Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

Mohammed Al-Jadaan at the meetings, organized by the Arab Monetary Fund, in cooperation with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. X/@MAAljadaan
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Updated 10 April 2025
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Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening joint Arab financial cooperation, with a leading minister emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for regional bodies.

At the annual meetings of the joint Arab financial institutions held in Kuwait, Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the pivotal role of financial bodies in enhancing regional collaborative efforts.

The Kingdom’s finance minister called for strategic flexibility in their operations to better align with the evolving economic needs of member states amid shifting global economic conditions.

“During these meetings, I affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for these institutions to achieve the common interests of Arab countries while emphasizing the importance of working according to flexible strategic directions that reflect the needs of member states in light of global economic conditions,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister also took part in the 16th meeting of the Arab Finance Ministers Council, where he stressed the importance of assessing the impact of mounting financial, economic, and trade pressures.

He further called for the development of comprehensive frameworks to address these global challenges effectively.

“I highlighted the role of Arab Financial Institutions in providing technical support and developing studies and research to assist Arab countries in confronting these challenges,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister spoke of the crucial contribution of Arab financial institutions in offering technical assistance and spearheading research efforts to support member countries in navigating economic uncertainties.

Al-Jadaan’s involvement in the meetings underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening the voice of emerging markets within influential financial forums.

Under Al-Jadaan’s chairmanship, the International Monetary and Financial Committee has prioritized amplifying the perspectives of developing economies, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering inclusive global financial stability.

The establishment of the first joint Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council in December exemplifies the region’s efforts to bolster economic ties and facilitate investment opportunities.

This initiative aims to enhance trade relations and economic integration between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, aligning with broader objectives of regional cooperation. ​

Assistant Governor for Executive Affairs at the Saudi Central Bank Abdulelah Al-Deheem also participated in the joint annual meetings, and posting on X said: “The areas of development, finance, and economic impact were discussed during the meetings. Future plans that contribute to achieving the sustainable development objectives were also reviewed.”


Free trade negotiations between GCC, India mark new phase of partnership, says sec-gen

Updated 24 February 2026
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Free trade negotiations between GCC, India mark new phase of partnership, says sec-gen

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council’s secretary-general affirmed that the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC and India, and the signing of the joint statement, represents a new phase of strategic partnership.

Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said that this contributes to enhancing close cooperation and strengthening economic and trade ties, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

This came during the signing ceremony of the joint statement on launching the free trade agreement negotiations between the Al-Budaiwi and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, which took place in New Delhi, on Tuesday.

During the signing ceremony, Al-Budaiwi said that the Terms of Reference, signed on Feb. 5, provide a comprehensive and clear framework for these negotiations. The two nations agreed to discuss enhancing cooperation in vital strategic areas, including trade in goods, customs procedures, and services.

Additionally, the framework covers Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, intellectual property rights, cooperation on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, along with other topics of mutual interest. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the agreement and its ability to keep pace with the future economy.

Al-Budaiwi expressed hope that these negotiations would lead to a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement that works to remove customs and non-customs barriers, enhance the flow of quality investments in both directions, and achieve further liberalization in trade and investment cooperation between the GCC and India for mutual benefit. 

This would provide a stimulating economic environment and an investment climate that opens broad horizons for the business sector, supports supply chains, and accelerates the pace of economic growth in line with the ambitious developmental visions of the GCC states. 

The top official affirmed the full readiness of the General Secretariat to host the first round of negotiations at its headquarters in Riyadh during the second half of this year.

The two sides held a meeting during which they reviewed the existing cooperation relations between the GCC and India and discussed ways to develop and elevate them to broader horizons, serving mutual interests and enhancing opportunities for strategic partnership between the two sides, particularly in the economic, investment, and trade fields.

They praised the role undertaken by the negotiating teams from both sides, appreciating the efforts contributing to reaching a comprehensive agreement that enhances economic integration and supports the smooth flow of trade between the two nations.