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RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with the head of the Ukrainian president’s office Andriy Yermak in Riyadh, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed relations between their countries and discussed the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis. Several topics of mutual interest were also discussed.
MAKKAH: Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah hosted a conference on the role of universities in promoting values and intellectual awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The three-day event, which ended on Wednesday, gathered academics, experts, and professionals in education and intellectual affairs.
The first session explored how Saudi universities foster human values and intellectual awareness, highlighting the role of research in this effort.
The second session reviewed local and global initiatives to advance intellectual awareness and discussed partnerships to unify efforts.
Another session examined universities’ societal responsibility, highlighting collaboration with religious institutions, media engagement, community campaigns and sharing conference outcomes on social platforms. It also called for a sustainable platform for specialized research.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sanad, president of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said the erosion of moral foundations in some societies was due to emerging intellectual trends.
Al-Sanad highlighted the need to uphold values and outlined ways to translate ethics from theory into practice.
During the conference, Umm Al-Qura University launched two online platforms: “Mustasharak” (Your Consultant) and “Wa’i” (Awareness).
Both offer free, confidential consultations on mental health, education, family counseling, social support and career development, provided by expert faculty.
The platforms aim to boost psychological well-being, social health, and personal and professional growth, enhancing overall quality of life.
“Wa’i” also serves as a secure channel to report intellectual misconduct, radical behavior or concerning trends, ensuring privacy while fostering a safe, values-driven campus.
The initiative promotes community participation in national protection efforts and strengthens civic responsibility.
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul during an official visit to Berlin on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields,
They also discussed regional and international developments, particularly those in the Gaza Strip, and exchanged views on several topics of common interest.
RIYADH: Ahmed Al-Khateeb, ’s minister of tourism, met Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano in Tokyo during a visit to the Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Al-Khateeb invited Japan’s government and tourism leaders to join the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and the inaugural Tourise Summit in Riyadh this November.
These global events will reinforce the Kingdom’s role as a hub for international collaboration and tourism innovation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Khateeb began his Expo 2025 Osaka tour at the Saudi pavilion, at which are displayed the Kingdom’s world-class tourism offerings, sustainability, innovation, and commitment to international cooperation.
He also visited the Japan and Spain pavilions, strengthening diplomatic ties and tourism partnerships, the SPA reported.
A key highlight was the Tourise networking event, where Al-Khateeb engaged with Japanese government officials, private sector leaders, and investors.
The event emphasized the Tourise platform and invited Japanese partners to play a key role in both the inaugural forum and the UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh.
The minister said: “’s tourism transformation is the pride of the Arab world and a beacon for the global sector. Our presence in Osaka and our partnership with Japan reflect how Vision 2030 is unlocking opportunity, attracting investment, and building bridges between cultures.
“As we prepare to host the world’s tourism leaders in Riyadh, we invite our Japanese and global partners to join us in shaping the future of tourism — rooted in innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“’s approach — backed by more than $800 billion in giga-projects and infrastructure, including Neom, the Red Sea, and Diriyah — is positioning the Kingdom as the fastest-growing tourism destination worldwide, with the ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030. This momentum was evident at Expo 2025 Osaka through dynamic cultural showcases and impactful meetings.”
Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Kingdom’s pavilion, said: “Japanese visitors to our pavilion have shared their curiosity and interest in visiting . With each meaningful exchange, we connect through our culture and traditions between and Japan.
“We look forward to welcoming Japan and the rest of the world to share with us our hospitality, culture, and world-class tourism destinations.”
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority and vice chair of the Tourise, said: “ is reshaping the tourism landscape, not just for our nation, but for the region and the world. With Tourise, we are building a global platform for innovative partnerships and shared investment.
“The world will witness this transformation in Riyadh in November, when we convene leaders from every continent to chart a new course for tourism. Japan’s participation will be integral to this vision.”
RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization at the city’s Clock Towers.
The fair was organized by the Muslim World League in cooperation with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Saud toured the diverse pavilions and exhibitions, which offer visitors an educational experience on the life of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic civilization, using advanced visual and digital technologies.
The fair features a pavilion titled “The Prophet as if You Were with Him,” depicting scenes from Makkah, Madinah, and the migration route.
It includes a panoramic display of the prophet’s chamber, pavilion on prophetic medicine, and presentation of his daily routine.
Prince Saud was also briefed on the accompanying digital platform, which includes a library and encyclopedias translated into major world languages.
He also visited the permanent exhibition showcasing the Kingdom’s efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques, Qur’an, and Sunnah.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a written message from Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning relations between the two countries.
The message was delivered to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Multilateral Affairs, during his meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.
During the meeting, both officials reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various fields.
