Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Deepen Cooperation in Joint Efforts

 Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Deepen Cooperation in Joint Efforts

 Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)
Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company (SPA)

The Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council held its third meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

During the meeting, they announced the opening of the first office of the Saudi-Bahraini Company, established in November 2022 between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Bahrain (Mumtalakat), with an investment of $ 5 billion.

The meeting also saw the announcement of the completion of the construction of King Abdullah Medical City Hospital in Bahrain, which is expected to start operations in mid-2024.

Discussions covered joint projects in training, technology, healthcare, and trade. Agreements were signed across various sectors including energy, finance, culture, education, and media.

At the onset of the meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, underscoring the strong historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Saudi Crown Prince expressed commitment to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unity, aiming for stability and prosperity. He also praised the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council’s ongoing efforts, aiming to benefit citizens and meet leadership aspirations.

On his part, Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa highlighted the strong historical bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of meetings like these in boosting strategic partnerships.

He praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts in supporting joint projects that aim to enhance growth in both nations.

The Bahraini Crown Prince also applauded the collaborative initiatives of the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council, aimed at achieving shared goals.

The meeting, attended by dignitaries and ministers from both sides, underlined the close fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The session concluded with plans for the fourth meeting of the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council to take place in Bahrain, with the date to be confirmed through mutual agreement.



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.