A Palestinian policeman places a national flag in front of Israeli soldiers during clashes on land confiscated by the Israeli army to open a road for Jewish settlers. AFP
A Palestinian policeman places a national flag in front of Israeli soldiers during clashes on land confiscated by the Israeli army to open a road for Jewish settlers. AFP

1976 - Origins of Land Day

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Updated 12 May 2025
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1976 - Origins of Land Day

1976 - Origins of Land Day
  • The continuing struggle by Palestinian citizens of Israel to reclaim their land

AMMAN: Land Day, observed annually on March 30, commemorates a pivotal moment in Palestinian history when, in 1976, six unarmed Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed by Israeli forces during protests against government expropriation of Arab-owned land in the Galilee. 

This event not only marked the first mass mobilization of Palestinians within Israel since 1948, it also underscored their enduring struggle over land rights and identity. 

The original Land Day protests on March 30, 1976, were triggered by the Israeli government’s plans to confiscate about 20,000 dunams (2,000 hectares) of land in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The land targeted for expropriation, in villages such as Sakhnin, Arraba and Deir Hanna, was owned predominantly by Palestinian citizens of Israel. 

This large-scale confiscation of land was part of a broader Israeli policy, “Judaization of the Galilee,” which aimed to increase the Jewish population in the region and reduce the proportion of Arab-owned land.

Land Day also reflected an unresolved historical injustice. During the Nakba in 1948, two predominantly Christian Palestinian villages in northern Israel, Iqrit and Biram, were forcibly depopulated. The Israeli army promised the residents, who had become Israeli citizens and have continued to live in Israel, that they would be able to return to their homes after a brief evacuation they said was necessary for security reasons. However, they were never allowed to return; instead, the villages were destroyed and lands expropriated by the Israeli state. 

The villagers of Iqrit and Biram, and their descendants, continue to campaign for their right to return, and the two lost villages remain enduring symbols of the broader Palestinian fight for land rights.

How we wrote it




Arab News commemorated the 75th Nakba anniversary with a front-page headline “Struggle continues.” 

The significance of Land Day extends beyond the events of 1976. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the Palestinian people and their ancestral lands, a bond that has been continually threatened by Israeli policies designed to alter the historical demographic and geographic landscapes of Palestine. 

In the years since that first Land Day, the Israeli government has continued to implement policies that result in the appropriation of Palestinian land. These actions include the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the construction of the separation barrier, and the designation of state land in areas traditionally used by Palestinian communities.  

The response to these policies has been multifaceted, encompassing legal challenges, grassroots activism and international advocacy. 

Palestinian citizens of Israel, alongside those in the occupied territories and the diaspora, have utilized Land Day as a platform through which to highlight issues of land dispossession and call for justice and equality. The day has become a unifying event, fostering solidarity among Palestinians across geographic and political divides. 

However, the challenges remain formidable. The Israeli legal and political system often favors the interests of the state and settlers, making it difficult for Palestinians to reclaim confiscated land or to prevent further expropriations.

Key Dates

  • 1

    Israeli parliament amends Law on Property Tax, making owners of land liable for an annual tax equal to 2.5 percent of the value of the land. The intention is to impel Arab property owners to sell their land.

    Timeline Image July 1972

  • 2

    Israeli government officially announces the “Judaization of the Galilee” project to increase the Jewish population and communities in the Galilee, a region inside Israel with an Arab majority.

  • 3

    Israel orders the confiscation of 2,000 hectares of land belonging to Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Galilee.

    Timeline Image March 11, 1976

  • 4

    6 unarmed Palestinians killed and more than 100 injured by Israeli forces during protests against confiscation of Palestinian land.

    Timeline Image March 30, 1976

  • 5

    Likud government comes to power; establishment of settlements throughout the West Bank begins.

    Timeline Image May 17, 1977

  • 6

    Israel’s parliament approves controversial law to retroactively “legalize” illegal Jewish outposts built on privately owned Palestinian land.

Israeli laws have facilitated settlement expansions, provided legal protections to settlers, and enabled land appropriation, often at the expense of Palestinian rights. The Legal and Administrative Matters Law of 1970, for example, enacted after the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, permits Jewish individuals to reclaim properties that were owned by Jews in that area before 1948, even if Palestinians have lived there for decades since then. However, Palestinians are not granted the same right to reclaim properties they owned in West Jerusalem, or elsewhere in Israel, before the 1948 war. 

