|
|
June 23, 2006 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||
PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ PATRONIZES THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE THIRD BATCH OF OFFICERS OF THE JEDDAH-BASED AIR DEFENSE ACADEMY AND SIGNS A CONTRACT TO DEVELOP YANBU AIRPORT UTILITIES. PRINCE SALMAN IBN ABDUL ANNOUNCES CROWN PRINCE DONATION OF SR 18 MILLION TO ESTABLISH PRINCE SULTAN CENTRE FOR HEALTH SERVICES IN AL-KHARJ. PRINCE KHALID IBN SULTAN: PRINCE SULTAN'S PRIZE FOR WATER IS OPENED TO ANYONE WHO SERVES HUMANITY. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received at his office in Jeddah visiting Ms. Frances Fragos Townsend Assistant to the US President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism and her accompanying delegation. During the meeting, she conveyed to Crown Prince Sultan the greetings of U.S. President George W. Bush. In turn, Crown Prince Sultan sent his greetings to the president. Then they exchanged cordial talks and discussed matters of mutual concern. The audience was attended by a number of princes and senior officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a message from India's Prime Minister Manmuhan Singh. The message was delivered to Crown Prince Sultan by Indian ambassador to the Kingdom M. O. H. Farooq during an audience at the Crown Prince's office in Jeddah. During the meeting, the ambassador also conveyed to Crown Prince Sultan the greetings of Indian President Abu-Baker Zein El-Abidine and the prime minister. In turn, Crown Prince Sultan sent his greetings to the president. The audience was attended by a number of senior protocol officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, patronized the graduation ceremony of the third batch of officers of the Jeddah-based Air Defense Academy. Upon his arrival, Prince Sultan was received by Commander of Air Defense Forces Major General Attiyyah Ibn Abdul Hameed Al-Toura; Western Region Commander Major Abdul Aziz Ibn Saif Al-Saif; Acting Commander of Air Defense Academy Major Mohammad Ibn Mughram Al-Amri and a number of high-ranking officials. Acting Commander of the Jeddah-based Air Defense Academy Major Mohammad Ibn Mughram Al-Amri, then, delivered a speech in which he welcomed Crown Prince Sultan, highlighting the support the academy receives from the wise leadership of the country. Later, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz witnessed a military parade of the Academy's students. This was followed by the announcement of the names of the successful graduates who received their certificates from Crown Prince Sultan. Speaking on the occasion, Crown Prince Sultan announced changing the name of the academy to King Abdullah Academy for Air Defense and congratulated the graduates on their success. The Crown Prince urged them to hold on to Islamic teachings and expressed pleasure over what he had witnessed at the Academy. The graduation ceremony was attended by a number of Princes and high-ranking officials. In a statement to SPA, the academy commander Major General Sa'ad Ibn Mohammad Al-Otaibi said that the patronization of Crown Prince Sultan shows his keenness to develop the military education and this will have a positive impact on the graduates in the future. Al-Otaibi added that the academy as well as other military institutes are well supported by the leadership in all their domains, praying Allah Almighty to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its stability under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, opened the officers housing complex of Air Defense Forces, which contains 17 buildings and 68 apartments. The Complex is spread over an area of 27,000 square meters. It is constructed at a cost of SR37 million by Engineering and Housing Administration of Air Defense Forces. Upon his arrival, Crown Prince Sultan was received by Commander of Air Defense Forces Major General Attiyyah Ibn Abdul Hameed Al-Toura and a number of senior military officers. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General signed a contract with a national company to develop Yanbu airport utilities at a cost of SR 187,966,878 in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz during his recent visit to Yanbu City on speedily implementing the project of Yanbu airport development. The Crown Prince expressed his thanks to and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz for his decision to transform Madinah-based Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz Regional Airport into an international airport. He added that the decision will lead to providing great facilities for visitors of the Prophet's Mosque and Madinah. This decision comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing a great economic growth, Crown Prince Sultan said and noted that the airport's transformation will contribute to supporting a number of economic sectors in Madinah and to providing many job opportunities for citizens. In light of this decision, I directed the Chairman of Civil Aviation General Authority to quickly submit a major layout of the project, the Crown Prince said. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had instructed that the airport be refurbished during his last visit to Yanbu. The project is part of the government's plan to link provincial cities of the Kingdom by air. The first phase of the airport will be completed in 18 months. The airport will cover an area of 8,500 sq. meters and will be equipped with new departure and arrival lounges from where passengers will be enable to embark and disembark planes directly. The airport will also have new control towers, cargo facilities, security and safety systems, a power station and a mosque. Commenting on the king's decision to upgrade the status of Madinah airport, Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Aviation, said it would help citizens and pilgrims to enjoy improved travel facilities. It would also reduce the pressure on Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport which is the main gateway for pilgrims coming from abroad. "This decision will boost economic sectors in the city, promote the welfare and prosperity of its people and create more job opportunities," SPA quoted the Crown Prince as saying. "Following the royal decision, I have instructed the head of civil aviation to speed up implementation of the Madinah airport's expansion in order to make it an international airport." Prince Sultan has already permitted some foreign airlines to bring pilgrims directly to Madinah during the Hajj. Last year, the airport received about 800 Haj flights carrying more than 250,000 pilgrims. The new decision has increased the number of international airports in the Kingdom to four. The others are in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. King Abdullah made the announcement concerning the airport at a reception for him by the people of Madinah. There were calls by businessmen and ordinary citizens to grant Madinah airport international status amid the growing status of the city as a business and tourist centre. Many historical and archaeological sites, including Madain Saleh, are located in the region. Meantime Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA) is utilizing all its resources to serve nearly 2.86 million travellers on 15,087 domestic and international scheduled flights to and from King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah during the current summer season. SAA Assistant Director of the Western region for Sales and Passenger Services Mohammad Al-Ghibari said that SAA has prepared well to serve the expected large number of travellers. Al-Ghibari added that SAA has scheduled 10,182 domestic flights that will transport 1.8 million passengers; and 4, 905 international flights that will transport 1.06 million passengers in addition to several extra flights which are also planned during the season. