Saudi Embassy opens visa centre in Canberra

09 April 2014 – Canberra

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed contracts with specialised international companies that are capable of performing the necessary procedures of obtaining biometric data of applicants, including fingerprints, face identification and others. This is also a significant step in developing visas in Australia that are needed by those who are applying for entry into the Kingdom for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage.

Amongst these companies is VFST Global Facilitation which will operate the centre in Australia and will replace existing service offices. This centre will have a major role in conducting the following:

1. Recording biometric data of all visa applicants ; this procedure aims to shorten waiting times at border ports of the Kingdom especially for pilgrims (Hajj and Umrah)

2. Regulating and enhancing the performance of visa services, as visa applicants will receive a high standard of service upon their application for a visa.

The centre’s location will be on the 4th Floor at 8 – 10 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT, Australian Capital Territory, 2601.

Ambassador Al Saleh meets with NZ Minister of Trade and Minister of Primary Industries

Ambassador Al Saleh with NZ Minister of Trade Tim Groser

The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Australia and New Zealand Nabil Al Saleh met with the Minister of Primary Industries in New Zealand Nathan Guy in the city of Wellington, capital of New Zealand, in the presence of Deputy Ambassador Faisal Hifzi.

Minister Guy congratulated Ambassador Al Saleh for his submission of credentials as a non-resident ambassador of New Zealand. During the meeting, the Minister also discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, and the also the issue of transferring technology in New Zealand to Saudi Arabia.

The meeting also welcomed the cooperation agreement on arrangements to export livestock, which was signed in Riyadh recently, which would support the balance of trade and also increase the agricultural and livestock investments between the two countries.

Ambassador Al Saleh also met the Minister of Trade in New Zealand Mr. Tim Groser in his office in the New Zealand Parliament. Mr. Grosser congratulated the Ambassador on his submission of credentials and also discussed a number of topics concerning the economic and trade relations between the two countries, in particular the signing of the Free-Trade Agreement.

Ambassador Al Saleh and the Deputy Ambassador Faisal Hifzi also held talks with the director of the Middle East Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Jonathon Aston and the NZ Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both parties there reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and a number of issues of common interest.

Saudi Ambassador to Australia presents credentials to the Governor of New Zealand

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Australia and New Zealand, Mr Nabil Al Saleh presented his credentials as a non-resident Ambassador to the Governor General of New Zealand Sir Jerry Mateparae, in the Governor General’s official residence in the NZ capital, Wellington.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Al Saleh conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to the Governor General along with the people of New Zealand, wishing for the peace, progress and prosperity.

On his part, the Governor-General of New Zealand conveyed to the Ambassador his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, expressing his wishes for them of good health and wellness. Also wishing the continuing progress and prosperity to the people of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

He also expressed his wishes for good luck and success to the Ambassador of the Kingdom in the performance of his duties, stressing his country’s keenness to develop relations of friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Ambassador Faisal Ghazi Hifzi , the first secretary in the Saudi Embassy Mr. Abdel Qadir Qurdi and the second secretary Mr. Yazeed Al Saleh.

Saudi Minister of Finance leads Saudi delegation to the G20 meeting in Sydney

(G-20) held its meetings at the level of its finance ministers and central bank governors of the member States in Sydney, Australia between 21 -24 February 2014 .

Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister of Finance, led the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the meeting with participation of Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Governor of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), and Nabil bin Mohammed Al Saleh, Saudi Ambassador to Australia.

Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, Dr. Al-Assaf was received by Saudi Ambassador to Australia Nabil Al-Saleh, Deputy Ambassador Faissal Gazy Hifzi  and a number of other officials.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr. Al-Assaf said that the meeting’s agenda includes the latest developments of the global economy.

He added that the meeting aims to discuss investment in the infrastructure, including role of small and medium enterprises in this field and the role of the private sector generally to invest in infrastructure.

“This meeting is an opportunity to highlight the G20 on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s successful experiment regarding cooperation between the private sector and the governmental sector in the infrastructure,” the Minister of Finance said.

Al-Assaf added that the Kingdom’s message to the meeting is to enhance development of the global economy and reduce unemployment, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  always highlights issues pertaining to Arab and developing countries.

