Browsing articles from "September, 2016"

“Saudi Arabia’s Counter-Terrorism, Efforts” Exhibition opens in Canberra, Australia

Sep 26, 2016   //   by admin   //   English, SA News  //  No Comments

Ambassador Al Saleh with Military Attachés of numerous foreign embassies in Australia.

Ambassador Al Saleh , Col. Sami Al-Mutairi with Military Attachés of numerous foreign embassies in Australia.

 SA NEWS , Canberra, SEP 25,2016.

Saudi Arabia’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts” Exhibition organised by the Saudi military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Canberra, was opened by the Saudi Ambassador to Australia, Nabil Al Saleh, and Ms Lyndall Sachs, Chief Protocol of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) . The opening took place on the sidelines of the Saudi Embassy’s celebrations of the Saudi Arabian National Day.

The event was attended by senior embassy staff and Australian senior military representatives from the Royal Australian Defence Force, and Military Attachés of numerous foreign embassies in Australia.

In a statement to SPA, Ambassador Al Saleh highlighted the role being played by the Kingdom in combating terrorism and its humanitarian relief initiatives all over the world, “Their efforts emanate from its pioneering regional and international role to bring about peace and stability in the world” Ambassador Alsaleh Said .

On his part, the the Saudi military attaché in the Royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in Australian Col. Gen. Sami Ben Fahd Al-Mutairi explained the contents of the exhibition, including the presentations, posters, books and documentary films on display showing the Kingdom’s efforts to fight terrorism. The exhibition also highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the formation of an Islamic alliance to fight terrorism and establish humanitarian relief, as represented in the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid .

“سفير المملكة باستراليا يفتتح معرض الملحقية العسكرية عن “جهود المملكة في مكافحة الارهاب

Sep 26, 2016   //   by admin   //   Arabic, SA News  //  No Comments

  “سفير المملكة باستراليا يفتتح معرض الملحقية العسكرية عن “جهود المملكة في مكافحة  الارهاب 

افتتح  سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى استراليا نبيل بن محمد آل صالح ورئيسة البروتكول في وزارة  الخارجية الاسترالية السفيرة ليندل ساكس المعرض الذي اقامته الملحقية العسكرية في سفارة المملكة باستراليا عن  “جهود المملكة العربية السعودية في مكافحة  الارهاب ” في العاصمة الاسترالية كانبيرا بحضور نائب السفير مشعل بن حمدان الروقي والملحق العسكري في السفارة السعودية باستراليا ونيوزلندا العقيد البحري الركن سامي بن فهد المطيري  وممثلين عن قوات الدفاع الملكية الأسترالية  والملاحق العسكريين لدى سفارات الدول العربية والاجنبية باستراليا .   واوضح الملحق العسكري العقيد المطيري ان المعرض اشتمل على عروض تعريفية  ومطبوعات وافلام وثائقية توضح جهود المملكة في  إنقاذ اليمن وعملية عاصفة الحزم وإعادة الأمل وجهودها في الاغاثة الانسانية متمثلة في مركز الملك سلمان للإغاثة والأعمال الانسانية  وكذلك جهودها في مكافحة الارهاب وتشكيل التحالف الاسلامي لمكافحة الارهاب والحفاظ على الامن والسلم العالمي .

Saudi National Day 2016 Canberra, Australia

Sep 25, 2016   //   by admin   //   Photo Gallery  //  No Comments

Sep 24, 2016   //   by admin   //   Arabic, SA News  //  No Comments

سفارة المملكة العربية السعودية في أستراليا تقيم حفل استقبال بمناسبة اليوم الوطني الـ86 .

