May 2015
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah this afternoon. Minister of Culture and Information, Dr. Adel Zaid Altoraifi, said following the meeting that the Cabinet praised King Salman’s service to pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors to the Holy Mosques.
A security spokesman of the Ministry of Interior announced today that a border guard was killed and another seven injured today while on duty at Al-Harth sector in Jazan region after their position was hit by shells from Yemen. Saudi Land Forces responded to the source of the shelling.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met in Cairo today with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry. During the meeting, they discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations in various fields and reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, particularly the situation in Syria and Yemen.
The Jeddah-based International Islamic Relief has opened a new station to provide drinking and irrigation water in Ghabsha Badein area in western Sudan. The station will provide enough water for 20,000 people.
Upon directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, a second plane carrying 28 tons of humanitarian supplies for the people of Nepal arrived in Kathmandu yesterday. The aid consists of tent, blankets, food and medical supplies.
Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Abdulnasser Al-Harthy said that the Saudi relief air lift was suspended for a brief time because of high volume of traffic and the limits imposed on large aircraft that carry more of 120 tons.
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has temporarily banned the import of poultry meat, eggs, their products and equipment from five other US states and Thimphu, Bhutan because of a huge bird flu outbreak. The five US states are: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Last year, SFDA banned the imports from Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas for the same reason.
The Authority excluded from the temporary ban are thermally processed poultry meat and products or other internationally accepted treatments.
In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi relief plane carrying 100 tons of supplies, including 50 tons of foodstuffs and 50 tons of other supplies, including tents and blankets, arrived in the Comoros.
University education for Saudi women in recent years has witnessed a tremendous development at the quantitative and qualitative levels, both in terms of development programs, specific initiatives or strategic plans for women since the foundation of the Kingdom by late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the Ministry of Education reported in its latest statistical report.
Saudi Committee for the Relief of the Afghan People ended the third phase of the winter relief project. The $3.2 million project includes the distribution of food baskets and blankets. The relief supplies were distributed in cooperation with Afghan authorities, including the Afghan Red Crescent Society, and the Saudi Embassy in Kabul.
The Committee distributed 55,000 food baskets and 50,000 blankets to 55,000 needy families affected by the natural disasters across Afghanistan.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz condemned Friday’s terrorist attack on the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Al-Qudayh that at least 21 people and injured more than 100 others. Addressing the weekly Cabinet meeting at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah this afternoon, King Salman said that the enormity of the heinous terrorist crime targeted a mosque in Qudayh is contrary to Islamic and human values, and we were all distressed by this heinous crime.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz said today that Saudi Arabia would find and punish those responsible for the terrorist attack on Friday on the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Saudi Arabia’s eastern Qatif governorate. The suicide attack killed at least 21 people and injured more than 100 others.
Official spokesman for the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works Raafat Al-Sabagh said that several ships laden with fuel and humanitarian relief supplies, including medical supplies, have been allowed to enter Yemeni ports. Al-Sabagh said a UN ship loaded with diesel, a Liberian ship carrying 23 million metric tons of gasoline and liquid cargo, and an Indian and Djibouti cargo ships docked at Yemeni ports.
Saudi Geological Survey announced today that it has discovered large copper field, the first in the country. The authority said that upon regulations of the Mineral Investment Rule, Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will reserve the area as a new concession and mineral reservoir for the Kingdom.
As part of a plan to expand alternative energy projects in the Kingdom, the Saudi Electricity Company and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) on May 18 kicked off the first project by installing solar panels at two schools in Riyadh.
