RIYADH: Czech Republic Ambassador Jiri Slavik hailed Saudi army specialists' track record and recalled fighting alongside Saudi troops during the Gulf War.
Speaking to Arab News on Monday, Slavik said that during the Gulf War, Czech troops took part alongside allies deployed in the Kingdom. Together, they faced the possible risk of exposure to Iraqi chemical weapons, he said.
The envoy said the successful operations of the Czech troops won appreciation from the Saudis and allies, as they were playing a leading role in the fight against chemical warfare on the international frontiers.
“Our common goal is to present our country as a credible and reliable partner, a country with skilled manpower as well as a preferred choice for business and tourism,” he said.
Referring to his country’s national day, the ambassador observed: “This year we celebrate the 97th anniversary of our independence that goes back to 1918. The whole history of the Czech people dates back to the 10th century, nearly 1,000 years ago,” Slavik said, adding, “also this year we also commemorate 700th birth anniversary of Charles IV, the Czech king called the “Father of the Country,” founder of the Charles University in Prague in 1348, the king who influenced the whole European continent.”
“After almost 100 years of its modern history, the Czech Republic has become a modern country in the middle of Europe, a full-fledged member of the EU, NATO and other international organizations.”
He said: “These changes positively influenced relations between the Czech Republic and Saudi Arabia. In 1995, our bilateral diplomatic ties were established and since that time we have found many fields for cooperation.”
The ambassador, referring to the scope for cooperation in various fields, the ambassador said Czech brands are well known in the Kingdom, as industrial products or information technology. Almost everybody in the Kingdom knows Czech spas, Czech rehabilitation centers.
“Other sectors include construction, defense, agriculture (export of food), health and rehabilitation, railway transport, integrated urban transport, education, but we see a lot of opportunities to cooperate in the fields of up-to-date technologies, as nanotechnology, renewable and energy. We will continue to support businesses on both sides and facilitate the B2B meetings either in our country or here in the Kingdom,” he concluded.
“We have a highly qualified Czech staff at Saudi hospitals. We, Czechs, are pleased to welcome Saudi tourists and spa guests to the Czech Republic,” he said.
Czech envoy hails Saudi army specialists
Czech envoy hails Saudi army specialists
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
