RIYADH: Following its establishment, the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council (SICC) issued a statement on Sunday stressing the brotherly bonds between the two countries and peoples.
The council expressed its satisfaction with the state of the oil market following an agreement between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers to cut supply to shore up prices.
The SICC stressed the importance of participants’ full commitment to the agreement until its target is achieved.
“The Council was briefed on the results of the Kingdom’s participation in the Baghdad International Fair, which was a great contribution to economic and trade relations. The Saudi side also noted the level of welcome and hospitality enjoyed by the Saudi delegation from reception to departure,” the statement said, adding that the two sides stressed the need to work together to reduce obstacles and facilitate bilateral trade.
They also agreed to develop private sector partnerships, inform businessmen of trade and investment opportunities, and encourage the exchange of technical and scientific expertise and research.
The Iraqi side thanked the Kingdom for its initiative in studying the implementation of customs ports, which will facilitate bilateral trade.
The two sides reached an agreement on opening border crossings and developing ports, roads and border areas. They also agreed to review an agreement on customs cooperation and study bilateral trade.
The SICC announced the resumption of flights from the Kingdom to Iraq, the opening of a Saudi Consulate there, and the reopening of Saudi chemical manufacturing company SABIC’s office in Iraq.
As part of the promotion of bilateral ties, it was agreed that Saudi Arabia will participate in exhibitions in Iraq, including the Baghdad International Fair, the Basra Oil and Gas Exhibition, and the Business and Investment Forum.
During the SICC’s first meeting, it discussed its priorities for the next two years, implementation of its work and the formation of a working group.
Its second meeting will be held in Iraq’s capital Baghdad in the presence of ministers and senior officials from both countries.
Saudi-Iraqi joint council stresses oil, trade and private sector partnerships
Saudi-Iraqi joint council stresses oil, trade and private sector partnerships
Saudi Cabinet reviews cooperation and agreements with other nations
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs meeting and briefs ministers on his recent meeting with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
- Cooperative efforts includes projects focusing on development and education, political consultations, environmental protection, health, investment and air transport
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers reviewed a number of domestic and international matters during a session in Jeddah on Tuesday chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The crown prince briefed the Cabinet on his recent meeting with the Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which included discussions about regional security and stability, the latest developments in the Middle East, and other topics of importance to the Arab and Islamic world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also shared with ministers the contents of a letter he received from the president of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The council discussed progress in cooperative efforts involving Saudi Arabia and other countries including Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Estonia, Cuba and Kiribati, and approved a number of memorandums of understanding.
The cooperation includes projects focusing on development and education, political consultations, environmental protection, health, investment and air-transport services, the press agency said. Ministers also approved an agreement between the Saudi General Authority for Awqaf and its Omani counterpart relating to endowments.
They reviewed national initiatives, including one for the promotion of charitable work, and the enhancement of humanitarian and developmental efforts across the country.
A merger of the National Competitiveness Center with the Saudi Center for Economic Business to create a combined Saudi Competitiveness and Business Center was authorized.