كانبيرا 22 ذو الحجة 1437 هـ الموافق 24 سبتمبر 2016 م

 أقام سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى أستراليا ونيوزيلندا نبيل بن محمد آل صالح حفل استقبال بمناسبة اليوم الوطني الـ 86 للمملكة حضره رئيسة البروتوكول في الدولة الاسترالية ليندل ساكس وعدد من كبار الشخصيات السياسية والبرلمانية والمسؤولين الاستراليين في وزارة الخارجية الأسترالية والوزارات الأخرى إلى جانب السفراء المعتمدين لدى استراليا ورؤساء وممثلي الجمعيات والمراكز الإسلامية والعربية بأستراليا والطلاب المبتعثين بأستراليا ، وكان في استقبال المدعويين السفير آل صالح ونائب السفير مشعل الروقي ، والملحق العسكري العقيد سامي المطيري والملحق الثقافي لدى استراليا الدكتور عبدالعزيز بن عبدالله بن طالب .

 وبدأ الحفل الذي أقيم في قاعة الاحتفالات الكبرى بفندق الحياة بالعاصمة الاسترالية كانبيرا ، بالسلام الملكي والنشيد الرسمي الأسترالي ، ثم تم تبادل التهاني بهذه المناسبة .

إثر ذلك ألقى رئيس مجلس الأعمال السعودي الاسترالي توم هارلي كلمة هنأ فيها المملكة باليوم الوطني ، مشيدًا بالرؤية السعودية 2030 وما تمنحه من فرص اقتصادية وتجارية واعدة للمستثمرين الأستراليين .

عقب ذلك ألقى السفير نبيل ال صالح كلمة رفع فيها التهنئة باسمه واسم أعضاء السفارة والملحقية والطلبة المبتعثين لخادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك سلمان بن عبد العزيز ال سعود ولسمو ولي عهده ولسمو ولي ولي العهد – حفظهم الله – بهذه المناسبة ، سائلا الله ان يديم نعمة الأمن والأمان والاستقرار على المملكة وشعبها الكريم .

وعدد المزايا والفرص التي توفرها مضامين ومشاريع رؤية المملكة 2030 ، معتبرا ان الرؤية بتقسيماتها الرئيسية الثلاثة ” اقتصاد مزدهر ، مجتمع حيوي، ووطن طموح ” تشكل خارطة طريق لأهداف المملكة في التنمية والاقتصاد وتتضمن خططا واسعة وبرامج اقتصادية واجتماعية وتنموية طموحة تستهدف تجهيز السعودية لمرحلة ما بعد النفط .

وبين أن أحد أهداف الرؤية يتمثل في رفع حجم الاقتصاد في المملكة وانتقاله من المرتبة ( 19 ) إلى المرتبة الـ ( 15) على مستوى العالم.

وأكد أن المملكة ستبقى وجهة استثمار جذابة للمستثمرين الاستراليين والأجانب بشكل عام ، منوها بدور القطاع الخاص التكاملي في تحقيق رؤية 2030 ، والفرص التي تقدمها خاصة في مجال الصناعات الدفاعية والصحة والتعليم والتعدين والبنية التحتية والخدمات والمعلوماتية التقنية والأمن الغذائي وغيرها مشجعا الشركات ورجال الأعمال في كل من استراليا ونيوزيلندا لتأسيس شراكات تجارية واقتصادية بنّاءة مع المملكة مما يساهم في رفع حجم الاستثمارات والتبادلات التجارية والتبادل التجاري والاقتصادي بين المملكة والبلدين الصديقين في المجالات كافة .

عقب ذلك تجول السفير آل صالح ورئيسة البرتوكول الاسترالي السفيرة ليندل ساكس والحضور على المعارضة المصاحبة للحفل التي كان من بينها معرض الملحقية العسكرية الذي يحكي جهود المملكة في مكافحة الارهاب والإغاثة الإنسانية ، ومعرض التعريف برؤية السعودية 2030 ، والخيمة التراثية السعودية حيث قام أعضاء السفارة وعدد من الطلبة السعوديين بتقديم القهوة والتمور للحضور .