Airstrikes Resume in Response to Houthi Aggression.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said today that, while the Saudi-led coalition remains committed to a humanitarian truce in Yemen, the Houthis’ violations of the ceasefire has led to the resumption of coalition airstrikes.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh this afternoon. King Salman briefed the Cabinet on his telephone call with US President Barack Obama during which they affirmed the deep, strategic and historical relations between the Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met today in Riyadh with Dr. Riyadh Yassin, the Foreign Minister of Yemen. During their meeting, they discussed the latest developments and Yemen-related issues. The meeting was attended by Prince Torki bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Undersecretary of the Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Relations.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - The command for Operation Renewal of Hope said yesterday that Houthi militias have deliberately violated the terms of the humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen, which started on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 11p.m. (local time). Violations included:
Near the Saudi-Yemen border:
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Attempted infiltration at Gelah Station near Border Marker 89.
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Attempted infiltration near Mt. Al-Fughitha near Border Marker 116.
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Launched a mortar shell at the Al-Manarah Observation Post in Najran Sector.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - The coalition’s command for Operation Renewal of Hope announced today that Houthi militias continue to violate the humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen for the second day.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz announced Saudi Arabia will donate an additional $267 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen, for a total of more than $540 million. This announcement was made today during the laying of the foundation stone ceremony for the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works headquarters in Riyadh.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, met today with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House prior to the US-GCC Summit. Prince Mohammad bin Naif conveyed greetings to the president on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met separately today met with Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, FBI Director James Comey, and CIA Director John Brennan. The meetings were attended by ministers of state Dr. Saad bin Khalid Al-Jabri and Dr. Musaid bin Muhammad Al-Eiban; and Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter today at the Pentagon. After reviewing the Honor Guard, the two ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and other senior officials.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, arrived in Washington today for talks with U.S. President Barack Obama and attend the US-GCC Summit at Camp David.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday will attend the laying of the cornerstone of the headquarters of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works. This was announced by advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the center
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, an advisor at the Royal Court and the general supervisor of the center, said that the center reflects the role the Kingdom plays in humanitarian relief efforts.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by telephone today.
President Obama said he looks forward to welcoming Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, for the US-GCC Summit. President Obama conveyed his wishes for a successful ceasefire in Yemen and humanitarian aid distribution to the people of Yemen.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz this afternoon chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh. At the outset, King Salman expressed his thanks to the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for their efforts in the 15th Consultative Meeting.
King Salman commended the participation of French President Francois Hollande as the first guest of honor at the consultative summit, stressing that the participation of the French President embodied the strong relations between the GCC and France.
Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced today that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, will lead the Saudi delegation to the United States-GCC Summit.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced today that
The following is a summary of a press conference yesterday with Brig. Gen. Ahmed bin Hasan Asiri, advisor in the Office of the Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, regarding Operation Renewal of Hope.
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A Royal Saudi Land Forces Apache helicopter experienced a technical malfunction and made an emergency crash landing in Saudi Arabia. The pilot sustained minor injuries and no one was killed.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced today that a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen will begin on Tuesday, May 12, at 11 p.m. The ceasefire is subject to renewal.
During a joint press conference in Paris today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Minister Al-Jubeir said that the success of the ceasefire depends on the cooperation of the Houthis. “The ceasefire will be throughout Yemen or nowhere in Yemen,” said Minister Al-Jubeir. “The matter is entirely up to the Houthis and their allies,” he added.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - During a joint press conference in Riyadh today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced that Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies will hold a five-day ceasefire in Yemen to better facilitate humanitarian aid. Both leaders noted that the ceasefire is conditioned on the Houthis committing to all the agreements related to the ceasefire. The date and requirements of the ceasefire will be announced soon.
During a joint press conference in Riyadh today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced that Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies will hold a five-day ceasefire in Yemen to better facilitate humanitarian aid. Both leaders noted that the ceasefire is conditioned on the Houthis committing to all the agreements related to the ceasefire. The date and requirements of the ceasefire will be announced soon.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received at Al-Yamamah Palace today U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. During their meeting, they discussed bilateral relations in addition to issues of common interest, and overall regional and international developments.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense met today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Royal Court. During their meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and reviewed the latest regional and international developments. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir and Chief of General Staff Gen. Abdulrahman Al-Bunyan.