The Sheikh Jarrah evictions of 2021, a catalyst for the 11-day war between Palestinians and Israelis that year, showed how Palestinian communities remain under threat of eviction in East Jerusalem under Israeli laws. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favor of settlers when it decided that Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah could remain there only if they paid rent to settlers, effectively recognizing the settlers’ claims of ownership of properties before 1948. 

Moreover, international responses to such developments often have been limited to statements of concern, with little in the way of tangible action in an attempt to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their policies, including those related to the issues of land expropriation, illegal settlements and displacement. 

In recent years, Land Day has taken on additional layers of meaning, particularly in the context of the Great March of Return protests that began in 2018 in the Gaza Strip. These demonstrations, which called for the right of return for Palestinian refugees and an end to the blockade of Gaza, met with significant violence from Israeli forces, resulting in numerous casualties.




Palestinians march in protest against seizure of Palestinian land by Jewish settlers outside West Bank village of Asira al-Qibiliya. AFP

Furthermore, the actions of Palestinian citizens of Israel in Galilee have failed to produce a genuine reckoning within Israeli society of the historical and ongoing injustices perpetrated against those Palestinians. This includes a failure to acknowledge the systemic discrimination and dispossession that have characterized state policies, or to work toward achieving genuine equality and reconciliation. 

The events of 1976, which marked the first mass Palestinian mobilization since 1948, underscored the power of solidarity across political, religious and ideological divides. This unity has remained a cornerstone of the struggle, reinforcing the idea that only through collective efforts can discriminatory policies be effectively challenged and rights asserted. 

The lessons of Land Day also emphasize the importance of strategic and persistent resistance, locally and internationally. The global attention garnered by the protests in 1976 showcased the significance of peaceful, organized activism in amplifying the Palestinian cause. It also underscored the necessity of political mobilization to address systemic discrimination and secure equal rights. 

For Palestinians in Israel and beyond, Land Day is an occasion that encapsulates both the pain of loss and the hope for a future in which peace and justice prevails. 

  • Daoud Kuttab is a columnist for Arab News, specializing in Middle Eastern, and more specifically, Palestinian affairs. He is the author of the book “State of Palestine NOW: Practical and logical arguments for the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.” 


Jordan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza’s European Hospital

Jordan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza’s European Hospital
Updated 4 min 36 sec ago
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Jordan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza’s European Hospital

Jordan condemns Israeli strike on Gaza’s European Hospital
  • Attack left medical facility inoperable, killed at least 28 people

AMMAN: Jordan strongly condemned on Friday Israel’s targeting of the European Hospital in Khan Younis this week, which left the medical facility inoperable and killed at least 28 people, the Jordan News Agency has reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described the strike as a “blatant violation” of international humanitarian law, international legal norms, and the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.

Sufian Al-Qudah, the spokesperson for the ministry, reiterated Jordan’s firm opposition to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.

He condemned what he described as the systematic targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure, and accused Israel of using blockade and starvation tactics to forcibly displace Palestinians.

Al-Qudah also warned of the grave implications Israel’s actions could have on regional security and stability.

He urged the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities by putting pressure on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza, allow the delivery of humanitarian aid through open crossings, and recognize Palestinians’ right to establish an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The strike drew international condemnation after British doctor Tom Potokar released footage from inside the hospital showing the aftermath of the attack.

The consultant plastic surgeon, who is working in Gaza, told the BBC that six bombs hit the hospital, which resulted in a scene of “absolute mayhem.”


Pakistan rejects Indian media reports of radiation leak, warns against regional arms buildup

Pakistan rejects Indian media reports of radiation leak, warns against regional arms buildup
Updated 38 min 25 sec ago
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Pakistan rejects Indian media reports of radiation leak, warns against regional arms buildup

Pakistan rejects Indian media reports of radiation leak, warns against regional arms buildup
  • Foreign office says India is following ‘hegemonic policy’ by procuring ‘advanced weaponry’
  • It says Pakistan is mindful of the threat and remains ready to deal with any military challenge

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Friday dismissed Indian media reports alleging radiation leaks during last week’s conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors as “preposterous,” while voicing concern over India’s acquisition of advanced weaponry, calling it a threat to regional stability.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions following a brief but intense military exchange that included missile and drone strikes.