ثم شاهد الجميع عروضا وثائقية وتعريفية عن الرؤية 2030 ، كما وزعت مطبوعات عن تراث المملكة وحضارتها الراهنة من إعداد الهيئة العامة للسياحة والتراث الوطني .

إثر ذلك كرم سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى أستراليا ونيوزيلندا ، الملحق الثقافي لدى استراليا الدكتور عبدالعزيز بن عبدالله بن طالب بمناسبة انتهاء فترة عمله ورؤساء الأندية الطلابية السعودية في جميع الولايات الاسترالية .

Ambassador Al Saleh’s Remarks on Saudi National Day – Canberra, 2016

Sep 24, 2016   //   by admin   //   English, SA News  //  No Comments

Saudi Ambassador  to Australia  and New Zealand Mr  Nabil Al Saleh

Remarks at National Day 2016 Reception”

Speech, check against delivery, Canberra, Australia , 22 September, 2016

 

Excellencies, distinguished guests.  It is my great pleasure to welcome you here tonight, as we celebrate the passing of 86 years since the unification of Saudi Arabia.

We have succeeded in this period beyond expectations.  Today, Saudi Arabia has become a leading player in regional and international affairs.  We have improved our standard of living. We have created opportunities for our people, and have built cities and a country of which we are proud of.

As you know, the region, and the whole world is changing fast, entering an era full of challenges. And this, in its own right, contributes to the introduction of new and unique opportunities, in building a more resilient and comprehensive economy.

 

For well over a decade, the Kingdom has enjoyed uninterrupted real economic growth, with an average growth rate of 5 % over the past 5 years.  Whilst we are in a strong position, we understand the necessity to adapt to a new paradigm, to face whatever challenges and strains that may arise.

 

It is in this context that we have embarked on implementing Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic strategy. Vision 2030, announced by our government earlier this year, aims to transform our country; diversify our sources of income, into an economy that is vibrant and resilient.

Where we are changing the mind-set of the country from an oil producer, to an innovative, competitive, efficient society, as we unleash the potential of our youth. Where we are making ministries and government as a whole more accountable, setting the highest levels of transparency and governance across all sectors. Where we look at ways to increase foreign investment as well as domestic investment in Saudi Arabia, and empower the role of women.

 

However, ‘Vision 2030’ is much more than that. It is also about looking at sectors that have been underutilised. Whether it is in mining or manufacturing; whether it is in defence, services, or education; whether it is in research and technology. After all, ‘Vision 2030’ is not just a slogan – its baselines and fundamentals are non-negotiable. And these elements are what is central to the vision; which are:

–              Our position as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

–              Becoming a global and leading investment powerhouse.

–              And, making Saudi Arabia a global epicentre of trade, connecting three continents; Asia, Europe and Africa.

That is why we have launched the ‘2020 National Transformation Plan’.  A blueprint, which outlines the pathway to 2030; how we plan and monitor our work. It is a roadmap, which will ensure that ministries , institutions , and government entities work on implementing the Vision. The results of which will be published so that it can be publically monitored. It is because of this, that we are quite optimistic:

Of becoming within the world’s 15th largest economy by 2030, up from our current position of 19th in the world. Transforming our Public Investment Fund into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund.  Increasing its assets from $214 billion Australian dollars to over $2.5 trillion Australian dollars.  As well as increasing the private sector’s contribution from 40% to 65% of GDP, and increasing Small and medium-sized enterprises’ contribution to GDP from 20% to 35%. And, of lowering the rate of unemployment from 11.6% to 7%.

Moreover, of moving ahead in global rankings. For instance, from our current position, of 82nd in the World Bank Index of Ease of Doing Business, to rank 20th by 2020. As well as from 25th to rank 20th in the Global Competitiveness Index within the coming four years.

But Ladies and Gentlemen,

‘Vision 2030’ signifies a lot of possibilities.  I would encourage you to enter into constructive partnerships with us. True that ‘Vision 2030’ is entirely Saudi.  That we will localise manufacturing, and harness the knowledge acquired by our nationals studying on government scholarships abroad.   Which, at present, number in excess of 200 thousand.

