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Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros

Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros
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A new training program, Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers, has been launched in Moroni, Comoros. (SPA)
Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros
2 / 3
A new training program, Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers, has been launched in Moroni, Comoros. (SPA)
Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros
3 / 3
A new training program, Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers, has been launched in Moroni, Comoros. (SPA)
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Updated 12 sec ago

Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros

Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros
  • Organized by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader intellectual strategy
  • Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition in combating extremism and eradicating terrorism

RIYADH: A new training program, “Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers,” has been launched in Moroni, Comoros, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Organized by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader intellectual strategy.

Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition in combating extremism and eradicating terrorism.

He highlighted the coalition’s key role, particularly its focus on intellectual engagement, and said the program’s launch was a significant step forward.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s secretary-general from Ƶ, said the initiative was part of a wider effort involving 15 strategic programs across four areas — intellectual development, media, counter-terrorism financing and military operations.

Recently, the coalition held specialized training on combating terrorist financing in Bamako, Mali. The program aimed to strengthen national capacity to counter terrorist financing and money laundering.


MWL chief, UK speaker hold talks on social unity, countering hate speech

MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meets with UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.
MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meets with UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.
Updated 9 sec ago

MWL chief, UK speaker hold talks on social unity, countering hate speech

MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meets with UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.
  • Two officials highlighted importance of combating hate speech, discrimination and exclusion — especially when stemming from influential legal or institutional sources

LONDON: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa met UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.

They discussed the foundations of social cohesion in religiously and ethnically diverse societies, highlighting mutual respect and the need for legislation that protects national unity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The two officials highlighted the importance of combating hate speech, discrimination and exclusion — especially when stemming from influential legal or institutional sources.

Al-Issa said that the vast majority of Muslims in Britain show strong religious and national awareness. He added that discordant voices are isolated cases that reflect individual views, not the values of Islam.

Separately, the UK parliament hosted Al-Issa for a side meeting at its London headquarters, organized by several members of parliament and attended by the speaker.

Talks focused on enhancing integration and harmony in British society, fighting extremism and hatred, and showcasing the league’s efforts to build bridges between civilizations and promote mutual understanding.


Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians

Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians
Updated 18 min 26 sec ago

Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians

Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians
  • Set to take place at the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh, the month-long program begins on June 29 and will host more than 30 students
  • Program represents a major step in transforming music education in Ƶ

RIYADH: The Music Commission has launched the Kingdom’s first summer piano program, in collaboration with renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Set to take place at the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh, the month-long program begins on June 29 and will host more than 30 students from across Ƶ.

It aims to enhance participants’ technical and artistic skills through a comprehensive curriculum, including individual lessons, group classes, hands-on training, and live interactive sessions — all led by distinguished academics and music professionals.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the commission, said: “This initiative marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of music education in the Kingdom. By partnering with world-class international educators we are not only nurturing the next generation of Saudi talent but also expanding the horizons of our cultural ambitions.”

The program represents a major step in transforming music education in Ƶ, aligning with the commission’s vision to enrich artistic learning and build a strong national talent ecosystem, the SPA added.


Jouf’s historic wells tell timeless stories 

Jouf’s historic wells tell timeless stories 
Updated 50 min 7 sec ago

Jouf’s historic wells tell timeless stories 

Jouf’s historic wells tell timeless stories 
  • Historical water sources, once vital for survival, were built using natural, locally sourced materials at no financial cost
  • Salma’s Well in Sakaka stands out as an educational site for young people

RIYADH: In the heart of the Jouf region, the timeless craft of stone building and the use of palm trunks and fronds have revitalized its ancient wells. 

These historical water sources, once vital for survival, were built using natural, locally sourced materials at no financial cost, a Saudi Press Agency report said recently. 

Among them, Salma’s Well in Sakaka stands out as an educational site for young people. It showcases traditional extraction methods and how locals secured drinking water and irrigated their farms.

Heritage expert Ahmed Al-Arfaj said that the wells are made of sandstone, palm trunks, and fronds. Each features key elements: a water distribution channel, a collection basin, and a circular stone to control water flow. 

Essential tools at the wellhead include a rope and pulley, once used to raise and lower a water bucket. Historically, locals used livestock — such as camels and cows — to extract water, with animals pulling the rope.

This practice changed in the 1980s with the introduction of generators, which made the process more efficient, the SPA reported. 

Today, Salma’s Well stands as a vibrant symbol of Jouf’s heritage, drawing visitors eager to explore the stories of these ancient wells and experience the region’s rich history.


