Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Sultan Bin Khuzaim at the 2024 Saudi Arabia 94th National Day Reception

Hyatt Hotel ,Canberra, Monday 23 September 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Australia, H.E Sultan Bin Khuzaim.

Excellencies

Esteemed colleagues, members of the Diplomatic Corps

Fellow Saudi Citizens, Distinguished guests,

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatu

I would like to begin by welcoming you all and expressing my gratitude for accepting our invitation to join us this evening in celebrating the ninety fourth National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The twenty third of September is a historic day for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On this day, the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia celebrate the Kingdom’s National Day, recalling the momentous announcement by our founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in the year 1932 to unify the nation and name it the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Since the day of unification and over the past decades, the Kingdom has, under its keen, dedicated, and wise leadership, devoted its efforts to elevate the nation among the ranks of advanced countries. As a result, it has achieved qualitative leaps, reflected in the progress and prosperity that citizens and residents alike experience today.

Distinguished guests,

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Crown Prince, Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has launched its ambitious Vision 2030, building on the commitment of its successive wise leadership, to elevate the nation and ensure a bright and sustainable future for generations to come, and has, as a result, achieved numerous accomplishments across various fields.

While these efforts are multifaceted and interconnected, making them difficult to capture fully in my remarks today, I would like to highlight a few key achievements:

– The Kingdom has experienced a significant economic transformation, with the gross domestic product doubling from 2.5 trillion riyals (before the announcement of Vision 2030 in 2016) to over 4.1 trillion riyals by the end of 202 … an impressive growth of 65%.

Furthermore, non-oil economic and commercial activities accounted for 50% of the GDP in 2023, marking the highest level in the Kingdom’s history … and it is anticipated that non-oil growth will continue in the coming years.

-The Kingdom is actively working to achieve the sustainable development goals of the United Nations that address critical issues for the humanity, towards supporting global social and economic development. As a result, women’s participation in the labour force has risen to 37% in 2023, surpassing expectations set by the Vision 2030.

In addition, the Kingdom has implemented national and regional initiatives to protect the environment and combat desertification, aiming for zero carbon emissions by the year 2060. Moreover, it has enhanced the operation and efficiency of governmental services through digital transformation, positioning the Kingdom fourth globally, first regionally, and second among the G20 countries in the United Nations digital services index for 2024.

-The Kingdom has launched several major infrastructure projects, including smart and future cities, with environmental sustainability as a core focus. Notable examples include NEOM City and The Line, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. Furthermore, the Kingdom has prioritized the development of sustainable tourism and hospitality for various visitor streams, including tourists and umrah and hajj pilgrims. This focus has led to numerous programs and initiatives, as well as environmentally friendly tourism projects such the Red Sea Project and Al-Ula Projects.

The Kingdom has also entered new sectors such as entertainment and e-sports. These efforts, aligned with Vision 2030, have attracted over 100 million tourists in 2023 within a record time, since the launch of the Vision.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The celebration of the ninety fourth National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this year coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Australia. Over these decades, bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries has flourished across various sectors, including economic, cultural, and educational fields. The Kingdom stands as one of Australia’s largest trading partners in the Middle East, with significant collaboration in areas such as agriculture, mining, renewable energy, construction, education, and technology.

On the multilateral front, both countries engage actively on international issues of shared interest through their membership in various international organizations, including the G20. The Kingdom is working with the Australian side to further progress the existing friendly relations, seeking to explore new avenues for cooperation that will enhance their mutual interests.

Distinguished guests,

Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for accepting our invitation. I hope you enjoy our Saudi hospitality this evening.

Welcome to the celebration of the Saudi National Day.

Thank you.

GAIN Summit in Riyadh to Showcase Global Experiences on AI Use in Supporting Business Leaders

The third edition of the Global AI (GAIN) Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) will be held in Riyadh on September 10-12.

The summit will showcase the global experiences in the field of artificial intelligence technologies, including those that focus on the importance of business leaders’ understanding of rapidly developing AI technologies, and reflecting on how to increase production driven by strategic decision-making.

The deliberations of over 300 speakers, including experts, specialists, and decision-makers from 100 countries will present business leaders and those interested in the field of data and AI with promising options and opportunities to benefit from the technologies.

The speakers will deliberate on the most effective methods of utilizing AI to make strategic decisions, support responsible leadership, analyze the extent of the impact of AI on the growth of business activities and productivity, and motivate employees within an attractive work environment that meets the aspirations of business leaders.

