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DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan landed in the United States on Tuesday, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
Prince Faisal is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
They are expected to discuss ways of strengthening relations between the two countries, as well as issues and developments in the regional and international arenas and the efforts being made in this regard, SPA added.
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.
The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.
The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.
The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.
The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.
This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.
Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.
Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.
On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.
This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.
RIYADH: Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rose from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024, the Ministry of Health has said.
It reflects efforts to improve healthcare quality and strengthen preventive measures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The announcement was made on World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, this year under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Saudi public health efforts are part of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, aimed at creating a vibrant society with better health and well-being, the SPA added.
Under the ministry’s supervision, the healthcare system launched targeted initiatives and awareness campaigns to promote healthy habits, encourage walking and support daily wellness practices.
This has contributed to improved public health and quality of life, paving the way toward the goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030, the SPA reported.
The ministry also implemented health and nutrition reforms in collaboration with various government entities, such as banning hydrogenated oils, reducing salt in foods, and mandating calorie labeling on food products and in restaurants. These measures contribute to better public health and a reduction in chronic diseases.
The ministry continues to enhance preventive and curative healthcare services, expand health education programs, and intensify early screening for diseases and tumors.
This aims to increase life expectancy, reduce chronic illnesses and improve quality of life, paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future.
Meanwhile, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its health sector and the implementation of health programs, highlighting that societal advancement depends on individual well-being.
The organization said that Vision 2030 prioritizes the health sector, leading to improved medical services, better patient safety and satisfaction, and enhanced recovery through infrastructure development and institutional restructuring.
It also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the global health sector, extending to numerous countries through health programs and medical convoys as part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts.
