Saudi strides in cloud-seeding; Saudi-China talks on lithium and copper processing; calls for Israel-Gaza ceasefire; US-UK leaders to discuss global conflicts.
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in their cloud-seeding efforts this year, with 415 flights and 7,876 flares aimed at increasing rainfall by up to 20% to enhance water security, thanks to Ayman Al-Bar and his team of 18 Saudi pilots.
Meanwhile, Saudi Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef has been busy meeting with Chinese mining companies in Riyadh to explore collaboration on lithium and copper processing, especially for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, with focused discussions on investment and knowledge sharing.
Shifting focus to international matters, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, highlighting that military solutions aren't enough, particularly following a deadly Israeli raid in the West Bank and increased tensions.
Adding to the distress in the region, Jordan condemned the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a dual US-Turkish citizen, during West Bank protests, urging for accountability and international pressure on Israel to halt actions against civilians.
In related news, an 18-year-old Austrian man was involved in a terrorist incident near Israel's Munich consulate, coinciding with the Munich Olympic massacre anniversary, leading to an investigation and seizure of Islamist content from his Salzburg home.
Meanwhile, US President
Joe Biden is set to host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for discussions on Gaza, Ukraine, and transatlantic relations, marking Starmer's second visit since July and highlighting Biden’s recent political moves and ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.