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
King Salman Arabic academy launches ‘Ahlan Wa Sahlan’ digital learning platform
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has launched the “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” educational platform, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The digital initiative aims to teach Arabic to both native and non-native speakers through a flexible, interactive learning experience, combining accredited academic content with modern technologies and supporting learners of different levels and goals.
Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, said the platform marks a qualitative step in the digital development of Arabic language education and aligns with the academy’s mission to strengthen Arabic’s presence in modern learning environments.
He added that the project is part of a series of initiatives supported by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and reflects the leadership’s commitment to empowering Arabic locally and globally through trusted digital tools.
Al-Washmi said the platform offers advanced digital solutions for individuals and institutions, with programs designed to meet diverse learning needs and objectives.
It provides integrated language programs across five levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as specialized courses in professional fields such as administration, healthcare and sports.
Learners benefit from flexible self-learning options supported by standardized assessment tools and comprehensive tests, the SPA reported.
“Ahlan Wa Sahlan” features an interactive design with customized content for different learner groups, a multilingual interface supporting five languages and continuous technical support.
Educational institutions are also provided with advanced tools to manage content, organize learners and monitor performance through analytical reports, the SPA added.
The launch is part of the academy’s broader efforts to expand Arabic language education globally through innovative digital solutions, enhancing learning efficiency and strengthening Arabic’s presence in education, culture and digital communication.
The initiative also aligns with the Human Capability Development Program’s goals to build an advanced Arabic digital education ecosystem that combines academic quality with technological innovation.
