25 French Companies Offer Partnership Opportunities with Saudi Arabia in Cyber Security

Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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25 French Companies Offer Partnership Opportunities with Saudi Arabia in Cyber Security

Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Twenty-five French companies specializing in cybersecurity have presented significant partnership opportunities with their Saudi counterparts to help bolster the sector.

French and Saudi officials emphasized the substantial investment prospects in security infrastructure during the Saudi-French Security Day program, which kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday and will continue until Tuesday.

The conference highlighted the potential role Riyadh and Paris can play in creating secure cities for the future, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the Kingdom prepares to host major international events, including the 2027 Asian Games, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Rachid Boulaouine, Director of Business France Saudi Arabia, stated during the event that collaborating with French companies offers a valuable opportunity to meet the complex security needs of large-scale events and major projects in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is investing over $15 billion in the rapidly growing cybersecurity market as part of Vision 2030.

In 2023, France’s cybersecurity sector generated over 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in revenue, with an annual growth rate of 10%, driven by increased investment in advanced technologies and innovative solutions.

Over the three-day conference, discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and fostering partnerships between French companies and key Saudi entities, including King Salman Park, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the General Entertainment Authority, and Qiddiya.



Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
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Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

Türkiye has received an exemption for gas payments to Russia after the United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed in response to a question from Reuters.

The US imposed new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank in November, creating an obstacle for buyers of Russian gas, which had been using the bank to make payments. They have since been seeking clarification and exploring other ways to pay.

Türkiye imports almost all its gas requirement and Russia is the top supplier, providing more than 50% of the country's pipeline imports.

Ankara's pipeline gas imports from Russia stood at 21.1 bcm last year.

Türkiye had requested an exemption in discussions with US officials so that it can continue paying for Russian natural gas imports via Gazprombank.

The US on Thursday also granted a waiver to Hungary, which mainly relies on Russian oil and gas.