Some Indian media outlets speculated that Pakistani nuclear facilities were compromised during the hostilities, leading to potential radiation leaks.

“What I can say about radiation leakage in Pakistan is that these reports are absurd and preposterous,” foreign office spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said during his weekly news briefing. “This is part of disinformation and fake news peddled by Indian media, which has distinguished itself recently with blatant lies and fabrication.”

“As a responsible nuclear weapon state,” he added, “Pakistan categorically rejects this irresponsible reporting with the contempt it deserves. India will be well advised to check such manufactured falsehoods and stop the fall of its media to new low.”

Some recent reports have also quoted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as saying “no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan” had occurred, dismissing the Indian media claims as unfounded.

Ambassador Khan also criticized India’s military posture during the news briefing, saying New Delhi’s ambitions were destabilizing the region.

“India is pursuing aggressive, or rather hegemonic policy in the region, and its defense budget reflects that,” he said. “We remain concerned about the acquisition and procurement of advanced weaponry by India which creates security imbalance in the region.”

“At the same time, we remain mindful of the threat,” he added. “We are prepared and we are ready, and our forces remain ready to deal with the challenges.”

The recent India-Pakistan standoff, which lasted several days, saw both nations engage in conventional military operations, including missile and drone strikes.

A ceasefire was brokered and announced on May 10, though the potential for escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations persists.


NYU denies diploma to student who criticized Israel in commencement speech

NYU denies diploma to student who criticized Israel in commencement speech
Updated 46 min 32 sec ago
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NYU denies diploma to student who criticized Israel in commencement speech

NYU denies diploma to student who criticized Israel in commencement speech
  • Logan Rozos used his address to condemn US support for Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza
  • Speech was loudly cheered and drew a standing ovation from some graduating students

NEW YORK: New York University said it would deny a diploma to a student who used a graduation speech to condemn Israel’s attacks on Palestinians and what he described as US “complicity in this genocide.”
Logan Rozos’s speech Wednesday for graduating students of NYU’s Gallatin School sparked waves of condemnation from pro-Israel groups, who demanded the university take aggressive disciplinary action against him.
In a statement, NYU spokesperson John Beckman apologized for the speech and accused the student of misusing his platform “to express his personal and one-sided political views.”


“He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules,” Beckman added. “The University is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary actions.”
Universities across the country have faced tremendous pressure to crack down on pro-Palestinian speech or risk funding cuts from President Donald Trump’s administration, which has equated criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
But NYU, which is attended by Trump’s son, Barron, has largely avoided the president’s ire so far.
Rozos, an actor and member of the Gallatin Theater Troupe, was selected by fellow students to give the liberal art program’s address. He said he felt a moral and political obligation to speak to the audience about what he called the atrocities in Palestine.
“The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars and has been livestreamed to our phones for the past 18 months,” he said.
The speech drew loud cheers from the crowd, along with a standing ovation from some graduating students.
But as video of the speech spread online, it was roundly denounced by pro-Israel groups, who accused NYU of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students.
“No student — especially Jewish students — should have to sit through politicized rhetoric that promotes harmful lies about Israel during such a personal milestone,” the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement.
The group #EndJewHatred suggested the speech — which did not mention Jewish people — would meet the university’s newly-expanded definition of antisemitism, which includes certain criticism of Israel.
An emailed inquiry to Rozos was not returned.
As pro-Palestinian rallies roiled campuses across the country last spring, the 2024 commencement season was was marked by tensions and cancelations, and strict limits on what students could say.
With billions of dollars of funding at risk from the Trump administration, the stakes for universities are even higher this year, some faculty said.
“They are bending over backward to crack down on speech that runs counter to what the current administration in Washington espouses,” said Andrew Ross, a professor of social and cultural analysis at NYU.
“Myself and many of my colleagues are frankly appalled at the decision that’s being made to deny a student speaker his diploma,” Ross added. “This is a very good example of an administration falling down on the job.”


