RIYADH: The Saudi-Mauritanian joint committee on Thursday began its work in Nouakchott, the capital of the African nation.
The working group of experts from the Saudi and Mauritanian sides started intensive meetings to discuss the issues on the agenda at the ministerial committee meetings.
The two sides agreed to increase the volume of trade between the two countries and exchange experiences in consumer protection, with an emphasis on the achievement of mutual standards and specifications, and to verify that there are no cases of fraud or exchange of counterfeit products.
In the area of customs and financial cooperation, the two sides agreed on the wording of a bill that ensures the avoidance of double taxation between Saudi Arabia and Mauritania.
On industrial energy and minerals, the two sides discussed an agreement for cooperation in the field of electricity and renewable energy, as well as to exchange experiences and discuss training opportunities in the field of exploiting iron ore and other raw materials.
At the end of the meetings, the committee decided to raise the discussions of the panel to the joint ministerial committee for signature on Friday.
Saudi-Mauritanian joint committee begins meetings
Saudi-Mauritanian joint committee begins meetings

Saudi Vision 2030 is ‘the beginning of a very good story,’ says head of UN Women

- Momentum in the Kingdom is undeniable, Sima Bahous notes during event on sidelines of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
- Saudi envoy Abdulaziz Alwasil, chair of the commission this year, outlines the transformative strides country has taken to advance gender equality and empowerment of women
NEW YORK CITY: Vision 2030 has become a reality of empowerment for all women and girls in Saudi Arabia, according to Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women.
She predicted that the rise of women and their role in the Kingdom in recent years is just the beginning — “and the beginning of a very good story.”
Bahous was speaking at a high-level event on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, during which Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Kingdom’s envoy to the UN and chairperson of the commission this year, outlined the transformative strides Saudi Arabia has taken to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women in various sectors.
The event, titled “From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Story of Women’s Empowerment,” highlighted the policies and initiatives that have helped to propel the participation of women in the Kingdom’s labor market, and promote their roles in diverse fields such as technology, innovation and renewable energy.
“We have seen the removal of employment restrictions, growing opportunities for female entrepreneurs, and the rise of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and leadership roles,” Bahous said.
“This is a shift not just about numbers but it is a shift about impact, and it is only the beginning of the story — and the beginning of a very good story.”
The way forward, she continued, is clear: partnerships need to be strengthened, policies must be implemented and institutions should be reinforced.
“We need inclusive economies, gender-balanced leadership and data-driven solutions to track and sustain progress,” Bahous said.
“And we need to listen to young women, to grassroots leaders, to those driving change from the ground up.”
The momentum in Saudi Arabia is undeniable, she added, and continues to build: “The journey is going but it is not over. The path ahead demands more transformative action. It calls for more progress that is not just imagined by some, but lived by all.”
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s plan for national development and the diversification of its economy to reduce the reliance on oil.
Women are ‘agents of change’ driving societal shifts: Saudi UN envoy