 

But the private sector has an integral role to play in fulfilling our vision.  And so, the opportunities for you are there. Particularly as we need the skills, the expertise and technical know-how.

Indeed, Saudi Arabia has, is, and will continue to be an appealing investment destination. And these activities and opportunities will not cease. Whether it is in Health, Defence, Education, Mining, Food Security, Infrastructure, services, or ICT just to name a few. Sectors that Saudi Arabia and Australia can work on closely together. But let me just briefly illustrate some of the possibilities:

Although we are the world’s 3rd biggest military spender, only 2% of this spending is within the Kingdom. We intend to localise over 50 % of military equipment spending by 2030. Doing so, will require strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Moreover, we see ourselves not as an oil producing country, but an energy producer – in solar, in wind, in clean energy. We intend to generate 9.5 giga-watts of renewable energy to meet our local energy consumption, which is set to increase three fold by 2030.  In doing so, we are entering into partnerships with institutions across the world, in research and technical collaborations.

Furthermore, we have established the Commission for Recreation and Culture, and have sought international interests in offering cultural activities and entertainment inside the Kingdom.

These changes will come in tandem with a population that is set to double over the coming decades.  As well as an increase in disposable income, and a growth in the number of annual travellers.

These will evidently lead to a strong rise in the demand for food and food security.  Religious travel alone is set to expand from 8 million to 15 million visitors by 2020, and to 30 million visitors per annum by 2030.

There will continue to be ample opportunities in the education and research field. Particularly as we seek to train over half a million public sector employees by 2020.  We will also encourage further collaboration and partnerships between our educational institutions and foreign universities. Particularly as we aspire to have five Saudi universities in the top 200 world universities by 2030.

Last but not least, the ICT sector will play an integral role, as it will drive this Vision, empowering our country, and economy.  It is worth remembering that Saudi Arabia is the largest ICT market in the Middle East region.

I could go on and on.

But my point is that all government departments are working in sync with the private sector to translate the vision into a reality.   We are pulling the pieces together from all over Government and relevant bodies.   The foundations are being laid. Vision 2030, and the mechanisms worked through as stated in the 2020 National Transformation Plan, has provided the means and the necessary assurances for investors to act with confidence.

It is in this regard that I should refer to the visit by the Australian Minister of Trade and Investment to Saudi Arabia in the near future.  I would encourage Australian businesses to accompany the Minister in this trip, or to seek the assistance provided by the Saudi Australia Busines Council. As it is a valuable vehicle to discover the transformation occurring on the ground, discuss the possibilities with the relevant officials, as well as prospective busines partners.

We know that the current trade balance between both our nations does not reflect its true potential.  Thus, seizing the opportunities currently presented, will turn the potential for exponential growth into a reality.  So, let me conclude by emphasising to you that: Saudi Arabia has chosen a clear path.  A path of creating an economy that is not dependent on oil as a source

of revenue. Making it a global and leading investment powerhouse, as well as a global epicentre for trade.  All of which will be based on good governance, transparency, and accountability.

In doing so, we look forward to working with all members of the business community, and international community, in our path to accomplish Vision 2030.

Thank you very much for your attendance.

Saudi Crown Prince meets Australian PM on sidelines of UNGA

Sep 21, 2016   //   by admin   //   English, SA News  //  No Comments

Saudi Crown Prince meets Australian PM on sidelines of UNGA

SA News  New York  20-9-2016

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has met on Tuesday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia and ways of enhancing them, in all fields, in addition to issues of mutual interest.

According to a News report by  AAP  Malcolm Turnbull has had a frank discussion with Saudi Arabia’s deputy prime minister about how to fight” ISIS-Daesh” and its propaganda machine.

The discussion also focused on the difficulties of creating a clear path towards a political settlement in Syria.

