عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi Arabia and China Sign MoUs

Saudi Crown Prince and China’s Vice Premier (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and China’s Vice Premier (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia and China Sign MoUs

Saudi Crown Prince and China’s Vice Premier (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and China’s Vice Premier (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Thursday with China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli at al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

The Crown Prince welcomed the Vice Premier of the State Council of the Republic of China and his accompanying delegation's visit to the Kingdom, wishing them a good stay.

For his part, the Chinese official expressed his joy to visit the Kingdom and hold meetings with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince.

The two officials chaired a meeting of the Saudi-Chinese High-level Joint Committee during which they discussed bilateral cooperation concerning political, security, commercial, energy, investment, cultural and technical fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments at the international level and the efforts of each country towards them.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a partnership project for the development of desalination projects using high-temperature and gas-chilled reactors in the Kingdom, was co-signed by Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Company for Development and Technical Investment Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed and Deputy Director General of the Chinese Nuclear Engineering Company Zu Bin.

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khaled al-Falih and Chinese Vice-Chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission Ning Ji-Cha co-signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint investment fund.

Another MoU on media cooperation between Saudi and Chinese media authorities was co-signed by Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Awwad al-Awwad and Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Li Hwa Chin.

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Geological Survey signed an MoU to further strengthen cooperation between the two sides in exploring and assessing the sources of uranium and thorium. It was co-signed by Chairman of the Geological Survey Department Zuhair Nawab and General Director of China's National Nuclear Industry Corporation (CNNC) Chiang Chi Min.

The five-year plan for joint action for the mechanism of enhancing cooperation and mutual commercial visits between the Ministry of Commerce and Investment of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Trade of the Peoples' Republic of China was co-signed by acting Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Abdulrahman al-Harbi and Deputy Minister of Trade Fotsi Ying.

Chairman of the board of SADCO and Vice President of Saudi Aramco Yasser Mufti, CEO of the Royal Commission for Jubal and Yanbu Alaa Naseef, and chairman of the board of Gwangin for Developing International Investments Company Ltd Chang Lin Chang signed a memorandum on the establishment of Saudi Silk Road company for industrial services to encourage investment in Jazan.

A memorandum of understanding was co-signed between China Posts and Saudi Post corporation by Acting President of Saudi Post Osama Altaf and China's Ambassador to the Kingdom Li Hwa Chin.

A memorandum of understanding was agreed upon between Petro Rabiah Refinery and Taida company for strategic cooperation on developing and administering industrial areas. It was co-signed by Vice-President of Petro Rabigh Refinery Company for Industrial Relations Bassam Bukhari and the Director General of Taida Company for Industrial Parks Guanchoya Bin.

The signing ceremony was attended by minister of commerce and investment Majed al-Gasbi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir, Minister of Finance Mohammed al-Jadaan, Counselor at the Secretariat General of the Cabinet Ahmed al-Khateb, Counselor at the Secretariat General of the Cabinet Yasser al-Ramyan, Deputy Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Salem, Assistant Minister of Defense Mohammed al-Ayesh, Turki Al-Madhi, Saudi Ambassador to China, and a number of officials.

The official delegation accompanying the Chinese senior official was also present at the event.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

US Affirms Partnership with Riyadh is at its Strongest Level

Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

US Affirms Partnership with Riyadh is at its Strongest Level

Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)

US Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, Alison Dilworth, said Sunday that the World Defense Show currently being held in Riyadh reflects the strongest manifestation of the bilateral partnership between the United States and the Kingdom, affirming that relations between the two countries “have never been stronger than they are today.”

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the Show, Dilworth said the strong US participation in the exhibition clearly demonstrates the strength of cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. She pointed out that the partnership has witnessed sustained and strengthening growth in recent years.

Dilworth added that the Show brings together major global names in defense and aviation, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, alongside small and medium-sized US companies working in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced defense systems, reflecting the diversity of American participation and the broad scope of technical and industrial cooperation.

She highlighted that US companies aim to grow with Saudi partners, supporting the Kingdom’s security and prosperity in line with Vision 2030.

On the Saudi-US political momentum that has strengthened bilateral relations in recent years, Dilworth said that 2025 saw what she described as a “historic” visit by US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom, followed by a visit by the Saudi Crown Prince to Washington in November.

The two visits resulted in the signing of 23 agreements which she described as “pivotal achievements” in the trajectory of US-Saudi cooperation.

Regarding the military displays at the exhibition, the diplomat highlighted that the F-35 and the scheduled aerial demonstrations underscore the US commitment as a long-term partner to Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 

Gulf

World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
TT
TT

World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated in Riyadh the third edition of the World Defense Show, organized by GAMI until February 12.

At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, the Defense Minister launched on Sunday SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, SAMI Land Industrial Complex, and the HEET Program.

He also unveiled the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN), the group's flagship supply chain program.

Prince Khalid and his South Korean counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development.

The agreement focuses on defense research, development, and innovation in advanced military technologies and systems.

The Saudi Defense Minister also signed three defense cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.

Furthermore, the National Industrial Development Center signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localizing the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.

Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom. They will study the creation of an engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and repair, alongside a supporting logistics network.

The agreement also covers technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers to invest in Saudi Arabia, and developing Saudi talent through educational and training partnerships with domestic institutions. It includes coordination with relevant authorities to examine procurement options, support the shift toward exports, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms to enhance project readiness and competitiveness.

GE Aerospace and the Middle East Propulsion Company Ltd. (MEPC) announced signing three new agreements to enhance operational readiness for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F110 fleet and build in-country capabilities.

Leveraging their decade-old partnership, are focused on the RSAF’s F110-129 engines and will also support F110-129 customers across the broader region.

These agreements represent Phase 3 of a long-term initiative, building on the success of similar Phase 1 and 2 agreements, which saw GE Aerospace providing repair and overhaul services support to MEPC.

The agreements seek to ensure sustained material supply and comprehensive maintenance and repair services support for the RSAF F110 Engine Structural Integrity Program (ENSIP).

They highlight the shared vision of both companies to advance the safety, efficiency, and operational excellence of defense aircraft in the wider Middle East.

MEPC Managing Director Mohammed Alnawkhani said: “These agreements represent the next phase of our strategic partnership with GE Aerospace and a major step forward in enhancing readiness for the RSAF F110 fleet.”

“Together, we are expanding in-Kingdom F110-129 sustainment capabilities, ensuring long-term material availability, and delivering the high standards of safety and performance required by our customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”

“This milestone also strengthens localization efforts in support of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to national industrial development and building sovereign aerospace sustainment capabilities,” he added.

Salim Mousallam, Vice President, Defense & Systems for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at GE Aerospace said that the enduring partnership with MEPC is a testament to the company’s shared vision of enhancing in-country capabilities and ensuring peak operational readiness through maximized availability for its customers.

“These agreements will significantly increase engine availability, streamline MRO processes, and directly support the RSAF’s critical missions. As a trusted partner to the Kingdom, we are proud to provide high-quality services to MEPC, reducing maintenance burden and service disruptions for their mission-critical F110 fleet,” he said.

Under the F110-129 Material Support Agreement, GE Aerospace will provide essential ENSIP Kits (F110-129 parts) to support MEPC in performing the necessary overhaul of RSAF F110-129 engines within the Kingdom.

The F110-129 repair and overhaul agreement further solidifies the provision of comprehensive repair and overhaul services specifically for the Royal Saudi Air Force fleet. GE Aerospace also signed a new F110-129 services agreement to extend critical repair and overhaul capabilities to support other F110 customers across the region.

Gulf

Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
TT
TT

Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.