The Minister of Education announced today that for the safety of students and teachers, schools will be suspended in Najran for the rest of the academic year, including final exams scheduled for next Sunday.
Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz arrived in Kuwait today on a one day official visit.
During his visit, Prince Mohammed met with Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait. The meeting was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and regional and international developments.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The following is a summary of an interview with Brig. Gen. Ahmed bin Hasan Asiri, advisor in the Office of the Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, on the latest developments in Yemen. This interview was conducted on Al-Arabiya and can be viewed here.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received the leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and French President Francois Hollande at Al-Dir'iya Palace before the start of the 15th Consultative Meeting of the GCC leaders.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior met with French President Francois Hollande at the King Saud Guest Palace today. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance the relationship, especially with regard to anti-terrorism cooperation, and the latest regional and international developments.
President Francois Hollande of the French Republic, currently on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received at his residence here today former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Rafiq Al-Hariri. During the meeting, they discussed cordial relationships between the two friendly countries. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
The leaders and heads of delegations of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arrived in Riyadh today to attend the 15th Consultative Meeting of the GCC leaders. Participants included Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Representative of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the Qatar; Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait; and King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain.
The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held their 15th Consultative Meeting today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. French President Francois Hollande attended as a guest.
The GCC leaders welcomed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, remembering with pride the efforts and initiatives launched by the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, appealing to God Almighty to bestow His mercy on his soul.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense received at Al-Dir’iya Conference Palace today French President Francois Hollande. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius; Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bertrand Besancenot.
The military exercise Eager Lion 2015 began today in Jordan with the participation of ten thousand soldiers from 18 Arab and NATO members, including Saudi Arabia.
The military exercise aims to promote cooperation and joint action among the participating countries, build their capacity, enhance their readiness and enable them to manage various crises and deal with them.
Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam commended the generous support provided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Lebanon to help it meet the challenges in the political and economic spheres. In a speech during the opening session of the 23rd Arab Economic Forum held today in Beirut, Prime Minister Salam said, "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stood by our side and is still hosting our citizens and still supporting our stability and institutions."
French President Francois Hollande met separately at his residence in Riyadh today with the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saleh Al-Jasser; President of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) Dr. Hashim Yamani; Minister of Transport Abdullah Al-Moqbil; Minister of Health Khalid Al-Faleh; Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf; Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Abdullatif Al-AshSheikh; .and Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. The meetings were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the weekly session of the Council of Ministers in Riyadh today. He began the session by welcoming Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and the new ministers and officials. King Salman expressed his appreciation to Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz for his long and dedicated service to the nation.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior received at Al-Yamamah Palace today the Chairman of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Jason Chaffetz. During the meeting, issues of common interest were reviewed in addition to discussing the overall latest developments in the region.
The audience was attended by Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Saad bin Khalid Al-Jabri, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir and Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission Timothy A. Lenderking.
In the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the newly appointed ministers took the oath of office at Al-Yamamah Palace today. Following the oath, Minister of Economy and Planning Adel Faqih, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State Khalid Al-Issa, Minister of Labor Dr. Moufarrej Al-Haqbani, and Minister of Health Khalid Al-Faleh, received their directives from King Salman.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies are considering a ceasefire in its air campaign against Houthi militias in Yemen to better facilitate humanitarian relief to areas in need.
French President Francois Hollande arrived in Riyadh today on an official visit to the Kingdom. He was received King Khaled International Airport by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir met today with visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed the developments on Arab, Islamic and international arenas as well as means of enhancing bilateral relations.
Minister Fabius is in the Kingdom part of President Hollande’s delegation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir announced today that Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners are in the process of establishing a unified center to coordinate relief efforts for Yemen that would enable United Nations delivery of $274 million in humanitarian aid donated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on April 17, 2015 and in accordance with the framework of continuing and enhancing humanitarian relief efforts in Yemen.