Day: May 23, 2024

Makkah, The Muslim World League (MWL) has welcomed the favorable decision made by Norway, Spain and Ireland to formally recognize the State of Palestine. In a statement issued yesterday, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa said the decision is a "pivotal shift in global awareness of the Palestinian people's fundamental right to self-determination and statehood." He urged other countries to follow suit in support of the human and legal rights of the Palestinian people. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh, The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority observed the International Day for Biodiversity yesterday. Under this year's theme, "Be Part of the Plan," the United Nations emphasizes the critical role biodiversity plays in achieving sustainable development, a core principle of Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. Demonstrating this commitment, significant progress has already been made: over 192,000 hectares of land have been revitalized, more than three million wild seedlings have been cultivated, 49 million trees have been planted across the country, and 18.1% of wild areas have been transformed into protected nature reserves. These efforts promote wildlife conservation, with over 1,660 endangered animals being reintroduced to their natural habitats. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the comprehensive strategy for royal reserves, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority plays a vital role. Through collaboration with public, private, and non-profit sectors, it pursues a multifaceted mission that includes restoring environmental balance by removing over 45 million kilograms of waste and reintroducing 330 threatened species, such as the Arabian oryx and the houbara bustard. The authority also prioritizes preserving the region's rich heritage and natural resources. Striving for sustainable development, the authority ensures a balanced and prosperous future for the reserve by meeting both environmental and economic needs. As a government member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the authority plays a key role in boosting the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts. Its commitment is evident in large-scale planting initiatives: over 1.3 million seedlings have been planted across various projects, including 100,000 in Rawdat Al-Tanha and one million in the northern and southern regions of Al-Khafs. Collaborations with environmental associations have resulted in t he planting of 200,000 seedlings and the scattering of half a million seeds since the authority's inception. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Makkah, The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Holy Mosque continues its efforts to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the Kiswa (cover) of the Holy Kaaba. As part of the annual custom, the lower part of the Kiswa was raised by three meters according to the approved plan for the Hajj season of this year. The raised part was covered with a white cotton cloth, two and a half meters wide and 54 meters long on all four sides and the lifting process was carried out by 36 specialized national technical personnel and 10 cranes. The process of lifting the Holy Kaaba's cloth typically involves several stages, starting with removing the lower part of the Kiswa from all sides, disconnecting the corners, then untying the lower rope and pulling it out of the Kiswa's fastening rings. Next, the Kiswa is wrapped around the Holy Kaaba with a height increase of 3 meters, parallel to it at a one-meter height difference, secured from all sides, according to SPA. Three lanterns are then removed, followed by securing the white cloth on all sides individually, with lanterns installed on the white cloth until reaching the final stage of wrapping the lower part of the curtain of the Holy Kaaba's door. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, received Ali Yousef Fardan, General Manager of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) in Bahrain. The minister lauded the historical Bahraini-Kuwaiti relations and advanced cooperation, supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. Dr. Al Noaimi commended NBK's role in supporting Kuwait's development efforts, in addition to its contributions through its international branches, including Bahrain. For his part, Fardan thanked the minister for his continuous support, praising the kingdom's advancement in various sectors, particularly in the economic and media sectors. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Makkah, In an unprecedented move, the President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, launched a new initiative designed to enhance the experience of pilgrims and honor the sanctity of the Holy Kaaba. The initiative reflects the deep commitment of the Saudi leadership, particularly the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince, to the well-being and spiritual development of pilgrims. By utilizing modern communication and technology tools, the initiative offers a variety of programs designed to deepen pilgrims' understanding of their faith and share the message and teachings of Islam globally, benefiting both visitors to the Grand Mosque and Muslims worldwide. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Moscow, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the Russian Federal Assembly, during his official state visit to Russia. His Majesty was welcomed by Valentina Matviyenko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly. His Majesty wrote a message in the guests book, expressing appreciation for the invitation from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and the warm reception by the Russian people. His Majesty lauded the strong historical ties and productive cooperation between Bahrain and Russia. Furthermore, His Majesty commended the Federation Council's efforts in supporting Russia's comprehensive development and its role on the international stage. During the visit, His Majesty met with Speaker Matviyenko. His Majesty reviewed cooperation between Bahrain and Russia, highlighting the progress in bilateral parliamentary cooperation. His Majesty expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes of his visit and discussions with President Putin, which will further stre ngthen the robust relations with Russia. His Majesty underscored the parliamentary achievements in Bahrain, which have significantly contributed to the nation's progress and prosperity. The meeting included an exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest. Speaker Matviyenko commended His Majesty's role in enhancing relations and cooperation with Russia. She also praised The Supreme Council for Women (SCW) in Bahrain for its achievements in advancing the status of women in the kingdom. Source: Bahrain News Agency