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BERLIN: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim met with German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche during his visit to Germany.
The two ministers discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and Germany, as well as the latest global economic developments of mutual interest.
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RIYADH: The Military Industries Co., in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the National Center for Privatization, announced on Thursday the launch of the expression of interest and request for qualification phases for the privatization of the Military Uniform and Accessories Factory in Al-Kharj.
Local and international investors are invited to visit the NCP website to review further information and details of the EOI and RFQ. The deadline for submission is Oct. 16.
The privatization will be executed through a purchase agreement, transferring full ownership from MIC to the private sector.
The transfer of ownership will ensure compliance with military industry regulations and licensing requirements set by the General Authority for Military Industries.
It will also sustain and enhance production capacity for military and non-military uniforms and accessories while enabling the development of new business opportunities, including entry into business-to-business markets and export growth.
In addition, the process will support a smooth transition of operations, workforce, and supply-chain management under private ownership.
The step highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to building a competitive, sustainable, and innovative defense industry ecosystem while strengthening the overall industrial base.
It also creates new opportunities for private-sector participation across strategic sectors in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
RIYADH: Saudi Cultural Week was officially opened by the Kingdom’s ambassador to Albania, Faisal Hifzi, in Tirana on Thursday.
The event, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will run in the Albanian capital until Sept. 20. It serves as a cultural bridge between the two nations, featuring a dynamic program that offers audiences the chance to explore ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s heritage, arts and traditions.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee before embarking on an immersive journey through the Kingdom’s culture. Highlights include music and dance performances, film screenings, exhibits featuring traditional costumes, and displays about UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culinary demonstrations will offer a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine and there will also be workshops aimed at fostering collaboration between Saudi and Albanian artists and cultural practitioners. Seminars with intellectuals and writers will facilitate cross-cultural exchange and discussion.
A key feature is the “Year of Handicrafts 2025†initiative, which highlights the historical and cultural importance of Saudi handicrafts. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with artisans, learn about production processes and understand the cultural significance of handmade creations.
The week is part of a series of initiatives by the Ministry of Culture aimed at highlighting ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s heritage internationally, building bridges of cultural communication, and strengthening its presence on the global stage.
RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has announced the selection of 20 research proposals under the Saudi-Chinese cultural relations research grant, launched as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025.
The grant, developed in cooperation with the China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center, supports rigorous academic studies exploring cultural ties between ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and China.
The scientific committee overseeing the program selected the final 20 proposals from among multiple submissions from individual scholars and research groups from across the globe.
The selected researchers include seven from ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ, seven from China, and six from other international institutions, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and methodologies.
The selected studies will be presented in academic symposiums in Riyadh and Beijing, providing a platform for scholarly dialogue and exchange.
The chosen research proposals address five thematic areas outlined by the grant: history and cultural heritage, visual and performing arts, literature and translation, cultural economy and creative industries, and the role of digital platforms in contemporary cultural exchange.
The studies highlight the long-standing connections between ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and China while contributing new insights into evolving cultural interactions.
In parallel with the grant, the ministry is preparing a reciprocal research fellowship program to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Through this initiative, Chinese scholars will be hosted at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, while Saudi scholars will participate in research activities at Beijing University.
This exchange strengthens institutional partnerships and furthers academic collaboration between the two nations.
The Ministry of Culture launched the research grant to encourage the production of high-quality academic studies to enrich the field of Saudi-Chinese cultural relations and foster broader understanding.
The initiative demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to advancing international cultural exchange and academic cooperation.
VIENNA: ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ was elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the organization’s 69th General Conference in Vienna on Friday.
The Kingdom will serve as a member of the 35-member Board for the next term, running until 2027, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The IAEA board is a key decision-making body, overseeing sensitive issues such as safeguards, which involve verifying the peaceful use of nuclear energy by States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The board also reviews the agency’s program, budget, and financial statements, and makes recommendations to the General Conference.
ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ previously held a seat on the Board from 2022 to 2024.
Its election reflects international confidence in the Kingdom’s constructive role in promoting global cooperation and using atomic energy to support development and peace, SPA added.
JOHANNESBURG: ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ has called for greater international cooperation to strengthen global food security and ensure access to safe, healthy and affordable food for all.
The Kingdom’s minister of environment, water and agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, highlighted the growing pressures on food systems and the ongoing effects of hunger and malnutrition on millions worldwide, despite sufficient global production.
His comments came during a speech at the fourth meeting of the G20 Food Security Working Group in South Africa. He stressed the need for comprehensive measures to achieve food security, including stronger governance, coordination and strategic planning, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The minister emphasized the significance of support for local food systems, improving access to food, enhanced transparency through data sharing, and the development of early-warning systems that can help predict and respond to risks.
He also underlined the importance of efforts to maintain reliable food reserves, stabilize markets, reduce food loss and waste, encourage responsible investment in agriculture, promote balanced consumption, and reinforce a fair and transparent global trade system in line with World Trade Organization rules.
Al-Fadley noted that ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ has prioritized food security through the establishment of a dedicated authority to oversee the sector, the creation of an integrated early-warning system that is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, and the introduction of national policies and initiatives that have helped to reduce food loss and waste by 16 percent over the past five years.
He also highlighted efforts by Saudi aid agency KSrelief, which has launched more than 1,000 food aid programs across 82 countries.
