RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman held wide-ranging talks with Argentine Vice President Gabriela Michetti on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues here Sunday.
The two leaders, while discussing ways and means to boost bilateral links, reviewed the relations between the Kingdom and Argentina in different sectors.
“The talks with top Saudi officials focused on several commercial and political issues of common interest, which will go a long way in cementing ties” said Argentine Ambassador Jaime Sergio Cerda, while speaking about the talks of Michetti during her stay in the Saudi capital. Her talks with the king were attended by several members of the royal family, ministers and high-ranking Saudi officials.
Prominent among them were Prince Faisal bin Bandar, governor of Riyadh region; Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, minister of the National Guard; Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, minister of state and cabinet member; Ibrahim Al-Assaf; finance minister; Abdul Rahman Al-Fadli, minister of water, environment and agriculture; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar bin Obaid Madani.
Referring to the visit of the Argentine vice president and her meetings with Saudi officials, the diplomat said that Michetti will also hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, minister of interior, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, minister of defense.
“She is also scheduled to pay a visit to the Riyadh-based King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE),” he added. The visit of Argentine vice president to KACARE is significant in view of the fact that Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear energy cooperation deal with nuclear desalination specialists in Argentina in 2011. Argentina’s Atomic Energy Commission and technology firm INVAP have a simplified pressurized water reactor design for small-scale electricity generation and water desalination, suitable for the Kingdom.
On the other hand, state-owned R&D companies from Argentina and Saudi Arabia have set up a joint venture company, Invania, to develop nuclear technology for the Kingdom’s nuclear power program. Invania has been established under the nuclear cooperation agreement. According to INVAP, the joint venture aims to leverage Argentina’s nuclear experience and capabilities to help Saudi Arabia implement its own nuclear power program.
On trade and investment fronts, the two countries have forged closer ties. A major Saudi company, Al-Marai, has acquired land in Argentina for $87 million for the production of alfalfa to feed dairy cows in the Kingdom.
Two-way trade between the Kingdom and Argentina exceeds $1 billion annually. The South American country exports large quantities of frozen chicken, fruits, vegetables, corn, among others. Its imports include petrochemicals.
King Salman holds talks with Argentine VP
King Salman holds talks with Argentine VP
Saudi Arabia advances education investment through new partnerships
- Riyadh forum sees 12 agreements signed to enhance infrastructure, innovation, capacity building, and public-private collaboration
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan inaugurated the second Education and Training Investment Forum in Riyadh.
The two-day event, which concluded on Monday, was attended by leaders, decision-makers, investors, and experts.
The forum focused on transforming the education sector into a key economic driver, aligned with the Human Capability Development Program and Saudi Vision 2030.
In his speech, Al-Benyan highlighted the support of the Kingdom’s leadership, enabling the ministry to foster partnerships with the private and nonprofit sectors.
This includes launching an investor guide to facilitate foreign investment in education through legislative frameworks ensuring secure returns.
During the forum, 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the education ecosystem and various entities, focusing on education investment, training development, capacity building, and innovation.
These agreements aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and improve educational outcomes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The minister also honored outstanding students who excelled in international competitions, including the 2025 WorldSkills Asia and the Seoul International Invention Fair, recognizing their contributions to excellence and innovation.
The forum featured over 1,500 participants, including government leaders, educational institutions, and investors, and included panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops on investment strategies in education and successful public-private partnerships.
On the sidelines of the forum, New Murabba, a Public Investment Fund company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Tatweer Buildings Co., a subsidiary of Tatweer Education Holding Co.
The MoU establishes an exploratory collaboration to strengthen educational infrastructure and support community development in downtown Riyadh, the SPA added.
Under the agreement, New Murabba and Tatweer Buildings Co. will share expertise, form strategic partnerships, and co-develop programs to enhance the design, development, and operation of educational and community-focused projects.
The MoU also emphasizes incorporating global best practices in the design and operation of educational spaces, the SPA reported.
Both parties are committed to promoting sustainability by exploring eco-friendly solutions for future facilities and projects.
The collaboration will also provide consultancy and thought leadership to improve the quality and impact of educational initiatives.
The agreement includes exploring economic feasibility studies, supporting innovative public-private partnerships, and driving long-term, high-impact investments in the sector.
Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, said: “This partnership with Tatweer Buildings Co. reflects our shared vision for shaping world-class educational and community spaces. Together, we aim to deliver projects that are purpose-driven, sustainable, and aligned with Saudi Arabia’s future ambitions.”