Ƶ welcomes ceasefire between Iran and Israel

Ƶ welcomes ceasefire between Iran and Israel
Updated 24 June 2025

Ƶ welcomes ceasefire between Iran and Israel

Ƶ welcomes ceasefire between Iran and Israel
  • Kingdom thanks US President Donald Trump for helping to make the deal

DUBAI: Ƶ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran on Tuesday morning.

In a statement on X, the ministry affirmed its position of wanting a de-escalation after 11 days of war and thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts in making the deal.

“The Kingdom looks forward to the coming period witnessing a commitment from all parties to calm down and refrain from using force or threatening to use it,” read the statement.

Ƶ hopes “this agreement will contribute to restoring security and stability to the region and sparing it the risks of continued escalation.”

The ministry said the Kingdom wants to reiterate its “firm position in supporting the adoption of dialogue and diplomatic means as a means to resolve regional disputes and conflicts.”

This should be “based on the principle of respecting the sovereignty of states and consolidating security, stability, prosperity and progress in the region and the world.”


Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
Updated 24 June 2025

Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
  • Kingdom affirmed solidarity and full support for Qatar, is deploying all capabilities to support country in all measures it takes
  • Widespread Arab condemnation following attacks

RIYADH: Ƶ on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom of Ƶ condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said. 

“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.

Ƶ’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.

During the call, the Crown Prince affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar and its condemnation of the unjustified blatant aggression launched by Iran against the gulf state, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom has deployed all its capabilities to support Qatar as it takes measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty.

The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes, the statement added. 

Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites in the early hours of Sunday morning.  

Qatar condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

UAE condemnation

The UAE described the attack as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and undermines the security and stability of the region.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at protecting the security and safety of its citizens and residents.

It also stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the continuation of such actions would undermine regional security and drag the region down dangerous paths with disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.

The statement further called for diplomatic solutions and the principle of good neighborliness, stressing that serious dialogue remains the only way to overcome current crises and safeguard the region’s security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Egypt concerned

Egypt also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its territorial integrity, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Egypt also expressed its “deep concern over the rapidly escalating and dangerous situation in the region,” stressing its "complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states,” according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Bahrain urges international action

Bahrain affirmed its “full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory."

Bahrain expressed its solidarity as “required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, and affirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in these sensitive circumstances facing the region, to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means,” according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The kingdom called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning the attacks, and taking effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions. It also urged cooperation to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, embracing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.

Omani rejection

Oman condemned the ongoing escalation in the region. An official spokesperson for the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Iranian missile attack on Qatar as “a rejected and condemned act” that violated the sovereignty of a Gulf Cooperation Council state, contradicted the principles of good neighborliness, and risked expanding the conflict to devastating effect.

Kuwait

Kuwait also denounced the Iranian strike, calling it a “blatant violation” of Qatari sovereignty and airspace and “a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.”

Iraq’s deep concern

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the “dangerous and accelerating escalation,” describing the attack on Qatar as a turning point that could expand the conflict and warned of the risks posed by the involvement of new actors in the confrontation.

Jordan

Jordan strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s “absolute solidarity” with Qatar in confronting threats to its security and stability.

Wider Arab response

Morocco joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attack as a “blatant missile strike” and reiterating the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Qatar.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said the organization was “surprised” but strongly condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a direct threat not just to Qatar but to all GCC states. He reaffirmed the Council’s unity and expressed surprise that the strike came despite the GCC’s condemnation of Israeli actions and ongoing mediation efforts.

The Arab Parliament echoed these concerns, labelling the attack “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty” and warning of the dangers of further escalation.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of a sister nation’s sovereignty, cautioning that it would heighten tensions and hamper de-escalation efforts.

Palestine also issued a statement of support for Qatar, describing the attack as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and affirming solidarity with the Qatari people.

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French solidarity

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a return to negotiations after Iran’s attack.

“The spiral of chaos must end,” he wrote on X. “I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.” He expressed his solidarity with Qatar.

Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “This is a dangerous escalation in which Iran bears a heavy responsibility. It is a cycle of violence that puts the region at risk of a widespread conflagration, which would have very serious repercussions even here at home.”

 

 

UN chief ‘deeply alarmed’

The UN Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said Monday.

“From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including (Monday)’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar. He further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,” the spokesperson said. 

“The Secretary-General urges all member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law,” they added.