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RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Makkah on Tuesday, the Kingdom鈥檚 Foreign Ministry reported.
During the meeting, Saudi-Iranian relations were discussed, as well as the latest developments in the region and efforts to achieve security and stability there.
Earlier, Iran鈥檚 foreign ministry spokesperson had said Araghchi would visit 黑料社区 on his way back from Brazil to discuss the peace and security of the region.
RIYADH: Golden-backed weavers, known for their remarkable nest-building skills, are thriving in the majestic mountains of Asir, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small yellow bird gets its name from the elaborate nests its constructs using its strong beaks and claws.
Golden-backed weavers (Ploceus jacksoni) first select an area where they want to build a nest, typically choosing the small branches of a tree. They start with a ring of woven straw or grass and then complete the structure by intersecting threads at a specific angle.
The nest usually hangs from the branch to offer safe shelter for the bird鈥檚 offspring. The opening to the nest is narrow and faces downward to protect the young chicks from predators and other birds or animals.
Golden-backed weavers are known for their weaving ability, and are one of the most highly skilled species in the wild, according to SPA.
Additionally, the male bird structures the nest by manipulating threads of grass through its claws and beak, resulting in precise geometric shapes.
The bird has unique colors, with either a black or a brown head, and yellow feathers covering its entire body.
Golden-backed weavers, along with many other bird species, thrive in the southern Asir region due to its moderate temperatures, varied plant environment, and biodiversity.
The region has an area of 81,000 sq. km, and borders Yemen in the southeast and the Jazan region in the southwest.
Almost 500 species of birds have been recorded in 黑料社区, along with a variety of wildlife and 2,400 flowering plants, according to estimates.
RIYADH: A Saudi team from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is taking part in a training program organized by the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
The team includes 12 specialists from the ministry鈥檚 water agency, the Saudi Irrigation Organization, and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The course, being held in Lanzhou, China, from July 3-22, focuses on rainwater harvesting technologies and their applications. It is attended by representatives from China鈥檚 Ministry of Water Resources, along with several water experts and specialists.
The ministry said its participation aligns with efforts to implement international agreements and memoranda of understanding with partner countries. The course provides a unique platform for exchanging expertise in water-related fields, particularly rainwater harvesting, it added.
The course also covers the design of harvesting systems in rural and urban areas, improvement of collected water quality management and advanced purification technologies, the SPA added.
Supplementary irrigation techniques, economic evaluation of harvesting projects, concepts of sponge cities, water reuse, and the role of harvesting technologies in combating desertification and promoting sustainability are also explored.
The ministry said that the training features scientific lectures, practical workshops and field visits to innovative projects in several Chinese provinces.
The visits showcase systems for securing drinking water from rain, irrigated agriculture projects, sponge city initiatives, and integrated environmental models linking water technologies with urban and rural sustainability.
The ministry highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and building national capacity in water management, according to the SPA.
This reflects its integrated approach to developing technical competencies, exchanging expertise with leading countries, advancing the water system and promoting sustainable, innovative solutions to water challenges in line with Vision 2030 goals.
RIYADH: Saudi students are taking part in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, the world鈥檚 largest high school chemistry competition.
The event is being held in Dubai until July 14, with more than 300 students from around the world competing for awards.
The scientific team has completed the review and translation of the practical exam for the Saudi students, who are preparing to take their first test, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
This year, the Kingdom is represented by four students who have undergone thousands of hours of intensive training under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
The students are Rand Al-Hassan Awadhah (Riyadh), Haider Yasser Al-Dubaissi (Eastern Province), Ammar Mohammed Al-Turkistani (Jeddah) and Ali Ahmed Baouzir (Riyadh).
黑料社区 has earned 45 awards in past International Chemistry Olympiads, held annually since 1968 in different countries. These include 15 silver medals, 28 bronze medals and two certificates of appreciation.
The olympiad promotes international collaboration in chemistry and encourages young talent to solve complex scientific problems through innovative thinking.
It also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and academic excellence, and supports the development of future leaders in science and technology.
RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, has reaffirmed the Kingdom鈥檚 support for Afghanistan鈥檚 security and stability, emphasizing the importance of respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking during a UN General Assembly session in New York on the situation in Afghanistan, Al-Wasil expressed the Kingdom鈥檚 concern over the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Afghan people.
He called for intensified international efforts to provide urgent relief and essential support to ease their suffering, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The envoy highlighted the Kingdom鈥檚 humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people through its aid agency, KSrelief. He underscored the importance of empowering Afghan women by promoting their rights in education, employment, and public life.
Al-Wasil also emphasized the critical need to prevent Afghan territory from being used as a base for terrorist activities or drug trafficking, warning of the threats these pose to regional and global security.
He reaffirmed 黑料社区鈥檚 commitment to continuing its support for political, humanitarian, and development initiatives aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan.
So far, KSrelief has implemented 57 projects worth almost $54 million in Afghanistan, according to the agency鈥檚 website.
The projects cover food security, health, education, water and sanitation, as well as humanitarian emergency relief coordination.
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, on Monday launched its inaugural Children鈥檚 Festival, themed 鈥淲hat If?鈥, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival combines creativity, learning, play, and exploration in an interactive setting to foster critical thinking, nurture imagination, and develop essential skills.
Running until July 26 at Ithra鈥檚 headquarters in Dhahran, the festival offers 50 activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking.
These include hands-on workshops, live performances, water and family challenges, art spaces that encourage exploration and questioning, and a book exchange where children can swap books.
An interactive exhibition allows children to transform large white models into colorful artworks using foam tubes, the SPA reported.
The festival will also host the fifth Children鈥檚 Book Fair from July 14-19, featuring 20 local and international publishers specializing in children鈥檚 and young adult literature.
This year鈥檚 fair highlights South Korea as the guest of honor, with book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to meet experts.
