RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call on Wednesday to his Chadian counterpart Mahamat Zene Cherif.
At the beginning of the call, Prince Faisal congratulated the Chadian foreign minister on the success of the comprehensive national dialogue in his country, wishing more security and stability for Chad and its people.
During the call, they reviewed relations between the two countries and discussed ways to support and enhance them to serve common interests, in addition to exchanging views on regional and international issues of common interest.
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Saudi, Chadian foreign ministers discuss relations during call
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Saudi, Chadian foreign ministers discuss relations during call
Saudi demining project clears nearly half a million explosives in Yemen
RIYADH: A Saudi-led humanitarian initiative in Yemen has cleared 486,651 land mines and unexploded ordnance since the project began in mid-2018, according to a recent report.
These include 325,378 items of unexploded ordnance, 146,285 anti-tank mines, 8,212 improvised explosive devices, and 6,776 anti-personnel mines, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
Project Masam, overseen by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, continues to remove deadly devices laid in Yemen by the Houthis. These explosives pose a threat to civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
Last week, the project’s special teams destroyed 511 items of unexploded ordnance, 23 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines, and three improvised explosive devices.
The project is carried out by Saudi personnel and international experts, with a team of 550 staff and 32 trained clearance teams working to remove various types of mines and ordnance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Demining operations have taken place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.
The initiative also trains local demining engineers and equips them with modern tools. Additionally, it provides support to Yemenis injured by these devices.
“Every mine removed is a life potentially saved, a home reclaimed, a future restored. Demining is not just about removing explosives; it is about restoring hope, stability, and economic recovery,” Al-Gosaibi said.
Since the conflict began, about 5 million people have been displaced in Yemen, many due to land mines. Masam teams work to clear villages, roads and schools, enabling the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Saudi Arabia strengthens role in global space sector
Riyadh: On the International Day of Human Space Flight, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the benefits of outer space, recognizing its vital role in advancing humanity.
This includes developing and implementing national space policies, promoting research and industry, building local expertise, and enhancing cooperation with domestic and international partners, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Celebrated annually on April 12, this day marks the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight in 1961, which ushered in the space age.
The Saudi Space Agency supports Vision 2030 by striving to position the Kingdom as a global hub in the space sector, driving scientific and economic progress through innovation.
The agency’s priorities include strengthening global partnerships, building national capabilities, fostering innovation, and supporting investment in space sciences, the SPA reported.
It promotes growth through innovation, represents the Kingdom in international forums, and boosts research and development to inspire future generations and elevate Saudi Arabia’s role in global space exploration.
The agency is dedicated to advancing the civil space sector and promoting the peaceful use of space, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a leading regional and global force in space science and technology.
Makkah entry permits required starting April 23
- Interior Ministry announces Hajj season procedures to ensure safety
- Umrah permits suspended from April 29 to June 10 for local, regional pilgrims
RIYADH: In preparation for this year’s Hajj season, the Ministry of Interior announced arrangements and procedures aimed at preserving pilgrims’ safety and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals with ease and peace of mind.
From April 23, residents within the Kingdom wishing to enter Makkah must obtain permits from the relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Residents without proper permits will be barred from entering Makkah and will be returned to their original destinations, the ministry said.
The ministry added that exemptions apply to residents with a work permit for the holy sites issued by the relevant authority, those with a resident ID issued by Makkah, or those with valid Hajj permits.
Entry permits for residents working during the Hajj season are issued electronically via the Absher Individuals and Muqeem portal, the SPA reported.
Authorities also suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens of the Kingdom, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, residents within the Kingdom, and holders of other visas from April 29 until June 10.
No one holding any type of visa will be permitted to enter or remain in Makkah — except those with Hajj visas — starting April 29, the ministry said.
Earlier, the ministry announced that the last date for Umrah visa holders to enter the Kingdom is April 13, and the last date to leave is April 29, the SPA reported.
Companies and establishments serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that fail to report any delays to the relevant authorities could face fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), with legal action being taken against those responsible.
Fines will be multiplied depending on how many individuals are in breach of the departure deadlines, according to the SPA.
The Ministry of Interior is urging compliance with Hajj regulations and cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure pilgrims’ safety.
Saudi Arabia condemns attacks on displacement camps in western Sudan
- The attacks resulted in numerous deaths and injuries in a clear breach of international law and international humanitarian law,
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has condemned and strongly denounced the recent attacks on displacement camps near the city of El Fasher — specifically the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps — in western Sudan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.
The attacks resulted in numerous deaths and injuries in a clear breach of international law and international humanitarian law, the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its rejection of such violations and emphasized the urgent need to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian and relief workers. The Kingdom also stressed the importance of adhering to the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians in Sudan.
The ministry extended its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for those injured.
Saudi energy minister meets US counterpart at KAPSARC
- Meeting underscored growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in energy, sustainability, and research fields
RIYADH: Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and his accompanying delegation on Saturday at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The visit came as part of the US official’s visit to the Kingdom.
The meeting underscored the growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in the fields of energy, sustainability, and research.
During the visit, Secretary Wright was briefed on KAPSARC’s key roles in energy policy research and transformation, climate change mitigation, sustainable transportation, and strategic advisory services.
Discussions also explored collaborative opportunities in energy research, the exchange of expertise, and enhancing joint research initiatives.
KAPSARC’s ongoing work in developing advanced analytical models and tools was recognized as a crucial contributor to shaping forward-looking energy policies and practical solutions to today’s pressing issues, SPA added.
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