Saudi Foreign Minister Receives Phone Call from Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, received a phone call from Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, on Tuesday, January 18, 2023. The phone call reportedly focused on discussions related to the regional situation and bilateral relations between the two countries. According to a statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed “regional developments and the importance of dialogue and cooperation to enhance stability and security in the region.” The statement added that Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the recent initiative by Iran to establish a regional dialogue framework, known as the “Hormuz Peace Endeavor.” However, he emphasized that such a dialogue should be “inclusive and based on principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and commitment to the non-armament of the region.” Minister Zarif stressed Iran’s commitment to regional cooperation and expressed Tehran’s interest in strengthening ties with its neighbors. He also reiterated Iran’s concerns about the ongoing situation in Yemen. The phone call between the two foreign ministers comes amid efforts to ease tensions in the region. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaged in a diplomatic standoff for several years due to differences over regional issues, including the conflicts in Yemen and Syria. The international community has expressed support for regional dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges and promote stability. It remains to be seen whether the recent diplomatic efforts can lead to a thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.Saudi Professional Boxer Ziyad Al-Maayouf Hopes to Inspire a Generation

Saudi Professional Boxer Ziyad Al-Maayouf Hopes to Inspire a Generation

Saudi professional boxer Ziyad Al-Maayouf is proud of the Kingdom’s growing presence on the global sporting stage. During an interview with Arab News’ Mayman Show, the 23-year-old boxer discussed his aspirations to become the first of many professional boxers from Saudi Arabia and recounted his journey as a boxer since 2010. Al-Maayouf’s path to becoming a boxer began when he searched online for a Saudi professional boxer but found none. This realization sparked his determination to become the first Saudi boxer to be recognized in this field. Al-Maayouf is inspired by the impact of sports on a nation, as exemplified by Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. He relates to Pacquiao’s journey as a boxer who left his family and friends to train abroad, and admires Pacquiao’s dedication to promoting his country. Al-Maayouf trained at Pacquiao’s gym in Los Angeles after moving to the United States in 2019. He said that his decade of training in Saudi Arabia was insufficient to compete at the international level. Despite the challenges, Al-Maayouf’s dedication to boxing remains unwavering. He is encouraged by Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on sports and believes that his career aligns perfectly with its vision of national development and diversification. Al-Maayouf hopes to become a role model for young Saudis who aspire to pursue careers in sports. He believes that having local heroes can inspire youth and contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of creating a flourishing sports scene.Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud received a phone call from Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Thursday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest, the agency reported. The phone call comes amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have been locked in a proxy war in Yemen. In recent months, there have been signs that the two countries may be willing to improve relations. In September, Saudi Arabia and Iran held talks in Baghdad aimed at de-escalating tensions. The phone call between Prince Faisal and Amirabdollahian is the latest sign that the two countries may be moving towards a more cooperative relationship.