The summit will underscore the importance of senior leaders and policymakers in making strategic decisions, determining the scope and directions of work, and achieving a competitive advantage for business. These decisions are guided by organizational policies, available resources, future plans, and other decisions based on AI.

According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, productivity growth and improvement of manufacturing processes were five times faster when AI was used to adjust processes, identify shortcomings, and reduce waste and errors.

Predictive maintenance can also reduce downtime and speed up the pace of production, allowing the plant to increase production with the same or fewer inputs.

Hajj 2024: Australian Pilgrims Warning on Last Minute Package Deals.

Every year, more than 5000 Australian Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to undertake their Hajj. Many will have saved for years in the knowledge that it will be a once in a lifetime trip.

As we approach the Hajj season this year, it is crucial that all Australian pilgrims exercise caution when booking their pilgrimage.

I strongly urge everyone to use the official “Nusuk” portal for all Hajj bookings.

“Nusuk” the unique platform authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to offer Hajj services, has been designed to provide a secure and transparent booking process for pilgrims from over 126 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

Booking through third-party agents outside of this official system exposes pilgrims to significant risks of fraud.

To ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey, please adhere to the official channels provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Overall, while no system can completely eliminate fraud, the “Nusuk” Hajj portal has significantly reduced the risk by providing a secure, centralized platform for all Hajj-related transactions and by continuously educating pilgrims on safe practices.

Anyone who fears they have been a victim of Hajj fraud, please don’t suffer in silence or feel embarrassed about coming forward. It is very important that you report this by call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. This will help protect the community from these crimes.

Let us work together to protect our community from potential scams and to make this sacred pilgrimage a secure and blessed experience for all.

The Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum signs MoU with the Export Council of Australia

Arnold Jorge, CEO of Export Council of Australia, Mark Donovan, Australian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Sam Jamsheedi, president of the Australia Saudi Business Council and Forum.

RIYADH: Trade ties between Saudi Arabia and Australia are set to strengthen after the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum signed MoU with the Export Council of Australia to improve cooperation across multiple sectors. 

According to a press statement, the agreement will focus on cooperation in industry, mining and food as well as agriculture, technology, and artificial intelligence. 

The deal will increase the opportunities for Australian exporters to collaborate with Saudi entities, enhancing bilateral cooperation. 

The agreement was signed by the President of the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum, Sam Jamsheedi, and Arnold Jorge, CEO of the Export Council of Australia, during the latter’s visit to the Kingdom with a delegation. 

“Under this strategic partnership, we will seek to work together closely in identifying initiatives that facilitate connections between Australia and Saudi Arabia,” said Jamsheedi. 

According to the UN Comtrade database, Australia’s exports to Saudi Arabia stood at $789.65 million in 2023. 

On the other hand, the Kingdom’s exports to Australia amounted to $702.75 million over the same 12-month period.  

“We will combine our resources and networks to boost the success of collaborations and partnerships between relevant organizations and individuals of our two countries,” said Jorge. 

The Australia Saudi Business Council was formed in 2013 to facilitate the promotion of ongoing and bilateral trade between the two nations.

In November, Saudi-based Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani and Sons Co. and Australia’s SSS Group signed a $27 million deal to collaborate in the production of scaffolding systems in Saudi Arabia using local resources.

After the deal was signed, Australian Ambassador Mark Donovan told Arab News at the time that the cooperation agreement builds on the existing investment ties between both countries in various sectors, including education, health care, aviation, and services.

“A new and transformed Saudi Arabia is looking for business relationships around the world, and that’s what we’re very pleased to be a part of,” said Donovan at that time. 

In March, Australia’s University of Wollongong procured licenses to open its branches in the Kingdom. 

السفارة السعودية لدى استراليا تشارك في مهرجان التعددية الثقافية الوطني الأسترالي2024   

شاركت سفارة المملكة العربية السعودية لدى أستراليا في مهرجان التعددية الثقافية الوطني الاسترالي السنوي للعام 2024 الذي احتضنته العاصمة الأسترالية كانبرا بمشاركة   أكثر من 120 دولة حول العالم.

واستقبل سعادة سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى استراليا الأستاذ سلطان بن فهد بن خزيم عدد من المسؤولين الاستراليين والسفراء العرب الذين زاروا الخيمة الثقافية السعودية التي تم تخصيصها لتسليط الضوء على الثقافة السعودية الأصيلة وتعريف الزوار بابرز المشاريع السعودية الكبرى كما تم تخصيص جانب من الجناح السعودي للترويج للسياحة في المملكة.

