Saudi Transport Ministry Signs First-Time Performance Contracts

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Transport Ministry Signs First-Time Performance Contracts

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser speaking during the signing of the first performance contracts by government agencies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Transport Ministry has signed 62 performance contracts for road maintenance projects with several private sector companies. The projects will cover all regions of the Kingdom.

This is the first time performance contracts are being implemented by government agencies in the Kingdom.

Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser said that the contracts aim to raise the efficiency of the Kingdom’s road network and enhance quality and safety levels.

Al-Jasser said that the signing of performance contracts represents a stage of transformation and transition from the traditional methodology of operation and maintenance of the road network.

The new methodology in asset management relies on measuring performance indicators and meeting the needs of road users, added Al-Jasser.

Indicators that measure outputs of basic elements include quality, safety, and the degree of user satisfaction. These measurements will be used in evaluating and following up the performance of contractors.

This will strengthen governance programs, promote transparency, achieve spending efficiency, raise the quality and services index. It will also ensure implementing projects using the latest specialized global technology, added Al-Jasser.

All this falls under the goals of the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), which is a part of Saudi Arabia’s plan for national transformation, Vision 2030.

Al-Jasser indicated that the signing of performance contracts unlocked a new phase that accompanied the increase in major projects and the comprehensive renaissance taking place in the Kingdom.

According to the minister, Saudi Arabia is a global hub for transportation, trade, and economy.

Al-Jasser noted that the Transport Ministry is the first government agency to sign performance contracts for the maintenance of the Kingdom’s roads.

He affirmed that the ministry would continue to expand its partnership with the private sector, enhance quality rates and implement the highest safety and security standards.



Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East and efforts to de-escalate tensions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

During a phone call, the two sides reviewed a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern, with particular focus on the latest developments related to Israeli military operations targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to promote de-escalation and enhance regional security and stability, SPA reported.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the commitment of the GCC member states to supporting international and UN-led efforts, as reflected in the statement issued following the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council on regional developments.

The council underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to preserve regional security and stability. It also called on all parties to work collaboratively to de-escalate tensions, prioritize diplomacy as a constructive means of resolving conflicts, and exercise maximum restraint to shield the region and its people from the dangers of war.

For his part, Guterres praised the GCC’s positive role in supporting de-escalation efforts and promoting regional security. He emphasized the United Nations’ desire to strengthen cooperation with the GCC across various areas of shared priority.

Also, Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas during a phone call.

During their talks, they discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and international efforts to advance the peace process, in addition to exchanging views on ways to elevate regional and international coordination to foster security and stability in the region.

Both officials stressed the need to move forward in supporting de-escalation efforts in the region to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world.