations.


Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

Updated 31 May 2025
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Kingdom arrests 12,129 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12,129 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 7,127 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,441 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,561 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,197 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 34 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 90 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 18 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

Updated 31 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board

  • Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
  • The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.

The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.

Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.

Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.

Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 

Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.

A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”

Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.

According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.