Saudi foreign minister calls for principles of humanitarian law to be followed in Gaza
During talks with French and Italian counterparts, Prince Faisal bin Farhan urges international community to help end the conflict between Hamas and Israel and protect civilians
A just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue is the only way to guarantee security and stability, he says
Updated 13 October 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has stressed the need for all parties involved in the conflict in Gaza to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, including the lifting of the siege on the territory and ensuring that food and other emergency aid supplies are allowed to reach the people there.
His comments came during a telephone call with his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, to discuss the continuing military escalation in Gaza and the surrounding area, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
They also talked about the threats to unarmed civilians as a result of the conflict, and the importance of efforts by the international community to help end the fighting and protect civilians, the ministry added.
Prince Faisal said that a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue is the only way to guarantee security and stability.
The Israeli military was preparing for a possible ground invasion of Gaza on Thursday as it continued to pound the coastal strip for a sixth straight day in retaliation for the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas that began on Saturday.
During a separate conversation with Antonio Tajani, the Italian minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Prince Faisal renewed the Kingdom’s pledge never to target civilians in any way, officials said. He again stressed the importance of respecting the rules of humanitarian law in Gaza, along with the pressing need for the siege of the territory to be lifted.
He also called for “joint international efforts to calm the situation” as well as moves aimed at “stopping military operations, and finding a just and comprehensive solution that does justice to the Palestinian people, and the importance of avoiding further escalation and violence,” the ministry said.
RIYADH: Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci bid farewell to the Kingdom as he concluded his decade-long tenure.
Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, where he met with Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.
The envoy said his goals were to strengthen political and diplomatic relations, expand economic ties and promote a positive image of Hungary in Saudi Arabia.
Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
At the same time, Selmeci sought to highlight Saudi Arabia’s changes and opportunities in Hungary, as well as the hospitality and kindness of the Saudi people.
“I believe I achieved good results in both areas, thanks to the support of Saudi institutions, the people and my colleagues at the embassy,” Selmeci told Arab News.
Reflecting on his time in the Kingdom, Selmeci highlighted the significant changes he witnessed over the years. He singled out the closing ceremony of Riyadh Season at King Fahd Stadium as a moment that symbolized Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation.
Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country.
Balazs Selmeci, Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
He recalled that the stadium was full of men and women together, and Saudi ballet dancers performed on stage — something that would have been unimaginable earlier.
“At that moment, I realized how much Saudi Arabia had changed. I saw many talented Saudis and felt their happiness, both on stage and in the audience,” the envoy said.
Over more than 10 years in Saudi Arabia, Selmeci observed the transformative impact of Vision 2030, including societal reforms and economic diversification.
He added that social reforms — such as involving women in the workforce, increasing their participation across sectors, welcoming international visitors and events, and balancing tradition with modernization — laid the foundation for economic progress.
“Vision 2030 itself required great courage from the leadership and strong support from the Saudi people,” Selmeci said.
From the outset, Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country, he added.
“These social and ongoing economic reforms have increased Saudi Arabia’s international presence and influence,” Selmeci said.
He added that the reforms have allowed foreigners to better understand the Kingdom and build trust, and that the dedication of both the government and the people provides a strong foundation for success.
Selmeci began his tenure as ambassador on Nov. 14, 2019, presenting his credentials to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Dec. 12, and to King Salman on Jan. 8, 2020.
Before then, he served in Riyadh as deputy head of mission from March 2014 to June 2018, marking more than a decade since he first began working to strengthen Saudi-Hungarian relations.
During his tenure, he oversaw the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers in the Kingdom, as well as the first bilateral meeting between their defense ministers.
Selmeci said that among the economic cooperation projects during his tenure, his favorites were the reestablishment of the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, the launch of the Saudi-Hungarian Digitalization Cluster and the creation of the first Saudi-Hungarian joint venture in the Kingdom.
He also extended his best wishes to the Saudi people, encouraging them to continue working with determination toward a better life, making the country more prosperous while preserving its traditions and heritage.
Asked what message he would leave for his successor, Selmeci expressed hope that they would build on these achievements and accomplish even greater successes, while creating as many memorable experiences as he did.
He added that his successor could count on the full support of the Saudi leadership, officials, the people, the diplomatic corps and embassy staff.
In his closing remarks, the ambassador said he planned to return to the Kingdom in the future — “even as a simple tourist, to walk in King Salman Park, visit Qiddiya or attend Expo 2030.”
Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah
Museums, heritage commissions invite experts to submit proposals for 2026 event
Grants available to successful bidders
Updated 14 July 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Experts in the fields of archaeology, history, anthropology, environmental studies and museum curation are being invited to apply to take part in the 2026 edition of the Red Sea International Conference.
The event, which will run from April 9-12, will be held at the Bab Al-Bunt building, which sits within Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Historic District and is the future home of the Red Sea Museum.
Launched in 2002, the conference is regarded as a key platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the Red Sea’s historical significance. Previous editions have been held in partnership with the British Museum, University of Southampton, University of Warsaw and University of Crete, among others.
The open call for the 2026 event was issued by Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission and Heritage Commission. Participants will explore a broad range of themes, from ancient maritime trade and the archaeology of coastal cities and ports, to environmental history, underwater heritage and the Red Sea’s legacy as a crossroads of cultures linking Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean.
Anyone interested in taking part should submit an abstract, limited to 300 words and written in English, to rsm.info@moc.gov.sa by Oct. 15. Poster proposals are also welcomed and will be reviewed by a scientific committee.
To support broad participation in the conference, the commissions will provide five grants to cover the cost of travel, accommodation and registration to researchers whose papers are accepted.
Priority will be given to applicants from the Red Sea region and developing countries.
By hosting the conference in Jeddah, the commissions aim to bolster Saudi Arabia’s academic and cultural standing, while reaffirming the Red Sea’s enduring significance as a living archive of human history, exchange and civilization.
Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes
Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing
Updated 14 July 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently received Firdavs Abdukhalikov, president of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and his delegation in Makkah.
Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing.
He also praised Al-Issa’s representation of Muslims during his speech at the UN’s inaugural International Day to Combat Islamophobia, held at the General Assembly’s invitation.
Also in Makkah, Al-Issa met Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, Iraq’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his term.
Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights commitment to quality service, unforgettable visitor experiences
Updated 14 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.
The program, launched in May with the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea’s coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.
Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.
He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif’s natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.
Al-Khateeb said at the program’s launch in May: “This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”
The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.
Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.
Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.
Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.
Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.
Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.
The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region’s rich heritage.
Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.
OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank
Updated 14 July 2025
Arab News
Jeddah: The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, met Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, ambassador Hadi Shibli, at its headquarters in Jeddah.
The envoy updated Taha on the escalating situation in Palestine, detailing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violations and crimes by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The two sides also discussed the provocative rhetoric and incitement by Israeli ministers and officials, plans for annexing the West Bank and claims of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
Taha reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to advocating for an immediate, lasting ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring international protection for Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.