RIYADH: The seventh session of the Joint Saudi-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was held via video conferencing on Tuesday.
The session was chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime-Minister of Russia.
Both parties highly valued the historic visit of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to Russia in October 2017 and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Riyadh in October 2019 and the discussions between them.
Prince Abdulaziz reiterated during the session Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s continuous support and follow up to the Commission’s agenda.
The Commission’s constant meetings are a great indicator to the two countries’ commitment to further cooperation and proof of how strong their partnership has become, said a SPA statement on Tuesday.
During the video conference both parties agreed on the second phase of a roadmap to implement a high profile Saudi-Russian strategic cooperation that was earlier signed on Oct. 14, 2019 in Riyadh.
They also agreed on cooperating in 60 areas and setting up 51 opportunities and projects as part of the roadmap.
Saudi-Russian commission agrees next stage of cooperation
https://arab.news/vfexe
Saudi-Russian commission agrees next stage of cooperation
- Prince Abdulaziz reiterated during session Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s continuous support
- Commission’s constant meetings are a great indicator to the two countries’ commitment
Energy ministers discuss Saudi-Japan cooperation
RIYADH: Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto held discussions on cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday.
The officials reviewed current ties and stressed the importance of joint efforts in energy transitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministers welcomed the progress made under the Manar Initiative, which is a Saudi-Japan effort to promote clean energy.
The initiative was launched after former Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
A version of this story originally appeared on Arab News Japan.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief treats hundreds at Aden prosthetics center
- The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has helped to treat 452 Yemenis, who lost limbs because of the ongoing conflict, at the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Aden governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
A total of 1,407 procedures were completed for men, who made up 65 percent of patients, and women at 35 percent.
In addition, 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent residents.
The services included the manufacturing and fitting of prosthetic limbs, as well as physical therapy.
KSrelief continues to provide general and critical care for vulnerable Yemeni people, the SPA reported.
New study documents reptile species in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
- Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve
RIYADH: A groundbreaking scientific study has unveiled the first detailed list of reptile species in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Conducted by the reserve’s development authority, the study was published in the Amphibian & Reptiles Conservation journal.
Researchers identified 31 species — 25 lizards and six snakes — following 1,551 field observations within the reserve. Three species were also newly documented, raising the reserve’s known total to 34.
The research highlighted two endangered species, the Egyptian monitor lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) and the Wolfgangboehmei gecko (Tropicolotes wolfgangboehmei), which both face threats from climate change and human activity, according to the study.
Spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, the study employed tools such as genetic barcoding and highlighted the reserve’s ecological diversity.
Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program and the Saudi Green Initiative, the study is part of efforts to protect endangered species and sustain wildlife in Saudi Arabia. Researchers recommended enhanced monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate environmental challenges.
Saudi aid center provides prosthetic services in Yemen
- Sixty-five percent of the beneficiaries were male and 35 percent were female, while 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent were local residents
RIYADH: Hundreds of Yemenis who lost limbs in the country’s civil war were given services through a Saudi-backed medical center in Aden Governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
With the support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center provided 452 people with various services, including fitting, and rehabbing prosthetic limbs.
Sixty-five percent of the beneficiaries were male and 35 percent were female, while 54 percent were displaced individuals and 46 percent were local residents, the report said.
A key objective of the project is to improve the capabilities of the health sector and alleviate the suffering of Yemenis through the Kingdom’s humanitarian arm, KSrelief.
Gulf Print and Pack expo debuts in Saudi Arabia
- Event aligns with Kingdom’s goal of replacing imports with domestic production
RIYADH: Gulf Print and Pack 2025 debuted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, highlighting the latest technologies, innovations and sustainable solutions from over 150 exhibitors.
The event is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the region’s printing and packaging industries while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Event director Barry Killengrey told Arab News that hosting GPP in Saudi Arabia was a long-standing aspiration for the organizers. He said its expansion was made possible by a partnership with Informa Tahaluf, a company with a local presence.
“The GPP event in Dubai runs every two years, so this was a timely fashion where we could effectively have one event each year,” he said. “So 2025 was a focus on Saudi Arabia, especially as it aligns with the country’s goal to replace imports with domestic production.”
The event seeks to encourage collaboration and innovation within the commercial printing and packaging sectors, particularly in developing markets like Saudi Arabia. Killengrey said it created vast opportunities across the printing and packaging spectrum.
“In such markets, industries are more fluid compared to the highly specialized and consolidated markets in developed regions,” he explained, adding that commercial printers might move into packaging, and packaging converters might also have a commercial print business.
This isn’t just about showcasing technology. It’s about creating opportunities, driving growth and shaping the future of an industry that is vital to the region’s economic development.
Barry Killengrey, Gulf Print and Pack 2025 event director
“These industries are highly entrepreneurial and tend to seize faster-growing opportunities,” he said.
Killengrey also highlighted the crossover between packaging machinery and printing operations.
“For instance, co-packers often print their own packaging materials, and brand owners or specifiers seek events where they can explore a wide range of machinery applications and market opportunities,” he told Arab News.
The next generation was also creating a much better appetite for longevity in printing and sustainability. Whether it was direct mail, menus or advertising, a focus on sustainable products was key, he added, acknowledging the challenges faced by global brands — particularly in the food and beverage industries — to adopt sustainable practices.
Killengrey said the expo addressed these by emphasizing innovation, design, shorter production runs and the use of diverse, environmentally friendly materials.
He added rapid advancements in digital printing and packaging technologies were expected to grow significantly over the next five to 10 years.
The event also features innovations in digital embellishment, automation and pre-and post-press workflows, offering attendees insights into the latest capabilities in flexible packaging, plate-making, cutting machines, folding machines, and corrugation technologies.
Digital technology is a key theme for the event, emphasizing their transformative potential for the industry.
“This isn’t just about showcasing technology,” Killengrey said. “It’s about creating opportunities, driving growth and shaping the future of an industry that is vital to the region’s economic development.”