The prime minister also reiterated Australia’s commitment to negotiating a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

 

Muslim World League Conference in Mecca: Islam is a Message of Peace and Moderation

Sep 19, 2016   //   by admin   //   English, SA News  //  No Comments

SA News  Mecca  13th  September 2016

The Muslim World League held a  ” Islam is a Message of Peace and Moderation” ,Conference  in Mecca this week ,  attended by the prominent Muslim scholars around the world .

The participants have applauded the outstanding Islamic services provided to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah, as this facilitated for them the performance of their Hajj ritual  in security, and peace of mind. And conveyed their profound thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Masjids King Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud for the Islamic glorious service that Allah helped him to render rendered to the Two Holy Masjids.

The participants strongly denounce the statements issued by  certain Iranian officials and theorists of its sectarian  the directions regarding their flagrant intervention in Hajj affairs in the context of their annual customary activity, which fell short of  even elevating itself to the higher objectives of Islam.

 

السفير آل صالح يهنئ القيادة والجالية المسلمة باستراليا بعيد الأضحى المبارك

Sep 11, 2016   //   by admin   //   Arabic, SA News  //  No Comments

السفير آل صالح يهنئ القيادة والجالية المسلمة باستراليا بعيد الأضحى المبارك

كانبيرا –   الاحد  9/ 12م 1437 هـ الموافق 11/ 09/ 2016 م

رفع سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى استراليا ونيوزيلاندا الاستاذ نبيل بن محمد آل صالح ونيابة عن منسوبي السفارة والملحقية الثقافية والطلبة السعوديين المبتعثين التهاني والتبريكات لخادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك سلمان بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود ولصاحب السمو الملكي الأمير محمد بن نايف بن عبدالعزيز ولي العهد نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الداخلية ولصاحب السمو الملكي الأمير محمد بن سلمان بن عبدالعزيز ولي ولي العهد النائب الثاني لرئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع – حفظهم الله – ولشعب المملكة بمناسبة عيد الأضحى المبارك.

وسأل السفير  أل صالح الله تعالى أن يديم نعمة الصحة والعافية  على خادم الحرمين الشريفين ، ويجزيه خير الجزاء على اهتمامه ورعايته بالحرمين الشريفين وقاصديها من الحجاج والمعتمرين وان يحفظ الله بلادنا ويديم عليها نعمة الأمن والاستقرار.

كما وجه السفير آل صالح التهاني والتبريكات  للجاليات الاسلامية في استراليا ونيوزيلاندا بحلول عيد الأضحى المبارك متمنيا ان يعيده الله عليهم وعلى الامة الاسلامية  بالخير والبركات  سائلا  الله جل وعلا ان يتقبل من حجاج بيت الله الحرام صالح اعمالهم  وان يجعله حجهم مبروراً وسعيهم مشكوراً وذنبهم مغفورا ويعيدهم الى اوطانهم وديارهم  سالمين غانمين باذن الله  .


Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince slams Iran over Hajj Comments

Sep 8, 2016   //   by admin   //   English, SA News  //  No Comments

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef dismissed criticism made by Iranian Supreme leader over the Kingdom’s ability to manage the Hajj pilgrimage, as lacking any credibility and objectivity.

The Crown Prince reminded the Iranian supreme leader that Saudi Arabia had previously accommodated Iranian pilgrims with the same facilities as all other pilgrims.  He also accused Iran of trying to politicise the Hajj and endangering the security of all Hajj pilgrims, stressing that the law would be enforced against anyone who attempts to prevent the smooth running, safety, and security of the Hajj.  Adding that Iranian authorities have prevented their citizens from performing this year’s Hajj in an attempt to politicise it for their own purposes.

The Crown Prince reiterated in his statement released by the Saudi news agency SPA that the Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred ritual conducted in honoured places, and stressed that the Kingdom would take a strong stance against any action that compromises the safety and security of all pilgrims performing the Hajj.  

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