Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Bilad newspaper said in its editorial that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on its approach, noble humanitarian values, and experience in addressing all difficulties and crises, has responded to all calls to unify efforts in order to mitigate the impacts and implications of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Saudi Arabia also assumed its full responsibility during its presidency of the G20, last year, when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called for the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit, confirming that the countries and peoples face common challenges and international cooperation has become an urgent need to tackle them. The summit resulted in G20 countries' commitment to inject over USD 5 trillion into the global economy to counter the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided USD 500 million as contribution to support international efforts to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia also pledged USD 150 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the newspaper noted. The newspaper added that the Kingdom's efforts at the global level also included providing USD 10 million in financial support in response to an urgent appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to support countries with vulnerable health infrastructures. In the same context, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has directed King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to urgently support the Republic of Tunisia with medical and preventive equipment and supplies to contribute to overcoming the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). This came in response to the request of the Tunisian President Kais Saied, during his call with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the newspaper concluded. In another context, Al-Yaum newspaper reported in its editorial that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exerts all efforts to facilitate the journey of pilgrims while performing the rituals of Hajj, as this is a top priority for the Saudi government. The newspaper pointed to a recent statement by the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of Council of Senior Scholars and General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh explained that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed the safety of pilgrims at the forefront of its concerns. Additionally, due to the Kingdom's efforts, no COVID-19 cases were detected among Hajj pilgrims in the 1441 Hajj season, he added. Meanwhile, the Official Spokesman for the Leadership of the Hajj Security Forces, Brigadier General Sami Al-Shuwairekh, affirmed that whoever is detected while trying to access the Grand Mosque and the Holy Sites without a permit during the period from 25/11/1442H until the end of 16/12/1442H will be fined SAR 10,000. This decision aims to control the security situation and maintain the safety and security of pilgrims, the newspaper further said. The newspaper concluded that all this information reiterates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's keenness on human safety.
