Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure
Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations
Updated 23 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.
He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”
He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.
He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.
On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.
Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.
He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.
Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with US secretary of state
Updated 15 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with his US counterpart State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, Prince Faisal and Rubio reviewed US-Saudi relations and ways to enhance the strategic partnership between their countries. The latest regional and international developments were also discussed.
Saudi delegation in Tokyo for talks on GCC-Japan free trade agreement
Trade volume between Kingdom, Japan reached $36bn in 2024
Saudi team oversees and monitors progress of trade negotiations
Updated 17 min 3 sec ago
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, the General Authority for Foreign Trade’s deputy governor for international agreements and organizations, is in Tokyo to lead the Kingdom’s delegation in the second round of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the GCC and Japan, which began on June 30 and will run until July 4.
According to GAFT, the Saudi negotiating team includes nine technical teams focused on goods, services, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property, and government procurement.
Comprising 46 government agencies, the teams prepare the Kingdom’s positions on negotiations and proposals within the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements, and submit relevant reports to the negotiating team.
In 2024, the trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Japan reached about $36 billion. The most significant exports from the Kingdom were mineral products and organic chemical products. In contrast, the primary imports from Japan included automobiles and automotive components, as well as machinery and mechanical tools.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s exports totaled about $28 billion, while imports amounted to around $8 billion.
The Saudi team oversees and monitors the progress of trade negotiations to ensure they align with the Kingdom’s trade objectives and policies. Additionally, the team participates in the negotiations to incorporate the Kingdom’s positions, making their role integral to the process.
The General Authority for Foreign Trade aims to enhance trade gains, strengthen global presence, and engage with international organizations for sustainable development. The authority plays a crucial role in negotiations, representing the Kingdom’s interests and ensuring trade agreements align with its objectives.
Saudi crown prince receives Indonesian president in Jeddah
Prince Mohammed and Prabowo chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council on Wednesday
Updated 02 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two leaders held an official session of talks during which they discussed Saudi-Indonesian relations and cooperation in various fields. Ways to develop and strengthen them were also reviewed, SPA said.
Regional and international developments and efforts made with regard to them were also discussed by the leaders.
Prince Mohammed and Prabowo also chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council after which they signed the minutes of the meeting.
Prabowo’s visit is his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office.
Mysterious pink glow lights up northwest Saudi skies
Majed Abu Zahrah: According to the captured images, the spot was clearly illuminated against the dark blue sky
Abu Zahrah: This phenomenon could result from vapors of barium, strontium, and ionized oxygen released at high altitudes
Updated 02 July 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Residents in Saudi Arabia’s northwest have been puzzled by the appearance of what some described as a “bright pink circular spot” in the evening sky — with the phenomenon occurring twice in recent weeks.
The latest incident on July 1 left locals searching for an explanation for the “rare and unfamiliar scene,” Saudi Press Agency reported.
Majed Abu Zahrah, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, told SPA that a similar occurrence was recorded on May 13.
“According to the captured images, the spot was clearly illuminated against the dark blue sky … with no accompanying sound or noticeable changes in shape before it began to gradually fade after a few minutes,” he said.
While no official scientific confirmation has yet been issued, Abu Zahrah offered one possible explanation, saying: “This phenomenon could result from vapors of barium, strontium, and ionized oxygen released at high altitudes to study the upper layers of the atmosphere (the ionosphere).”
For science and astronomy enthusiasts around the Kingdom, he further speculated: “In such experiments, the released vapors glow due to the reflection of residual sunlight after sunset at altitudes exceeding 100 km, forming luminous spots in pink, blue, or green, whose shapes are altered by upper atmospheric winds.”
Abu Zahrah said that the spot also may have resulted from debris in the upper atmosphere, such as remnants of a rocket burn or satellite fragments, along with clouds of gases such as helium or hydrogen.
Africa Day celebrations in Riyadh focus on unity, shared growth
Saudi minister outlines $25 billion investment plan and expanded diplomatic presence across the continent
Updated 02 July 2025
Rashid Hassan
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.”
Artists performing at the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
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.
Guests at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“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.
A guest at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“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.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji (center) with Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and ambassador of Djibouti Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama & Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors Iya Tidjani. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh)
“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.
