Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Riyadh newspaper reported in its editorial that as many as 36 years have passed since Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz joined on board the Discovery shuttle as the first Arab astronaut. In 1985, when the Discovery space flight was launched, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proceeded with the journey of space sciences and research. In 2018, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques issued a royal order to establish the Saudi Space Commission, headed by Prince Sultan bin Salman to be the sole national authority responsible for developing the sector and directing efforts in line with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), the newspaper added. The development of the space field did not stop at this point. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also expected to approve the National Space Strategy, which includes ambitious and realistic projects worth of the Kingdom's important position and depends on enablers including establishing a financing program for emerging and research projects, supporting small and medium enterprises as well as stimulating innovation and confirming the Kingdom's commitment to invest in this large economic sector. Okaz, Al-Bilad, and Al-Yaum newspapers reported in their editorials that the terrorist attacks against vital and civilian installations in Saudi Arabia and the global condemnation of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist attack against the Riyadh oil refinery reflect the serious threat of the Iranian expansion plan in Yemen and the region and the threat to regional and international peace through targeting energy supplies and the global economy. Numerous countries and regional and global organizations have affirmed their stand and solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to protect its security and sovereignty. The international community must assume its responsibilities, specifically the Security Council, by taking the necessary strict actions against these terrorist attacks that represent a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, the newspapers added. The attacks, which are considered war crimes, threaten the security and stability of the region and undermine the efforts aiming to establish peace and stability in Yemen, the newspapers concluded. In the same context, after Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, assumed the leadership of the Ministry, Saudi oil reserves proved their enormous ability to compensate for the shortage of oil supplies. The Houthi terrorist attacks on oil installations and the immediate return to production levels delivered a message to the whole world about the strength of the Saudi oil sector, the newspaper added. The difficult challenges proved the strength of the Minister and the ability of Riyadh to lead the global oil market. After the outbreak of the Coronavirus, along with the difficulties that the global economy was suffering from, made it difficult to maintain the oil production levels. As a result, Saudi Arabia called during the OPEC Plus group meeting on 06 March, 2020, cuts of 1.5 million barrels per day to combat falling demand, the newspaper further said. Saudi Arabia's experience in addressing the Houthi aggression against oil installations as well as the huge Saudi capability of production affirm the extent of Riyadh's capability to maintain the balance of oil markets.