Success of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 should represent the best of Saudi Arabia: Hagop Khajirian

Success of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 should represent the best of Saudi Arabia: Hagop Khajirian
FIBA Executive Director for Asia Hagop Khajirian. (Supplied)
Updated 48 min 4 sec ago
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Success of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 should represent the best of Saudi Arabia: Hagop Khajirian

Success of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 should represent the best of Saudi Arabia: Hagop Khajirian
  • The FIBA executive director for Asia spoke to Arab News about the six participating Arab nations
  • “A unified system is applied across all continents, including Asia, for hosting continental championships,” Khajirian said

DUBAI: Following the trophy reveal for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on May 12, the second ever edition of the continent’s premier international basketball competition to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia edges ever closer.

It is now less than two months until the 16-team tournament kicks off in Jeddah and the trophy is on a tour of the region as the build up to the tip-off in August ramps up.

“The trophy tour (started) in May (in Shenzhen, China),” said Hagop Khajirian, FIBA executive director for Asia. “It will include Lebanon, Iraq, Tehran, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates before reaching Saudi Arabia, where the trophy will be put on display in several cities, such as Riyadh and NEOM.”

The awarding of the tournament to Saudi Arabia, as with that of the FIBA Women’s Asian Cup 2025 taking place in China this July, was subject to a meticulous selection process.

“A unified system is applied across all continents, including Asia, for hosting continental championships,” Khajirian said. “Four tournaments are held every four years and are awarded through a bidding process led by local federations. To be eligible, countries must meet specific criteria, one of the most important being the availability of a stadium with a minimum capacity of 7,500 spectators, though larger venues are preferred to accommodate greater attendances.

“Hosting privileges are typically granted to countries with prior experience in organizing such events, making it difficult for nations that haven’t hosted any continental championship to secure the rights to the premier men’s tournament,” he added. “All of these factors are carefully considered, and the final decision on the host country rests with the respective continental federation. In Asia, that authority lies with FIBA Asia, just as FIBA Europe, FIBA Africa, and FIBA Americas oversee their respective continental championships.”

Khajirian stressed that while infrastructure, including stadium capacity, is a vital factor in the process, it is only one of several used to determine a suitable host.

“This isn’t the only or the main condition,” he said. “There are other factors to consider, including the local federation’s ability to organize a tournament of this scale in terms of size or level.

There is also the readiness of the country to support the federation in organizing the tournament, as well as the level of the host team, meaning it should be among the teams capable of competing until the advanced stages of the tournament.

With the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 set to take place from Aug. 5-17, the preparations in Jeddah are now entering their final stages.

“Meetings are ongoing,” said Khajirian. “Over the past month and a half, we’ve held three meetings in Jeddah with sports officials and the federation. There’s also an organizing committee for the tournament, headed by the president (of Saudi Basketball Federation) Dr. Ghassan Tashkandi. Among the tasks completed so far was the draw, which offered a glimpse of what’s to come, whether in terms of branding or attendance. It was a huge event, featuring the participation of MBC, along with specially prepared Arabic and English rap songs for the occasion.”
Khajirian believes that the branding of Asia’s premier basketball competition should be unique.

“We firmly believe that basketball should not be compared to any other sport, including football, because football exists in a completely different realm in terms of resources, fan engagement, corporate sponsorship, and financial investment,” he said. “There is no comparison. Instead of being held back by this complex, we think positively about how we can elevate basketball within our own domain. This is the stage we’re at now.

“Year after year, we’ve been able to improve our performance, the teams’ performances, and the overall execution of our tournaments, including the draw, as we mentioned earlier,” he added. “This is the first time we’ve organized a continental draw at this level. As for attracting sponsors, for Asian basketball tournaments, we already have major corporations in Asia, particularly in East Asia, that support basketball events not just regionally but globally.”

Khajirian said there are several Asia-based companies with long-term branding agreements spanning between 12 to 16 years with FIBA. These sponsorship for men’s tournaments were not limited to the finals, but the qualifiers as well.

Two years ago, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told The Atlantic that although football is more popular in the Kingdom, basketball was his sport of choice. In the interview, he revealed that he is not a fan of working out in the gym and would rather take part in a dynamic sport like basketball. Khajirian believes with such backing from the top, the tournament in Jeddah could serve as a catalyst for promoting the game at grass roots level and potentially lead to a professional basketball league in the Gulf.

