Vision 2030: A ‘chance’ to boost Saudi, Indonesia cooperation

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Indonesian Consul General Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin with top officials at the reception held in Jeddah to mark Indonesia’s Independence Day. (Photo/Supplied)
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Indonesian Consul General Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin. (Photo/Supplied)
Updated 29 September 2019
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Vision 2030: A ‘chance’ to boost Saudi, Indonesia cooperation

  • Saudi business groups and owners signed business contracts with their Indonesian counterparts worth $1.5 million

JEDDAH: Indonesian Consul General, Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin, said that the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plans could be an opportunity to develop his country’s “close cooperation” with Saudi Arabia and boost social, cultural and economic sectors between the two nations.
Speaking on a reception held on Tuesday in commemoration of the 74th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day, Saripudin praised mutual cooperation between his country and the Kingdom.
The event, held at the Lazurde Ballroom, Park Hyatt Jeddah, featured Indonesian traditional shows and music performances.
Saripudin said that Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed Indonesia’s readiness to lend support to the Kingdom to achieve the goal of diversifying its economy.
“This was discussed during bilateral talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sideline of the last G20 Summit in Osaka.”
On the economic cooperation level, Saripudin said that their business community is delivering great efforts to promote trade and investment with Saudi Arabia.
“Some 398 Saudi business people joined the delegation of last year’s Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), making it the biggest business group. Of that number, 160 came from the western part of Saudi Arabia. The expo was able to attract more than 33,000 international and domestic visitors from 132 countries,” he said.

“Some 398 Saudi business people joined the delegation of last year’s Trade Expo Indonesia, making it the biggest business group. Of that number, 160 came from the western part of Saudi Arabia.”

Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin, Indonesian consul general

“Saudi business groups and owners signed business contracts with their Indonesian counterparts worth $1.5 million,” he added.
Saripudin said he expected business cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia would continue as “both countries have enjoyed mutual partnership in bilateral trade and therefore it should be developed further.”
He added that he hoped Indonesia and Saudi Arabia could continue working together to achieve another new record on trade transaction at the forthcoming edition of TEI, which will be held between Oct. 16 and 20.
“The positive trend in trade and economic cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia has also been reflected in the increase in our trade volume. From January to June this year, our total trade in oil and gas increased by 0.85 percent — from $1.517 billion in 2018 to $1.529 billion,” Saripudin said.
He hailed the successful efforts during the last Hajj and thanked the Kingdom’s leadership for the “excellent” arrangements.  He said that Indonesia has sent more than 1 million Umrah pilgrims this year.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 6 sec ago
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 7 min 13 sec ago
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 19 min 2 sec ago
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 30 min 58 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 41 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.