Latest news with #ChristopheFarnaud
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Screening of ‘Rewriting Arab News' documentary held at EU Embassy in Riyadh
RIYADH: A special screening of the documentary 'Rewriting Arab News' took place at the EU Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Saudi Arabia's first English-language newspaper. The film, presented by the London-based Global Arab Network, sheds light on the 2018 relaunch of Arab News, at a time when the Kingdom itself was transforming. A ceremony, held in honor of Arab News, was attended by European ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and other notable guests, including Saudi dignitaries, diplomats, policymakers, media industry professionals, and staff of the Arab News Riyadh bureau. Speaking at the ceremony, Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said: 'It's a great pleasure to be here with you on … the 50th anniversary of Arab News.' He added: 'You don't just cover the news; you also analyze them. You decipher what's going on in the world, in the Kingdom, in the region. And you also allow dialogue and comments. And you are an open space, which I think every country needs. 'And I think it comes at the very right time, right now in the Kingdom. So, when you are also part of Vision 2030 and I must say this new Saudi Arabia and many of you in this room are an embodiment of this new Saudi Arabia. 'It is something that we not just support, but also, admire, in a way, my European colleagues, they came tonight in numbers — I think would share what I've just said. 'Once again I want to congratulate you and your team at Arab News for your work.' Also speaking at the ceremony, Arab News' Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas said: 'On behalf of the Arab News family, we wish to extend our gratitude to the EU ambassador in the Kingdom for hosting this screening occasion as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations this year. 'This documentary tells a small — albeit an exciting — chapter in the history of our newspaper and the country as it accounts for an exciting and transformative period in our country's progress. 'Of course, Arab News would have not been where it is today without the hard work, passion and dedication of my predecessor editors in chief, and of course, not without our founders — the Hafez Brothers — who started the newspaper in 1975.' Part of the documentary is narrated by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the former Saudi ambassador to the US, who in the film delves into the paper's origins. Arab News was established in Jeddah in 1975 by brothers Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz under the slogan to give Arabs a voice in English while documenting the major transformations taking place across the Middle East. In April 2018, Arab News changed its 43-year-old logo with a new one as well as its motto to 'The Voice of a Changing Region.' The newspaper relaunched with a new design and a new approach to stories that it believed was better suited to the internet age. In June, an event hosted by the Global Arab Network at the Frontline Club in London paid tribute to Arab News and its founders by screening a preview of the documentary for leading editors, reporters, diplomats, and analysts. Asked following Tuesday's screening whether he believed the documentary reflected the changes that had been taking place in the region, EU Ambassador Farnaud said: 'I would say even more. I mean, it's one of the embodiments of these changes. 'The Kingdom is undergoing incredible changes. And so is Arab News. And I particularly appreciated, by the way, the historical dimension when it was created in 1975, that was also a project corresponding to the new role of the Kingdom, in a way. 'And yes, now the Kingdom has entered a new phase, a spectacular phase of transformation. And we see that Arab News, in its own ways, is also going through a huge phase of transformation and a successful one at that. 'I was really impressed.' Also responding to the film, Saudi philanthropist Ameera Al-Taweel said: 'A lot of the transformational story for Arab News reminded me of the transformation that was happening in Saudi Arabia back in 2015, 2016 to get to Vision 2030. 'It was right around that time that Arab News was also transforming. It's very interesting how it aligned with a youthful leader (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) who was injecting a lot of changes, believing in the younger generation, believing in keeping the legacy, but building on it. 'So a lot of what I saw in Vision 2030 and of course, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, you see it happening in the private sector or the public sector, even in the journalism sector, and the transformations that have that are happening in it.' Although she only moved to the region in the spring, Ville Linnala, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Finland, said the film raised pertinent issues. 'I have been in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia since May 5, so I'm very fairly fresh in the region, but I can really see these issues that were mentioned and raised in the documentary,' she said. 'For example, of course, when it comes to women's rights and all these kinds of things, and with the Saudi Vision 2030 happening and moving forward. 'It was really, really, really interesting to see. I enjoyed this documentary a lot, so much.' 'Rewriting Arab News' is a short film about the newspaper's relaunch and digital transformation between 2016 and 2018, presented by Global Arab Network.
