Biden Admin Approves $680M Arms Deal with Israel Amid Ongoing Conflicts; Saudi Arabia Launches Riyadh Metro for Vision 2030
U.S. advances $680 million arms deal with Israel amid Gaza conflict; Saudi Arabia inaugurates Riyadh Metro, enhancing its Vision 2030 transit goals.
The Biden administration is advancing a $680 million arms deal with Israel, featuring joint direct attack munition kits and small-diameter bombs, even as Israel continues its conflict with Hamas in Gaza despite a recent ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is urging Ukraine to lower its draft age from 25 to 18 to strengthen its military forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for increased personnel alongside substantial security assistance to sustain its defense.
In Saudi Arabia, a transformative public transportation milestone is achieved with the inauguration of the Riyadh Metro by King Salman, set to elevate the nation's position in modern transit, aligning with the ambitious Vision 2030 to enhance economic and social mobility.
With phased operations commencing December 2024, the Riyadh Metro promises to revolutionize urban commuting via its comprehensive network beginning with the Yellow, Blue, and Purple Lines, making travel more convenient with the "Darb" app.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia continues to broaden its international partnerships, as seen in the recent discussions between Sultan Al-Marshad and Congo's Minister of Finance, focusing on strengthening economic ties and reviewing four decades of collaboration.
Furthermore, the Kingdom showcases a remarkable 80% boost in desalination efficiency, cutting costs significantly and expanding water output, a leap forward in its Vision 2030 strategy, underscoring its commitment to water security and infrastructural advancement.