The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent congratulatory telegrams to Her Excellency Laura Fernandez Delgado on the occasion of her victory in the presidential elections in the Republic of Costa Rica, in a step that reflects the wise leadership’s keenness to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation with various countries of the world.

In his telegram, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for success to Her Excellency in her new presidential duties, affirming the Kingdom's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and wishing the friendly people of Costa Rica further progress, prosperity, and growth. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency the President-elect in his telegram, wishing her every success in leading her country towards a bright future, and the Costa Rican people continued progress and stability.

Strengthening Saudi-Latin American relations

This congratulatory message comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic approach, which is based on building bridges of communication with Latin American countries. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable development in Saudi relations with the countries of the continent. Through its Vision 2030, the Kingdom seeks to diversify its international partnerships and open new horizons for economic and political cooperation, making the relationship with Costa Rica an important milestone in this endeavor, given Costa Rica's political stability and distinguished position in Central America.

Prospects for joint cooperation

The election of Ms. Laura Fernandez Delgado is expected to open new horizons for cooperation between Riyadh and San Jose, particularly in areas where the two countries' interests intersect. Costa Rica is globally recognized for its leadership in ecotourism, sustainability, and nature conservation—areas that the Kingdom prioritizes within its green initiatives and major tourism projects. This convergence of interests creates fertile ground for the exchange of expertise and investments, serving mutual interests and enhancing both countries' presence on the international stage.

These official cables confirm the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting political stability and democratic processes around the world, and its constant keenness to share the joys and national occasions of friendly countries, which consolidates the Kingdom’s position as a pivotal country that always seeks peace and constructive international cooperation.

A state of uncertainty and anticipation prevailed in Libya in recent hours following widespread reports of the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Saif al-Islam's political team announced his death, stating that it occurred during fierce armed clashes near the Hamada oil field. This sparked a wave of controversy and questions about the fate of one of the most prominent and controversial figures in the current Libyan political landscape.

Details of the incident and the denial by Brigade 444

Local media in western Libya confirmed the news, reporting that Saif al-Islam was killed during clashes with forces affiliated with the 444th Brigade. Amid these rapidly unfolding events, the 444th Brigade issued an official statement categorically denying any involvement in the alleged clashes or the reports circulating about the death of Gaddafi's son, further clouding the situation. Other reports suggested he may have been assassinated under mysterious circumstances south of Zintan, the stronghold that sheltered him for many years after the fall of his father's regime.

Saif al-Islam: From Reform Project to Persecution

To understand the dimensions of this event, it is necessary to go back a little. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was born on June 5, 1972, and played a pivotal role in Libyan politics before the events of 2011. Despite not holding an official position, he was seen as the reformist face of the regime, as he led the “Libya of Tomorrow” project and oversaw sensitive files, including settling the issue of weapons of mass destruction and negotiations with the West, as well as his role in releasing Islamist detainees.

The complex legal and political path

Following the fall of his father's regime, Saif al-Islam was captured by the Zintan brigades in November 2011 and remained imprisoned there for years. He faced death sentences from a court in Tripoli and is still wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. However, he reappeared publicly in recent years, taking advantage of a general amnesty law, and submitted his candidacy for the presidential elections scheduled for December 2021, thus reshuffling the political landscape in the country.

Potential repercussions of the event on the Libyan scene

If the reports of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's death are definitively confirmed, it will represent a political earthquake in Libya. Saif al-Islam enjoys the support of a significant segment of the former regime's loyalists (the Green Movement) and some tribes, and was considered a key player in the national reconciliation process. His absence from the scene could lead to a political vacuum within this movement, potentially opening the door to a new wave of violence or reprisals, thus complicating international and UN efforts to unify Libyan institutions and hold comprehensive elections to end the long transitional period.