The meetings discuss among other issues the situation of the global economy; investment and infrastructure; and challenges facing the growth and reforms of the International Monetary Fund relating to quotas and governance.

Australian-Arab Businesswomen Forum Opened

The Australian-Arab Businesswomen Forum was opened under the theme “New Horizons”. The opening ceremony was attended by Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs & Settlement Services, Saudi Ambassador to Australia Nabil bin Mohammed Al Saleh and a number of officials.  The forum focuses on business opportunities between Australia and GCC member states in addition to means of activating the role of women in this field.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, today opened the 2014 Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum in Sydney.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs & Settlement Services, said the event focussed on commercial opportunities between Australia and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on women.

“The 2014 Australian Arab Businesswomen’s Forum will continue to build our commercial and personal links between Australia and the Middle East,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

Saudi Ambassador to Australia Meet with Australian NSW Minister of Education

The Saudi Ambassador to Australia H.E Mr Nabil bin Mohammed Al Saleh has met with Australian Minister of Education,Adrian Piccoli in the State of New South Wales.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of education, particularly discussing the role of Saudi Students who are studying in several NSW Universities and colleges.

Mr Piccoli spoke highly of the importance of having Saudi Students in NSW to connect with different cultures to build bridges between the two nations.

On his part, Ambassador Al Saleh thanked the Minister of Education in NSW and the various universities for their contribution and cooperation in providing a quality academic environment and education for the Saudi students.

Saudi Ambassador in Australia meets Saudi Student Club heads

His Excellency The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Australia and New Zealand Mr. Nabil Al Saleh met the new heads of the Saudi Students Club in Australia in 2014 at the Australian embassy in Canberra in the presence of the Deputy Ambassador Faisal Ghazi Hifzi , the cultural attaché, Dr. Abdulaziz Talib and members of the Saudi Embassy.

During the meeting Ambassador Al Saleh assured them of the government’s aspirations through the goals of the King Abdullah Scholarships Program. He also assured them of his continued support to student clubs as they continue to play a pivotal role in the reunification of students through cultural and social activities. He also highlighted their contribution in creating the right atmosphere to assist students in their academic achievement, and reflecting the positive side of the Saudi people through respect to all people.

In conclusion, Ambassador Al Saleh encouraged the new club heads to double their efforts in the service of their fellow students and wished them success in this round.

This meeting was preceded by the first meeting of the heads of student clubs in Australia that was hosted by the Saudi cultural mission in Canberra and was chaired by the cultural attaché Dr. Abdulaziz Talib. The meeting discussed a number of issues of importance including the administrative and financial aspects of the clubs, in addition to a number of topics focusing on work arrangements in the club.  Attendees also laid foundations for cultural and social activities for this year.

The new club heads expressed their happiness of this meeting, stressing that they will do all they can to serve their colleagues, and amplify the activities that will be implemented through the student clubs at this round.

Saudi Ambassador to Australia Meets with Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey

Saudi Ambassador to Australia Nabil Al Saleh met with the Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey in his office at the parliament house in Canberra

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on trade and economic cooperation between Saudi and Australia and reviewed bilateral relations in all fields between the two friendly nations.

Treasurer Hockey, described Saudi Arabia as an important trade partner to Australia in the Middle East.

Ambassador Saleh also said that Saudi Arabia was seeking to further partnership with Australia in all fields.

Saudi Arabia is Australia’s second largest trading partner in the Middle East with the total two way trade at 2.2 Billion dollars. With the initiation of the Saudi Australian business Council, both nations are confident in the increase of bilateral trade for mutual growth and development

There are also a large number of Saudi students who are choosing to study in Australia, mostly under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. This program also generated a lot of interest among education providers. The King Abdullah Scholarship is on its own transforming the relationship between two countries.

Patronage of Ambassador Al Saleh at the Saudi Cultural Tent in Canberra Multicultural Festival 2014

Ambassador Al Saleh with Mr. Hifzi and Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Taleb along with other members of the embassy in the "AL Khaimah Al Saudiya".