- Abdulaziz Alwasil highlights Kingdom’s advances in gender equality across range of sectors
- Envoy addresses high-level side event during 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
NEW YORK: Women are vital partners and agents of change, driving positive societal shifts ranging from economic growth and social justice to peace building, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN has said, adding that their empowerment is essential to achieving a sustainable and more equitable world.
Speaking at a high-level side event during the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Abdulaziz Alwasil outlined the Kingdom’s transformative strides in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment across various sectors.
The event, titled “From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Story of Women’s Empowerment,” shed light on the policies and initiatives that have propelled women’s participation in the labor market and promoted their roles in diverse fields, such as technology, innovation, and renewable energy.
Alwasil told leading officials at the event that the Kingdom has launched a series of policies and initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the labor market and alleviate family burdens that may hinder them from achieving their academic and professional aspirations.
He said that the Kingdom’s efforts have gone beyond setting ambitious goals. Saudi Arabia initially aimed for a 30 percent women’s participation rate in the labor market by the third quarter of 2024. However, that target was exceeded ahead of schedule, with women now making up 36.2 percent of the workforce.
“This achievement underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to empowerment and reflects women’s significant efforts in strengthening their economic involvement,” Alwasil said, emphasizing the importance of creating flexible work environments that support women’s academic and professional ambitions.
The Saudi envoy highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts with civil entities to provide sustainable solutions that promote job stability and ensure women can fully contribute to both economic and social development.
He said that in addition to expanding opportunities in traditional sectors, Saudi Arabia is pushing for women’s involvement in non-traditional fields such as technology, cybersecurity, and renewable energy — key sectors that align with the country’s national ambitions and the evolving demands of the global economy.
“Women are critical partners in our journey toward a prosperous future,” Alwasil said, reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to promoting gender equality in sectors such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health.
However, Alwasil also acknowledged persistent challenges, especially in conflict zones. “We face unprecedented crises marked by regional and international tensions,” he said.
“While progress has been made, these crises are accelerating a concerning decline, particularly for women in conflict zones.”
In response, Saudi Arabia is committed to protecting women globally, especially in conflict-stricken areas, and is collaborating with regional and international organizations to ensure their safety and empowerment, said Alwasil.
The Kingdom is also supporting policies that involve women in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.
Alwasil reiterated Saudi Arabia’s pledge to remain a pioneer in women’s empowerment, ensuring that women are active participants in all aspects of society.
“Women are vital partners and agents of change,” he said. “Their empowerment is essential to achieving a sustainable and more equitable world.”
Thousands of flags raised in Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day

- Occasion celebrated annually on March 11, symbolizing unity, strength of Kingdom
JEDDAH: Thousands of Saudi flags were raised on Tuesday in the Red Sea city of Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day.
The occasion is celebrated annually on March 11 and symbolizes the unity and strength of the Kingdom. Authorities this year raised more than 3,000 Saudi flags in the various streets and squares of Jeddah. It was planned that some buildings would be illuminated later in the day with green light to commemorate the occasion.
The Saudi flag has significant national and religious meanings, according to the Saudi Press Agency, and is characterized by its green color, symbolizing prosperity; the Arab sword, symbolizing strength, justice, and wisdom; and the inscription of the Islamic creed.
Saudi tech authority helps drive national digital transformation with e-gates at Kingdom’s airports

- Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has installed 152 automated e-gates at key airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah
- Gates are integrated with a number of other digital systems relating to border control, including visas, biometrics and airline operations
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority hailed the introduction of electronic passport gates at the Kingdom’s airports as one of the ways in which it is helping to drive the digital transformation in various sectors across the country.
The authority, in partnership with the General Directorate of Passports and aviation-management company Matarat Holding, has installed 152 automated e-gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The e-gates automate the process of entry into the country, significantly speeding up border-control procedures, the authority said. To accomplish this, the gates are integrated with a number of other digital systems relating to border control, including visas, biometrics and airline operations, it added.
Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire with Russia, US to resume intelligence sharing after Jeddah talks
Ukraine agrees to 30-day ceasefire with Russia, US to resume intelligence sharing after Jeddah talks

- Talks held at direction of crown prince and took place in presence of Kingdom’s FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan
- Come within Kingdom’s efforts to resolve crisis in Ukraine, thanks to balanced relations with various parties
JEDDAH: Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia took place in Jeddah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The administration of US President Donald Trump agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Kyiv signaled that it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, pending Moscow’s agreement, American and Ukrainian officials said following the talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” Rubio said.
The talks were held at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and took place in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

The US was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, while Ukraine was represented by the head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The talks come within the Kingdom’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, thanks to its balanced relations with various parties, and as part of its efforts to enhance global security and peace, SPA said.
They are based on Saudi Arabia’s belief in the importance of adhering to international laws and norms, and that dialogue is the most successful means of resolving disputes and bringing viewpoints closer together, SPA added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the Kingdom early on Tuesday morning after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a brief visit before the talks started.
After the meeting, Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending the crisis in Ukraine in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.
Kyiv expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts in hosting talks between Ukraine and the US, and for humanitarian and development aid provided by the Kingdom.
Here follows the full text of the joint US-Ukrainian statement that was published after bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on Tuesday:
Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine.
Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace.
The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the US Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.
Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.
The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the above-mentioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations toward an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine’s long-term security. The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia. The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process.
Lastly, both countries’ presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine’s economy and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security.
* With AP