Saudi Industry Minister: Kingdom Aspires to Be Effective Economic Partner in Tunisia

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Industry Minister: Kingdom Aspires to Be Effective Economic Partner in Tunisia

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef stressed on Tuesday that the Kingdom aspires to be an effective economic partner in Tunisia by exploring investment opportunities and sharing them with the private sector, to achieve the objectives of the two countries and boost the level of trade.

Alkhorayef, who headed the Saudi delegation to the 11th Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee meeting held in Tunis, said Saudi Arabia and Tunisia share a religious, cultural and social heritage, forming a solid basis for further boosting political and economic ties.

The minister commended the positive Tunisian stance toward the Kingdom, and its constant support of Saudi Arabia in all forums, and conveyed the gratitude of the Kingdom for Tunisia’s support for Riyadh to host Expo 2030 and for the Kingdom's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Alkhorayef welcomed the signing of seven memoranda of understanding between the two sides, in the fields of industry, tourism, environment, agricultural scientific research, meteorology, climate, water and labor, on the sidelines of the meeting, and said that they reflect the keenness of the two countries to broaden cooperation.

He expressed satisfaction with the Saudi-Tunisian Investment and Partnership Forum that will be held on Wednesday.

Tunisian Minister of Finance and Interim Minister of Economy and Planning Sihem Nemsia expressed pride in hosting this event in Tunisia, saying it is testimony to the deep ties between the two countries.

She expressed keenness to boost cooperation and joint action to achieve the goals of their people and economic, social and cultural prosperity, peace and security in the Arab region.

She stressed that the event will be an opportunity for participants to consult and agree on programs in order to arrive at the best conditions for fruitful cooperation between the two countries, and to boost access to investment opportunities, develop business and exchange expertise, thus upgrading the global value chains and leveraging the advantages offered by the Tunisian and Saudi economies.

She highlighted Saudi Arabia's support for Tunisia's development process, thanks to the wise leaderships of the two countries. The areas of cooperation have diversified to include economic, social and cultural activities, serving as a true example and a reflection of the depth of historical relations.



Maersk Not Returning to the Gulf of Aden for Now

Maersk shipping line Cabo Verde offloads containers within the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) container terminal at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Laban Walloga
Maersk shipping line Cabo Verde offloads containers within the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) container terminal at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Laban Walloga
TT

Maersk Not Returning to the Gulf of Aden for Now

Maersk shipping line Cabo Verde offloads containers within the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) container terminal at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Laban Walloga
Maersk shipping line Cabo Verde offloads containers within the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) container terminal at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Laban Walloga

Maersk will continue to divert vessels away from the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea and toward the southern tip of Africa despite Yemen's Houthis announcing they will curb their attacks on ships, the container shipping giant said on Friday.
The Danish shipping company said the announcement by the Iran-backed militia was "a very welcome step in the right direction towards stability and eventual normality for the global shipping industry".
However, it said the security risk for commercial vessels transition the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait remains high.
"With this in mind – and the safety of our crew, vessels, and your cargo being our utmost priority – Maersk will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term," it said.

Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships since November 2023 and sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers.
They have targeted the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which are joined by the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait, a chokepoint between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.