Ambassador Al Saleh presents a gift to the Office of Multicultural Affairs chief Nick Manikis

Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Australia Mr Nabil Mohammed Al Saleh patronage the Saudi cultural activities 2014, which was held at the Annual National multicultural Festival in Canberra on Saturday 8^th February 2014. The festival was attended by nearly 150,000 people along with the participation of 44 foreign countries from the Arab and Gulf and 578 exhibitors from Australia and abroad.

Guests of  the Saudi culture tent “Al Khaimah Al Saudiya”were received by Ambassador Al Saleh, the Deputy Saudi Ambassador Faisal Hifzi, the Saudi Cultural Attache Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Taleb and the acting President of the Saudi Student Club in Canberra Abdul Aziz Almussameh along with other saudi students and members of the embassy and cultural attaché . “Al Khaimah Al Saudiya” attracted a large number of visitors including Australian officials, Arab ambassadors and dignitaries along with a wide range of the Australian public and the various nationalities. 

The festival stall this year included displays of Saudi culture along with traditional Saudi food and coffee. Saudi Students also performed the traditional folklore dance on stage in front of thousands of the festival goers. The dance was concluded with the Saudi Arabian National anthem which was also joined by the Ambassador on stage.

“Al Khaimah” also included a special section on Arabian heritage with Henna and posters displaying the various heritage and religious sites of Makkah and Madinah, along with posters portraying the modern renaissance of the Kingdom. Films and documentaries in English were played, in addition to the distribution of a large number of books , publications and media releases.

Saudi Students dressed in Saudi national clothing and distributed balloons, Arab coffee and dates to attendees, making the tent an attractive site to visitors .

Ambassador Al Saleh welcomed the success of the Multicultural festival and expressed his gratitude for the Australian government and people for organising such an important event. He also expressed the importance of Saudi students to participate in various cultural events to convey a positive message of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its values ​​to the Australian people.

 During his visit to Saudi Arabia Al Khaimah, the chief of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Nick Manikis thanked the Saudi Amabassador and the Saudi students for their participation in the festival.

Link to Gallery Here.

Saudi Australian Business Council launches Sydney branch

Saudi Australian Business Council launches Sydney branch

Thursday 24th October – Sydney

NSW Trade & Investment and the Australian Industry Group hosted the launch of the Saudi Australian Business Council in Sydney this week. The event was held in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador H.E Nabil Al Saleh, the Chairman of Saudi Australian Business Council Tom Harley and the President of the New South Wales Legislative Council Don Harwin amongst many other delegates in Australian Trade and Development.

The Australia Saudi Business Council Inc. was established to develop and promote business and commercial links between Australia and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is Australia’s second largest trading partner in the Middle East with the total two way trade at 2.2 Billion dollars. With the initiation of the Saudi Australian business Council, both nations are confident in the increase of bilateral trade for mutual growth and development.

The Saudi Ambassador began his speech by giving his condolences to those affected by the NSW bushfire’s and the fire fighters risking their lives to assist those in need.

The Ambassador then continued to highlight the prosperity of the Kingdom and its achievements in modernisation and development. Mr Saleh also noted the Kingdom’s economic stability and rapid growth, having the largest economy in the Middle East with a GDP of 700 Billion dollars and a growth rate of 6.8% in 2012. The Kingdom also maintains itself as one of the worlds largest holders of foreign exchange reserves amounting to over 740 Billion dollars.

Mr Saleh also noted on the Kingdom’s various tactics and incentives to overcome the various economic challenges, including encouraging privatisation to encourage foreign investment and the reconstruction of various company laws. The Ambassador also said that the Kingdom is doing what it can to improve the ease of doing business and finding partners. This move has also been noted by the World Bank which has placed it amongst the worlds top 25 countries in doing business.

Tom Harley highlighted many positive examples of Australian business undertakings in Saudi Arabia, including the DowChemical petrochemical plant and its joint venture with Saudi Aramco. Mr Harley also recognised the importance of the 11,000 Saudi students in Australia, studying on the 500 million dollar King Abdullah scholarship. He noted that these students will return to the Kingdom with a valuable cultural outlook of Australia that will surely be beneficial in the future of bilateral relations.

Mr Harley also thanked the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Business council to continue promoting ties between the two nations for the betterment of future trade and development.