وعبر سعادة السفير عن شكره للإقبال الكبير على جناح المملكة المشارك في هذا المهرجان، مؤكدا أهمية التواجد والحضور في مثل تلك المحافل الثقافية التي تعد فرصة مميزة لتعريف أكبر شريحة من المجتمع في البلد المضيف بغنى وتنوع الثقافة والتقاليد والعادات السعودية الأصيلة وإبراز التطور الكبير الحاصل في المملكة والتقدم الكبير الذي رسمت معالمه القيادة الرشيدة -أيدها الله- في رؤية المملكة ٢٠٣٠.

السفارة السعودية لدى استراليا تشارك في مهرجان التعددية الثقافية الوطني الأسترالي 2024  

شاركت سفارة المملكة العربية السعودية لدى استراليا في مهرجان التعددية الثقافية الوطني الاسترالي السنوي للعام 2024 الذي تم افتتاحه في العاصمة الاسترالية كانبيرا السبت 17 فبراير لمدة ثلاثة ايام بمشاركة اكثر من 120 دولة  عربية وأجنبية

واستقبل سعادة سفير خادم الحرمين الشريفين لدى استراليا الأستاذ سلطان بن فهد بن خزيم عدد من المسؤولين الاستراليين والسفراء العرب والأجانب والشخصيات الاسترالية والاجنبية الذين زاروا الخيمة الثقافية السعودية التي عرض فيها صور ولوحات عن اثار المملكة ومعالمها السياحية والتاريخية ومجسمات عن مدينة العلا التاريخية ووزعت فيها منشورات تعريفية عن النهضة التنموية ومشاريع رؤية المملكة 2030 ، كما قدمت القهوة  السعودية والتمور.  

وعبر السفير بن خزيم عن اهمية المشاركة السعودية في المهرجان واعرب عن تقديره للتجاوب والاقبال الذي حازت عليه الخيمة الثقافية السعودية من المسؤولين الاسترالين والسفراء العرب والأجانب مثمنا الجهود المبذولة من أعضاء السفارة والطلبة السعوديين في إنجاح المشاركة الثقافية السعودية في المهرجان .

Saudi Arabia Participates in 2024 National Multicultural Festival in Australia.

His Excellency the Ambassador Sultan bin Fahd bin Khuzaym,with the members of the Embassy at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion in the 2024 annual National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Australia took part in the 2024 Annual National Multicultural Festival, which was held in the Australian capital City Canberra, over three days from Friday 16 February to Sunday 18 February 2024, with the participation of more than 120 Arab and foreign countries.

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Australia, Mr. Sultan bin Fahd bin Khuzaym, received a number of visitors of the Saudi Pavilion at the festival including Australian officials, Arab and foreign Ambassadors.

 The Saudi pavilion at the festival presented a number of aspects of Saudi culture and tourism, and historical landmarks, including the ancient historical Saudi  city of Al-Ula, and distributed a leaflets about the Saudi development renaissance and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 projects, also provided Saudi coffee and dates.

Ambassador Bin Khuzaym expressed the importance of Saudi participation in the festival and his appreciation for the response and turnout that the Saudi cultural tent received from Australian officials and Arab and foreign ambassadors, appreciating the efforts made by members of the embassy and Saudi students in making the Saudi cultural participation in the festival a success.

The Saudi Embassy Pavilion, participating in 2024 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra, attracted hundreds of visitors.

The Saudi pavilion at the Australian Multicultural Festival, presented information about the ancient Saudi  City of Al-Ula.

Saudi, Australian Foreign Ministers Discuss Gaza Situation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Wednesday 8/12/2023 from Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong.

They discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of emergency relief assistance to Gaza.

The ministers expressed concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and stressed that Israel needs to comply with and respect international humanitarian law.

Congratulations to Saudi Arabia on winning the rights to host Expo 2030.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has been chosen to host the World Expo 203

Riyadh’s candidacy was endorsed by delegates from 119 countries out of 165 total delegates who voted in Paris on Tuesday 28 Nov 2023.

Along with hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Expo 2030 will transform Riyadh and Saudi Arabia and will be an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Vision 2030.

This global achievement, highlighting its prestigious international standing and ability to host successful global events.

Expo 2030 will provide extensive opportunities for Australian and Saudi companies to work together to realise this transformation.

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Minister’s Comment to Drop Nuclear Bomb on Gaza

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned in the strongest terms extremist remarks made by an Israeli government minister regarding dropping a nuclear bomb on the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said such remarks show the level of “extremism and brutality among members of the Israeli government.”

“Not dismissing the minister immediately and only freezing his membership constitutes the utmost disregard for all human standards and values,” it added.