Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU to Develop Digital Economy

 Saudi Arabia and Oman signed an agreement for cooperation in the digital economy on Wednesday in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Saudi Arabia and Oman signed an agreement for cooperation in the digital economy on Wednesday in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU to Develop Digital Economy

 Saudi Arabia and Oman signed an agreement for cooperation in the digital economy on Wednesday in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Saudi Arabia and Oman signed an agreement for cooperation in the digital economy on Wednesday in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat).

Saudi Arabia and Oman signed on Wednesday an Agreement of Understanding in the field of digital economy and a cooperation agreement to launch a joint initiative for digital skills.

This came during a meeting in Riyadh between the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, and an Omani delegation, headed by Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al-Maawali, and the Sultanate of Oman’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Faisal bin Turki Al Said.

The meeting discussed enhancing aspects of cooperation between the two sides in the digital economy, e-government, cyber-security, mail and innovation.

The MoU will enhance communication between the two sides on the exchange of information in the field of communications and information technology, as well as strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including government digital transformation, the development of communications infrastructure, capacity building and training, and joint investment in the postal sector.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology and his Omani counterpart launched the Saudi-Omani Digital Skills Initiative, which aims to exchange best practices and experiences, and implement joint programs and initiatives, in addition to developing digital skills to meet the requirements of the labor market in the sector communications and information technology to keep pace with the accelerating digital revolution, and contribute to increasing job opportunities.

The initiative, which aims to qualify 1,000 trainees by 20252, includes several training programs on data and artificial intelligence, software design and development, cyber security, financial technologies, technical project management, digital marketing, and user experience.

The Omani side will cooperate in raising digital awareness through the dissemination of educational digital content and the provision of technical training courses online through the Digital Giving Webinar, targeting by 2025 to reach 25,000 beneficiaries.



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.