RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Tunisia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote direct investments between the two nations. 

The deal, which was inked by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdel Hafeez in Tunis, focuses on sharing regulations and laws to enhance the investment environment in both countries. 

The agreement, which also aims to improve investment opportunities, was discussed during a meeting attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr. The talks covered several sectors of mutual interest, including industry, transport, and logistics, with a focus on enhancing collaboration and facilitating joint ventures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Tunisian President Kais Saied welcomed Al-Falih, where the Saudi minister conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing the Kingdom’s commitment to Tunisia’s ongoing progress and stability.  

Saied thanked Saudi Arabia for its leadership role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, praising the Kingdom’s efforts in fostering regional unity and development. 

He added that the agreement marked a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries, with the MoU serving as a catalyst for joint development initiatives. 

The deal follows recent discussions on strengthening industrial and economic cooperation.  

In October, Saudi Vice Minister of Industry Affairs Khalil bin Salamah confirmed to Arab News that collaboration with Tunisia was imminent, noting that the two countries were in the process of selecting key sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and automotive components, for initial investments. 

He emphasized the need for common policies among Arab nations to serve as a foundation for regional collaboration across various industrial sectors. 

On the sidelines of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum in Riyadh las month, Tunisian Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub also pointed out that Tunisia’s distinctive mining resources presented significant opportunities for Saudi investors.  

She emphasized the automotive components and pharmaceutical industries as key areas for potential collaboration, while also expressing concern that the current level of investment from Saudi Arabia did not fully reflect the bilateral relationship’s potential. 

The MoU is seen as a crucial step in deepening the economic and industrial ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, both of which are looking to diversify their economies and create new growth opportunities through strategic partnerships.
 

MANAMA: The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 concluded with a flurry of major business deals, including a contract between Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Leonardo to modernize the country’s air traffic radar and surveillance systems.

The agreement is set to enhance Bahrain International Airport’s efficiency and safety through advanced primary and secondary radar technologies.

The seventh edition of the airshow, held on Nov. 13 — 15 at Sakhir Air Base, set a record with over 125 aircraft displayed, a 25 percent increase from the previous event.

The event saw Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air extending its long-standing collaboration with Amman-based Joramco, boosting maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities.

Other key agreements included a partnership between Infracorp and Mena Aerospace to develop specialized aircraft hangars to position Bahrain as a regional hub for advanced aviation services.

The event also saw Valo Aviation secure Bahrain’s first business jet operator license, with plans to operate 15 aircraft by 2026, and a strategic cybersecurity alliance between Iron Net and Asterion to bolster critical infrastructure protection.

Aircraft showcases

Debut appearances at the event included the US Department of Defense’s B-52H Stratofortress and flydubai’s latest static display models.

The three-day showcase, inaugurated by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad on behalf of King Hamad, attracted over 40,000 industry professionals and visitors.

After touring the exhibition, Crown Prince Salman emphasized Bahrain’s focus on priority sectors as drivers of economic diversification, national development, and progress. He highlighted the role of the kingdom’s national talent in sustaining achievements and shaping future aspirations, according to the state news agency.

He underscored the importance of strategic sectors in supporting his country’s ambitions and contributing to its comprehensive development journey under the leadership of the monarch. He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong tradition of hosting successful international exhibitions and conferences, stressing the importance of maintaining this legacy.

Air displays included performances by the Saudi Hawks, Bahrain’s F-16s, and the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon, showcasing their capabilities. Static displays featured a range of aircraft, including Gulf Air’s B787-9 and the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17.

The Saudi Hawks team showcased green, red, and white trails in a nod to the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Royal Saudi Air Force’s Typhoon, piloted by Maj. Faris bin Ali Al-Zahrani, demonstrated its capabilities with a series of maneuvers and high-speed passes.

Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation, the Royal Bahrain Air Force, and Farnborough International, the event underscored the kingdom’s position as a global aviation hub.

Sustainability and innovation

Sustainability dominated discussions at the Airport and Airlines Forum, where executives from Gulf Air Group, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce explored the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and net-zero technologies. Regulatory support and innovation were highlighted as essential to making sustainable aviation fuel commercially viable.

Mohammad Al-Khuraisi, vice president of strategy and business intelligence at the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the agency’s participation in the Bahrain International Airshow highlights his country’s achievements in aviation, showcases the key pillars of the Kingdom’s aviation strategy, and presents future investment opportunities.

Ali Rajab, GACA’s executive vice president of Air Transport and International Cooperation, said the authority’s presence at the event underscores new regulations aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the aviation sector.

Rajab added that the Saudi aviation strategy, which targets $100 billion in investment and aims to increase annual passenger numbers to 330 million, serves as the foundation for these advancements.

Defense forums showcased advancements in combat technology, including autonomous systems, AI-driven cybersecurity, and electronic warfare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Aviation milestones

Bahrain International Airport was recognized as the world’s first to receive the International Air Transport Association’s Environmental Assessment Certification, aligning with the kingdom’s broader sustainability goals.

Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency also announced an initiative to train 100 students in satellite image analysis and space science, part of its STEM-focused educational efforts.

Growing reputation

At a press conference, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed, chairman of the airshow’s supreme organizing committee, expressed pride in its success in attracting leading global companies and organizations.

“This is by far the most successful international airshow hosted in Bahrain in terms of connectivity, engagement, and diversity,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

He added: “Bahrain is a strategic hub for the aviation industry, and this year, we are celebrating 75 years of aviation. Bahrain has consistently played a pivotal role in fostering regional growth and innovation.”

The chairman said the numerous agreements and deals signed during the event reflect Bahrain’s growing global stature, with the strong turnout of exhibitors, participants, and visitors further cementing the kingdom’s reputation as a hub for excellence and innovation.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing success in hosting major international events, positioning it as a preferred destination for business and innovation.

“This year’s edition of the airshow has already welcomed 40,000 international and regional aerospace professionals, delegates, and visitors, with expectations to surpass 55,000 by the end of the day.”

He also said that the airshow is a key driver for the aviation sector, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for technological advancement and creative growth.

With 177 organizations participating and 80 percent of exhibitors being international, the biennial event underscored Bahrain’s commitment to its Economic Vision 2030 by fostering investment, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.