Observer
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day
The Sultanate of Oman joined the European Union (EU) in celebrating the 75th Europe Day with a landmark jazz concert, showcasing cultural diplomacy and international friendship. Hosted by a delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Oman, the evening featured a mesmerising jazz performance by Luca Velotti and Silvia Manco Duo at Bait Al Zubair recently in honour of the 75th anniversary of Europe Day. The evening symbolised unity, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and dialogue between Europe and Oman. This year's celebration marked a historic milestone — 75 years since the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Union and its enduring mission to transform a war-torn continent into a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe. Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day Europe Day serves as a reminder of Europe's shared past and future rooted in cooperation, openness and the belief that unity and diversity can coexist. "On Europe Day, it is important to remember the value of peace and dialogue, the importance of partnerships for building a more prosperous and secure future," said Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman, emphasising the significance of Europe Day. "The European Union values the partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and applauds its role in advancing peace and security in the region," he added. Oman joins EU in celebrating 75th Europe Day Renowned Italian jazz artists Luca Velotti, known for his collaborations with Paolo Conte and Silvia Manco, a distinguished pianist and vocalist, captivated the audience with a sophisticated performance that merged classic jazz with European soul, serving as a bridge between cultures and embodying the spirit of Europe Day. The event was part of the European Union's broader engagement to strengthen cultural exchanges with Oman and foster mutual understanding, reinforcing the values that define the Europe-Oman partnership: dialogue, respect and collaboration.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Joins Europe in Celebrating the 75th Europe Day with a Landmark Jazz Concert in Muscat
Muscat: In a powerful display of cultural diplomacy and international friendship, the Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy to Oman, hosted a Jazz Concert by Luca Velotti & Silvia Manco Duo at Bait Al Zubair on Monday, 12 May 2025, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Europe Day. In the esteemed presence of Amb. Dr. Afkar bin Nathim bin Ali Al Farsi, Head of the Department of International Trade, Knowledge Economy and Technology at the Foreign Ministry, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman, and H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman welcomed senior Omani officials, members of the diplomatic community, prominent cultural figures, and members of the Omani and European communities. The evening was a showcase of unity, cooperation, and the shared commitment to peace and dialogue between Europe and Oman. This year's celebration marked a historic milestone—75 years since the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Union and its enduring mission to transform a war-torn continent into a peaceful, prosperous, and united Europe. Europe Day is a reminder of Europe's shared past and future which is rooted in cooperation, openness, and the belief that unity and diversity can go hand in hand. Highlighting the importance of Europe Day, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman recalled that: 'On Europe Day, it is important to remember the value of peace and dialogue, the importance of partnerships for building a more prosperous and secure future. The European Union values the partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and applauds its role in advancing peace and security in the region.' Renowned Italian jazz artists Luca Velotti, known for his collaborations with Paolo Conte, and Silvia Manco, a distinguished pianist and vocalist, captivated the audience with a sophisticated performance that merged classic jazz with European soul. Their music served as a bridge between cultures, evoking the very spirit of Europe Day. The event was part of the European Union's broader engagement to strengthen cultural exchanges with Oman and foster mutual understanding. It further reinforces the values that define the Europe-Oman partnership: dialogue, respect, and collaboration.
Times of Oman
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Royal Office Minister receives Ambassador of EU
Muscat: General Sultan Mohammed Al Nu'amani, Minister of the Royal Office received Christophe Farnaud, Non-resident Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Sultanate of Oman. During the meeting, both sides discussed several topics of mutual interest. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the Sultanate of Oman's firm stance in finding solutions through dialogue and peace, stressing the importance of strengthening areas of joint cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union.
Arab News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
EU delegation to Riyadh celebrates Europe Day 2025
RIYADH: The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia hosted a reception on Thursday night at the ambassador's residence in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter to celebrate Europe Day. Europe Day officially falls on May 9 to mark the adoption of the Schuman Declaration, which in 1950 laid the foundations of what would later become the European Union. The occasion holds special significance this year as it marks 75 years of the signing of the declaration. Guest of honor was Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji. Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, said May 9, 1950 paved the way for the birth of the EU as a project of peace for the European continent. What became known as the Schuman Declaration sought to make war 'not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.' In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, he added. The Schuman Declaration is a powerful reminder that peace is not a given. It must be nurtured, defended, and promoted, he said, adding that after being the battleground for two world wars, Europe learned the hard way that it is only through cooperation and creating interconnected societies that countries can achieve lasting peace, prosperity and progress. While the world is changing rapidly and becoming more fragmented, the EU continues to promote dialogue, stability, prosperity and mutual understanding. Against this backdrop, Farnaud said: 'We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia's strategic partner as the Kingdom opens up to the world, having embarked on a spectacular social and economic transformation under the Vision 2030 program. This partnership grows stronger every day — solid, productive and expanding. We have found common ground across many sectors, including security, economic cooperation, energy, green transition, tourism, education, the arts and sports.' Over the past year, he said, bilateral relations have achieved significant milestones and an exceptional number of high-level visits and exchanges between the EU and Saudi Arabia further strengthened ties. In October last year, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, a historic moment, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending. 'We have common geopolitical interests. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing major crisis in Palestine and Israel frame the challenges of our shared future. The EU welcomed the Saudi role to facilitate a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,' Farnaud said. 'On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have joined efforts to reinvigorate the political process toward a two-state solution and established the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the EU,' he said. On the economic front the EU is Saudi Arabia's second-largest trading partner and its first direct foreign investor. 'But we want to go further, whether through free trade agreements, sectoral collaborations or expanded dialogue,' the ambassador said. 'Last year we launched the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. 'Another area is security cooperation. Through naval operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU contributes to freedom of navigation, safeguarding maritime security in this region, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.' The EU on Feb. 19 last year launched the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, in response to escalating Houthi attacks on warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and northwest Indian Ocean.