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General arrived in Jeddah coming from Al Madinah Al Munawarah. The Crown Prince was received at King Abdul Aziz International Airport by Prince Bandar Ibn Khalid Ibn Abdul Aziz; other princes; ministers and senior civil and military officials. The Crown Prince was accompanied by a number of princes. earlier in the day, Crown Prince Sultan left Al Madinah Al Munawarah region. At Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz international airport, he was seen off by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majid Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Al Madinah Al Munawarah region; other princes and senior civil and military officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has sent a cable of congratulation to Seychelles's President James Alix Michel on the occasion of his country's national day. In his cable, Crown Prince Sultan wished the president continual good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has sent a cable of congratulations to President Olafur Grimsson of the Republic of Iceland on the anniversary of his country's national day. In his cable, Crown Prince Sultan wished the president continual health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. On the other hand On behalf of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, made an inspection tour of Al-Kharj governorate and opened a Center for Medical Services named after the Crown Prince. Upon his arrival, Prince Salman was received by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Nasser Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al-Kharj, Minister of Health Hamad Ibn Abdullah Al-Manei and a number of senior officials. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Manei said that the Center for Medical Services, which was constructed by a generous donation from Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. He said the total cost of the project is SR66 million, adding that the Center has 159 beds in its various departments. Al-Manei highlighted the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan to the health sector in the Kingdom in general and in Al-Kharj in particular. After the celebration Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz announced that Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General has donated SR 18 million for the foundation of a Cardiology centre in Al-Kharj. Then Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz visited the site of the Maternity and Children Hospital and laid the foundation stone for the hospital. He then visited Al Hadithi mall and inaugurated it. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz also visited the building of Al Karj governorate where he was received by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Nasser Ibn Abdul Aziz the governor of Al Kharj and a number of officials. Prince Salman inaugurated the building and toured it. Prince Salman also paid a visit to the Prince Salman Charitable Housing Project where he signed the contract for the sixth project with Canal Co. Ltd. A celebrations was held in the occasion and the Assistant Secretary General of the project said the project includes 116 housing units to be build on 50 thousand square meters. Prince Salman also inaugurated the donation campaign with a donation of SR Two million, one million on his behalf and another million on behalf of his children. The Governor of Riyadh region then attended the celebration held in his honour by the people of Al-Kharj. A speech ceremony was held on the occasion. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, also inaugurated in Riyadh the fleet administration center of Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) as well as a project to monitor the company's buses through satellites. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Prince Salman expressed the hope that the electronic monitoring system would enhance the security and safety of passengers traveling by SAPTCO buses. He also commended the company's technological advancement. Transport Minister Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry said SAPTCO has a fleet of 3,115 buses, adding that the company transported 17 million passengers last year. Abdullah Al-Mogbil, deputy transport minister and chairman of the company's board, said that the company's new monitoring system was developed by Saudis. "The system will enable us to monitor our buses anywhere and will provide passengers safety and comfort," he added. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, received the Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dominik Alder on the occasion of the end of his term of office. Prince Salman thanked Alder for his efforts to bolster the relations between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland wishing him success in his future life. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh region, received Ethiopian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Yousef Abdullah Sukkar. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region received Director of Riyadh Region-based Education Department Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Dubyan and elite students in Riyadh Region and the Kingdom. Prince Salman congratulated them on this occasion, wishing them continual high level successes for the benefit of their homeland. The reception was attended by a number of princes. In France Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, chaired at the Paris-based UNESCO headquarters Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz International Prize for Water meeting. Following the meeting, Prince Khalid highlighted the objectives of the prize to reporters. A laureate of any of its branches wins SR500,000, he told a dinner party, adding that the prize is open for all competitors in the world. The Prize is intended to reward the efforts undertaken by innovative scholars and scientist as well as applied organizations in the realm of water resources worldwide. The Prize is established to acknowledge the special achievements that have contributed to the development of scientific solutions. The Prize aims to advance the researches dedicated to solve the problems associated with the provision as well as the preservation of adequate and sustainable water resources, particularly in arid regions. The branches of the Prize encompass all the various intellectual as well as material achievements which have resulted in an increase in the level of human awareness and ability to control, water resources. The Prize embraces the following branches: 1- Surface water 2- Ground water 3- Alternative (non-traditional) water resources 4- Water resources management 5- Protection of water resources An international award bestowed in five branches, consisting of a monetary award in the amount of 500,000 Saudi Riyals (about US$ 133000) to be awarded for each of the five branches. The Prize will be accompanied by a gold medallion and a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Prize Council, bearing the name of the recipient and a summary description of his achievement in the field of the Prize. The Conditions governing nomination for The Prize are: 1- An individual or organization, which has made a pioneering contribution in one of the branches of the Prize, will be considered eligible for nomination. 2- An academic or scientific organization may nominate one or more individuals or organizations for the Prize; nominations put forward by individuals, whether on their own behalf, or on the behalf of others, will not be accepted. Nominations will only be accepted for living persons. 3- Works nominated for the Prize must not have previously been awarded any international prize. On the other hand France's Minister of Defense Michele Alliot-Marie received in Paris Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense And Aviation And Inspector General For Military Affairs. At the outset of the meeting, she welcomed Prince Khalid, wishing him good stay in France. During the meeting, she conveyed her greetings to Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. In turn, Crown Prince Sultan sent his greetings to her. During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and exchanged view points on a number of issues of mutual concern. The audience was attended by a number of senior officials from both sides. |
|||||
