Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Russia’s Putin discuss OPEC+

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2019. (Kremlin via Reuters)
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Updated 15 February 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Russia’s Putin discuss OPEC+

  • They also discussed combatting the spread of COVID-19 and regional issues
  • Riyadh and Moscow are marking 95 years of diplomatic relations in February

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to continue coordinating to support the stability of oil markets and the growth of the global economy, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
This came during a phone call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they also discussed the OPEC+ agreements.
They said they would continue close coordination between Russia and Saudi Arabia “in the interests of maintaining stability in the world energy market,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
The two sides also discussed developments in bilateral relations, particularly since Riyadh and Moscow will mark the 95th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this month.
The crown prince and Putin said they wanted to strengthen trade, and economic and investment cooperation.
The pair also discussed combatting the spread of COVID-19 and the possibility of using the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in the Kingdom.
They also discussed a number of regional and international developments, including the situation in Syria and issues related to the Arabian Gulf.


Saudi Arabia advances education investment through new partnerships

Updated 5 sec ago
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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.”