Latest news with #WaleedElkhereiji


Arab News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi minister urges global backing for Somali stability at OIC meeting in Doha
RIYADH: Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji participated on Monday in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Contact Group for Somalia, held in Doha, Qatar. Elkhereiji stressed the need to mobilize greater international support for the security, development and stability of Somalia, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure and long-term production projects aligned with Somali government priorities, including the development of newly discovered natural resources. He said: 'The Kingdom continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid through KSrelief, reflecting its commitment to supporting the Somali people and advancing relief and development efforts that promote stability and reduce human suffering.' Elkhereiji also reiterated the Kingdom's support for the Somalia-Ethiopia reconciliation talks in Turkiye, calling it a first step toward peace between the two nations. He said the agreement reflects a genuine desire to overcome tensions and build a future of security, stability, and joint development for both nations and the wider organization. Elkhereiji condemned attacks aimed at destabilizing Somalia and disrupting national unity. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat extremism, which threatens state security, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. Elkhereiji also praised Somalia for securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2025–2026. He described it as a major diplomatic milestone that reflects growing international confidence in Somalia's role in promoting global peace and security.


Arab News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi deputy FM meets Italian foreign ministry official
ROME: Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met secretary general of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Riccardo Guariglia, at the ministry's headquarters in Rome on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Italy and reviewed recent regional and international developments.


Arab News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi deputy FM meets European Commissioner in Brussels
BRUSSELS: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica in Brussels on Tuesday. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said on X. Haifa Al-Jadea, head of the Kingdom's mission to the EU, was among the officials in attendance.


Arab News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.


Arab News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Africa Day celebrations in Riyadh focus on unity, shared growth
RIYADH: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with African countries, promoting trade and integration and enhancing consultation and coordination on shared issues. Speaking at the Africa Day ceremony at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, the minister described Africa as a continent of opportunities with natural resources, a young population and renewable potential. He said African countries were important in Saudi foreign policy, stating: 'Africa hosts the largest number of Saudi diplomatic and consular missions, and the Kingdom intends to increase its embassies in Africa to more than 40 in the coming years.' Artists performing at the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh) Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom had provided more than $45 billion in support for development and humanitarian projects in 54 African countries, with Saudi aid agency KSrelief alone delivering more than $450 million in assistance across 46 African nations. Elkhereiji added that the Kingdom's goal was to invest $25 billion in Africa, secure $10 billion in exports and offer $5 billion in development financing to the continent by 2030. The event, 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,' was attended by more than 400 guests, including Saudi officials, diplomats, businesspeople and society members. The dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Djibouti's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, highlighted the day's symbolic and political importance, calling it a reminder to pursue an Africa based on dignity, fairness, and justice. Guests at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh) 'It is a day for remembrance, unity, and collective responsibility. We honor our ancestors, recognize our leaders' vision, and reaffirm our commitment to an African future founded on dignity, equity, and justice,' he said. He stressed the need for African states to raise their voices in international forums, strengthen pan-African cooperation, and promote youth, indigenous knowledge and cultural identities. Bamakhrama added: 'On its path to development, Africa does not walk alone and relies on the solidarity of its partners, especially Saudi Arabia. We welcome the resolutions adopted by the Saudi Arabia-Africa summit held in Riyadh in 2023, which marked a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership. A guest at exhibition of the Africa Day 2025 held under theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh) 'The Saudi Vision 2030 offers new opportunities to build lasting bridges between our people. Together we can transform this cooperation into a lasting alliance.' The head of the African Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iya Tidjani, paid tribute to the vision of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism, who saw African unity as essential for the continent's development and global standing. 'Sixty-two years ago, when Africa still bore the scars of slavery, colonization, apartheid and discrimination, African heads of state laid the foundations for the Organization of African Unity's charter, marking a turning point in the quest for independence. Their successors, supported by the African Union, remain committed,' he said. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji (center) with Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and ambassador of Djibouti Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama & Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors Iya Tidjani. (AN photo/Basheer Saleh) 'Africa Day, formerly African Freedom Day and later African Liberation Day, originates from the collective resistance of the African people. The 2025 commemoration under the theme of justice for Africans continues this legacy.' He urged younger generations to draw inspiration from the legacy and work toward the African Union's Agenda 2063 goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent. On the sidelines of the reception, Africa's cultural diversity was highlighted by a handicraft exhibition representing various countries. Through the celebration, the African Diplomatic Corps aimed to convey solidarity, unity and determination to the international community while calling for dialogue, historical recognition and concrete action for justice for Africans and people of African descent.