“Absolutely, the crown prince’s love for basketball gives us hope, it shows that the focus isn’t solely on football, and that other sports can also receive the financial backing and institutional support they need. It’s encouraging to know that influential figures like the crown prince and even President Obama appreciate the sport we’re passionate about. Their support inspires us and reminds us that, despite the challenges, help is possible if we do our part and work properly. That’s exactly what happened with this tournament.”

The involvement of six Arab nations is encouraging for the region but Khajirian believes tougher challenges need to be negotiated.

“Arab teams need a range of reforms, starting with administration, player development, and increasing public interest in the game,” he said. “The most important factor in developing any sport is setting the bar high. Unfortunately, we’ve been limiting ourselves to local or regional tournaments. The same applies in football. In the Gulf, we often treat the Arabian Gulf Cup as a kind of ‘world championship’ for the region. And that’s fine, but it should feel like a world-class event for our athletes. But we must go beyond that mindset. It may seem like a long shot, but it’s not impossible. We must aim higher if we want to compete seriously in tournaments like FIBA Asia, whether it’s the first edition or the fiftieth, that should be our ultimate goal.

“We’re currently working with the Arab Basketball Confederation to unify our programs.”

The draw for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 placed the hosts Saudi in Group C with China Jordan and India. A tough Group A also includes two Arab nations, with Lebanon and Qatar joined by highly-rated Australia and South Korea. Syria landed in Group B with Guam Japan and Iran, while Iraq are in Group D with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Philippines.
For the six Arab nations, this represents a step up in competition in most cases.

“Global competition is somewhat challenging even for Asian teams, to be realistic,” Khajirian said. “There’s the European level, then the African and Asian levels. We have the Australian team, which could potentially compete at the European level. We can say that Asian basketball is on par with African basketball, with Asia being slightly better. However, both remain far below the European standard. Among Asian teams, Arab national teams rank below average, with the exception of Lebanon’s teams in recent years. The Lebanese national team has delivered good results over an extended period, followed by the Jordanian national team. We’re talking about results from the past 15 years.

“We need to make significant efforts over the next five to 10 years to become permanently competitive with Asian teams like China, Japan, and Australia.”

Khajirian says that the region’s basketball fans can expect plenty of innovative engagements and activations before and during the tournament.

“The Saudi Federation has prepared many surprises for audience interaction with the event and the sport,” he said. “In all aspects, we have several options and need to select one. We have internal and external promotion plans. Among the Asia Cup promotions, there’s a trophy tour in several Asian countries, including ambassador visits. They’re supposed to conduct tours to highlight the tournament and they’ll also shine a light on the women’s tournament.

“We’re coordinating with players so that competition winners might receive, for example, the jersey of a specific Japanese player,” Khajirian added. “So there are promotions for the tournament. There’s expected to be a strong audience turnout, which is considered a measure of the tournament’s success. The success of the tournament isn’t just measured by results but by attendance, the performance of the Saudi team, and the organizational execution of the tournament, all of which should present the best image of Saudi Arabia today.”

August’s tournament in Jeddah is not the only major continental event taking place this summer, with 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup being held in Shenzhen from July 13-20. Khajirian stressed the importance of supporting female basketball players just as much as their male counterparts at all levels.

“All of the groups affiliated with FIBA, including continental federations, should have centers dedicated to developing basketball and women’s basketball in their countries,” he said. “This is not limited to the technical aspect related to playing, but also includes aspects related to managing championships. All federations should be moving towards gender equality, even in the committees that sponsor basketball, men and women’s basketball alike. All these committees should have equal representation for men and women.

“When it comes to managing games, we, FIBA Asia, were proactive in terms of adopting regulations and pillars,” Kahjirian added. “I remember that back in 2012 FIBA Asia was the first continental federation to have two female referees in each of the men’s basketball semi-final games. Three years ago, during the women’s championship, there were three female referees, five females among the table officials and all three statisticians were females. When it comes to FIBA Asia, up until seven or eight months ago, more than 50 percent of the employees were females.”

