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Saudi-Iraq Coordination Council Meets in Riyadh ahead of Kadhimi Visit

The senior Iraqi delegation arrives in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The senior Iraqi delegation arrives in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi-Iraq Coordination Council Meets in Riyadh ahead of Kadhimi Visit

The senior Iraqi delegation arrives in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The senior Iraqi delegation arrives in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi-Iraqi coordination council kicked off on Sunday a series of meetings ahead of the anticipated visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Minister of Trade Dr. Majed al-Qasabi represented Saudi Arabia at the talks, while Finance Minister Ali Abdul Amir Allawi represented Iraq. Discussions focused on efforts to boost bilateral relations in various political, economic and cultural fields, as well as protecting joint interests.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Baghdad Abdulaziz al-Shammari told Asharq Al-Awsat the meetings will greatly help in developing Saudi-Iraqi relations and push them towards increasing coordination and cooperation in different fields.

He added that the council will also discuss investment opportunities in the energy field, revealing that meetings with major companies will be held to that end.

Moreover, the envoy said officials will also address the reopening of the Arar border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

An Iraqi delegation of senior officials had arrived in Riyadh on Sunday afternoon, reported the Saudi Press Agency. It included the ministers of finance and planning, oil, health, electricity and youth and sports, as well as the general secretary of the Iraqi cabinet.

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Gulf

Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.