RIYADH: The eighth meeting of the Saudi-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council in the United States kicked off on Sunday in Washington DC.
The Saudi delegation was led by the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), and it included 20 government entities.
The council's goal is to monitor trade and investment relations in order to identify opportunities for expansion, work on removing trade and investment barriers, improve a promising trade and investment environment, and foster economic development between the two countries.
The council tackles bilateral trade and investment issues, promotes market access, protects and enforces intellectual property rights, manages data and e-commerce, builds capacity, and reviews trade and investment policies.
The Saudi delegation is scheduled to attend several meetings and workshops on the sidelines of the meeting, which will last until Friday.
These include a workshop titled "Trade Opportunities between the Middle East and the United States," which will be attended by US ambassadors in Gulf countries, and the opening session of the Select USA Investment Summit, which will be chaired by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
The delegation will also participate in the fifth GCC-US Trade and Investment Dialogue Forum, a panel discussion titled "Saudi Investment in Technology," the US-Saudi Forum titled "Investing in Our Shared Future," the GCC-US Roundtable, and the Saudi-US Roundtable, all of which will include private sector participation from both sides.
The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and the US in 2023 was approximately $34 billion, with mineral products and fertilizers being the most significant Saudi exports to the US, while machinery, mechanical appliances and spare parts, and automobiles and spare parts were the top US imports.
8th Saudi-US Trade and Investment Council Meeting held in Washington
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8th Saudi-US Trade and Investment Council Meeting held in Washington
- Council tackles bilateral trade and investment issues, promotes market access
Saudi FM discusses international issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo and the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy Jorge Montero in Riyadh on Thursday.
During the meeting, Saudi-Peruvian relations, aspects of joint cooperation in various fields, and a number of international issues of common interest were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Cameroon joins Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition
- Cameroon becomes 43rd member state of the Saudi-led coalition
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition announced that Cameroon has officially joined, becoming the 43rd member state of the coalition, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The step underscores a growing commitment to combating terrorism and fostering regional and international security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The announcement was made during an official ceremony at the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh, where the flag of Cameroon was raised alongside the flags of the 42 member states; a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
The event was attended by Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, acting secretary-general of the IMCTC, Iya Tidjani, Cameroon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the Cameroonian representative to the coalition, a delegation from Cameroon’s embassy, and representatives of member states.
Al-Moghedi welcomed Cameroon’s admission to the coalition, describing it as a significant step that strengthens joint efforts to combat terrorism and enhances coordination and integration in the intellectual, media, financial, and military fields.
Makkah Municipality approves 3,149 housing permits for Hajj
- This step comes as part of the ongoing efforts to provide pilgrims with a safe and comfortable housing environment
MAKKAH: Makkah Municipality approved 3,149 official housing permits for this year’s Hajj season, following the completion of all required technical and regulatory conditions.
This step comes as part of the ongoing efforts to provide pilgrims with a safe and comfortable housing environment.
The municipality said that the main technical and regulatory requirements include: ensuring compliance with building permits and approved architectural plans; reviewing safety reports, emergency staircases and generators; verifying maintenance contracts and training workers on safety standards; reviewing and approving the establishment’s records and ensuring their consistency with aerial photographs; and fully complying with safety forms among others.
Makkah officials continue efforts to ensure the highest degrees of technical and regulatory readiness to provide the best possible experience during this year’s pilgrimage.
6,000 Qur’an copies distributed at Tunisia Book Fair
- At the Kingdom’s pavilion, visitors can browse an extensive collection from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, including translations of Qur'anic meanings and editions in different narrations and formats
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has distributed more than 6,000 copies of the Qur’an to visitors at the 39th Tunisia International Book Fair.
The distribution began when the fair started on April 25, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The fair will run until May 4.
At the Kingdom’s pavilion, visitors can browse an extensive collection from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, including translations of Qur'anic meanings and editions in different narrations and formats.
Visitors to the pavilion can also experience a range of interactive electronic applications that provide educational content and religious services.
Among the highlights are a 3D Hajj and Umrah application, a correct citation application, and virtual reality experiences that offer immersive tours of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
The ministry’s participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serve the Qur’an and support Islam and Muslims worldwide.
Saudi Arabia to take part at Athens defense expo
- Participating countries and international companies will showcase their latest systems in land, naval, and aerial defense, as well as cybersecurity
RIYADH: The Saudi pavilion, organzied by The General Authority for Military Industries, is participating at the Athens International Defense and Security Exhibition, which will take place at the Metropolitan Expo center at Athens International Airport from May 6-8.
Participating countries and international companies will showcase their latest systems in land, naval, and aerial defense, as well as cybersecurity.
The Saudi pavilion will feature the participation of both the General Authority for Defense Development and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Co.
It will showcase the Kingdom’s significant achievements, programs, and initiatives in the defense industry, along with the latest advanced defense technologies and systems that reflect the high level of development in the national military industries.
Additionally, the pavilion highlights the policies and regulations adopted by GAMI to support both local and international investors, while promoting the promising investment environment in the Kingdom’s defense sector.
DEFEA is sponsored by the Greek Ministry of Defense and hosts over 346 exhibitors from 28 countries, attracting more than 23,000 visitors.
GAMI’s organization of the pavilion reflects its efforts to work in an integrated manner with the beneficiary and supporting government agencies.
It also demonstrates GAMI’s strong commitment to enabling national companies and enhancing partnerships with major international companies in the military industries sector.
