RIYADH: Commerce and Investment Minister Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi said on Monday that Saudi-Iraqi relations are entering a new era with an ambitious program.
He said the leaders of the two countries are working to establish an ambitious phase of unlimited trade, economic and investment activities, especially with the launch of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, which is the cornerstone of the medium- and long-term businesses and planning programs.
The minister’s remarks follow the council’s maiden session that took place in Riyadh on Sunday in the presence of King Salman and Iraqi Premier Haider Al-Abadi during the visit of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
He said that the bilateral meetings between the leaders of the two countries contributed to shaping trade relations in the next phase by opening all channels of cooperation to serve the interests of the two countries.
Al-Qassabi recalled that the bilateral trade volume between the Kingdom and Iraq reached SR23 billion ($6.13 billion) over the last 10 years (2006 to 2016. The trade balance was in favor of the Kingdom.
The volume of trade exchange during 2016 reached SR2.23 billion, which includes exports worth SR2.2 billion to Iraq and SR24 million in imports from Iraq to the Kingdom.
Crude oil and relevant products, fruit juices, fruits, vegetables and cheese topped the list of key Saudi goods exported to Iraq in 2016, while the list of imported goods from Iraq included aluminum sheets and transport containers.
Following a recent Cabinet decision, the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council was set up under the joint chairmanship of Al-Qassabi from the Saudi side, and Dr. Salman Al-Jumaili, minister of planning and acting minister of trade, from the Iraqi side.
It was geared toward illustrating Saudi Arabia’s desire to improve relations and to enhance the trade opportunities under joint cooperation.
In August, Al-Qassabi headed a high-level delegation of government officials and businessmen to Baghdad to develop and deepen strategic and economic relations between both sides, as well as to discuss and review promising investment opportunities.
Besides trade and investment opportunities, the two parties also concentrated on other sectors such as industry, agriculture, education, health and others.
Saudi commerce minister upbeat on Saudi-Iraq trade boost
Saudi commerce minister upbeat on Saudi-Iraq trade boost
Saudi Arabia continues Makkah Route Initiative
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative, implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, continues to streamline pilgrims’ journeys from international airports in their own countries, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, set up to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom, involves close cooperation between the ministry and various partner agencies.
Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, it involves a dedicated team to receive the travelers and includes special buses to transport them safely and comfortably on their journey through Makkah and Madinah.
Services include biometrics, Hajj visas and electronic luggage coding.
18 health centers in Madinah to serve Hajj pilgrims
MADINAH: Madinah’s health department has prepared 18 hospitals and medical centers for this year’s Hajj.
The facilities have over 20,000 staff members, advanced medical equipment, laboratories, blood banks, vaccines, and emergency care services, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
‘No Hajj without a permit,’ campaign launches in Makkah
- Initiative part of ‘Hajj is Worship and Civilized Behavior’ project
JEDDAH: Makkah region has launched a “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign to prevent overcrowding and other problems during the pilgrimage later this year, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
At the launch in the presence of several royals and officials, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah and vice chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, warned that action would be taken against those who violate the law.
The permit initiative is a part of the “Hajj is Worship and Civilized Behavior” campaign launched by Prince Khalid bin Faisal, advisor to King Salman and Makkah governor.
Prince Saud said that adhering to the law would ensure a safe Hajj for pilgrims.
There is coordination taking place with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other government agencies to enforce the law.
Saudi foreign ministry signs pact to bolster humanitarian law
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law in the Kingdom signed a pact on Monday to enhance cooperation.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Waleed El-Khereiji inked the agreement with the committee’s Chairman Jalal Al-Owaisi.
The pact “aims to support joint efforts, encourage expertise exchange in humanitarian international law and spread its culture,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief carries out cardiac surgery, catheterization in Yemen
- Medical workers performed 166 catheterization procedures and 25 open-heart operations
RIYADH: Volunteer medical staffers of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief have been carrying out cardiac surgery and catheterization for children and adults at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden, Yemen.
The project began on May 4 and ends May 15, with 25 volunteers working with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.
The medical workers performed 166 catheterization procedures and 25 open-heart operations.
The assistance is a part of KSrelief’s worldwide relief and humanitarian projects.