Khajirian has been hugely impressed, and surprised, by the development of women’s basketball in the Kingdom.

“I was truly amazed by what I saw in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I visited the Kingdom nearly two years ago, we were discussing FIBA Asia with the president of the Saudi Basketball Federation, Dr. Ghassan Tashkandi. As we were heading from the federation’s center to another meeting, he said that, since we still have some time, let’s go by a basketball court. A women’s basketball festival was taking place, a match between two Saudi teams, coached by Greek trainers, and attended by a live audience.

“I was genuinely amazed. I started asking questions because, until then, it felt like this kind of information wasn’t being shared widely,” he said. “We hadn’t even been asking whether women’s basketball activities existed in Saudi Arabia. Fast forward to today, Saudi Arabia is the most active Arab country when it comes to basketball, and it’s backed by figures.

“The local tournaments and the number of registered female basketball players are all clear indicators. I was amazed. In recent years, Lebanon has made efforts to catch up, especially in the U14 and U16 male and female categories, but Saudi Arabia is clearly leading the way in this field.

“It’s genuinely impressive,” he concluded. “Saudi Arabia is on the right path, and other Gulf countries should take note and follow its example. While there may not yet be strong external competitiveness, it’s not far-fetched to imagine a Saudi women’s team reaching the finals of FIBA Asia in the near future.”


Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together
Updated 16 May 2025
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Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together
  • Envoy reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia at National Day celebration
  • The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order”

RIYADH: Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, on Thursday night confirmed her country’s determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia by finding new ways of cooperation as Norway celebrated its National Day in Riyadh.

The mayor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, attended the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Speaking at the reception, Tromsdal said: “Today, we celebrate the signing of the Norwegian constitution on May 17th, 1814. In Norway, the National Day, or the Constitution Day, is huge — a day full of children parading with flags and happy cheers in the streets. It’s a day when we celebrate tradition, pride and unity.

“The bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Norway goes back to 1961. The two kingdoms have proud histories and ambitious futures. For decades, we have had fruitful exchanges in the energy sector as major oil and gas producers. Saudi Arabia and Norway are also maritime nations with an interest in safeguarding the marine environment,” she said.

“Both our countries are committed to accelerating the green transition. There is a need to develop and scale up new technologies and find new ways of working. This is an area where we see an increased number of partnerships between Norwegian and Saudi companies,” she added.

Norwegian companies that contribute to the implementation of Vision 2030 are an important part of the solid bilateral relations between our two countries, Tromsdal said, adding that the small Norwegian community in the Kingdom is growing, and that she was happy to see an increasing number of Saudi citizens visiting Norway.

The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order, and see the value of mediated solutions to conflict. Norway believes in dialogue and constructive engagement for conflict resolution and appreciates the important role Saudi Arabia is taking in the region, and beyond, today.

“We value very much the close cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution and we commend the efforts of Saudi Arabia in finding a path to fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people,” she added.

Norway is a country renowned for its crisp air, green mountains, deep blue fjords and clear water.

“Today, we invite you to have a taste of Norway. And we know Saudis love Norwegian salmon. Together with the Norwegian Seafood Council and our sponsors we have brought high-quality Norwegian seafood to Riyadh. Our renowned chef Daniel and his assistants have travelled all the way from Norway to prepare the dishes for us. Our history as a seafood nation stems back to long before the Viking era with fishing, catching and trading of seafood,” the ambassador said.

Norway today, she said, is the world’s largest exporter of seafood, despite being a small country with a smaller population than Riyadh city.

Norway’s natural resources combined with one of the world’s longest coastlines, are the reasons for its lengthy traditions and practices in the seafood industry.

Atlantic salmon farming was “invented” in Norway 60 years ago and is today the world leader in salmon farming and aquaculture technology, she added.

“I am also glad to see many Norwegian companies and their Saudi partners here. Jotun, who celebrate 40 years in the Kingdom this year; Hydro Technal; DNV; Interwell; Corporater; Bravo Seafood; Norsk Sjomat; Pelagia; Arabian Fisheries; Tine; and Eira Water; and not least, our partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council.”

The ambassador thanked her colleagues at the embassy with the words: “This is my first national day as ambassador in Riyadh, and I am so grateful to be here and to be part of this fabulous team.”