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Saudi Arabia, Germany Eye Broader Cooperation in Energy, Infrastructure

Saudi Pavilion at the Berlin Tourism Fair (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Pavilion at the Berlin Tourism Fair (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia, Germany Eye Broader Cooperation in Energy, Infrastructure

Saudi Pavilion at the Berlin Tourism Fair (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Pavilion at the Berlin Tourism Fair (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Germany are witnessing a growing positive development, strengthened by recurring high-level talks and visits, with Riyadh considered as an important partner for Berlin as a regional power. The Kingdom is Germany’s second-largest trading partner in the Arab world, while Germany is the Kingdom’s fourth-largest supplier.

Florian Rohde, Head of Directorate Economic and Growth Policy at the German Ministry of Finance, told Asharq Al-Awsat that "Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Germany as a regional power. Bilateral relations are increasingly positive and have been further intensified by regular high-level talks and visits."

"Saudi Arabia is Germany's second-largest trading partner in the Arab world after the United Arab Emirates, while Germany is Saudi Arabia's fourth-largest supplier. Within 'Vision 2030' and the goal of restructuring the economy in Saudi Arabia, there are excellent opportunities for further expansion of trade and an increased cooperation in various economic and energy sectors between the two countries," he noted.

Rohde explained that cooperation between the two countries currently rests on a broad economic and investment partnership covering several fields, most notably energy, infrastructure, and renewable energy technologies.

He spoke about his participation in the recent Future Investment Initiative held in Riyadh, affirming that this initiative represents a leading platform for opening new horizons for qualitative and positive investment among nations.

"My participation in the Future Investment Initiative is primarily aimed at fostering dialogue and exploring opportunities for future cooperation with Saudi partners from both the public and private sectors. I see this forum as an excellent platform to exchange ideas on innovation, sustainability and investment priorities. I look forward to discussions that may lay the ground for future cooperation. Investment is the foundation for an economy´s growth and employment. Germany will continue to be an attractive destination for investment and one of the most open economies in the world."

Rohde noted that cooperation between Riyadh and Berlin is based on an extensive economic and investment partnership encompassing various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and renewable energy technologies. He said that the Future Investment Initiative serves as a vital bridge to address current challenges and enhance opportunities for sustainable growth.

Rohde pointed out that in 2024, the volume of trade exchange between the two sides reached $11.3 billion, $9.4 billion of which represented German exports to Saudi Arabia, compared to $1.9 billion in imports.

"In 2024, the value of goods exported from Germany to Saudi Arabia was approximately 9.4 billion US dollars, and the value of goods imported was approximately 1.9 billion US dollars. In times during which the global economy is increasingly under pressure, our economic partnership has proven to be resilient – and is even becoming stronger."

According to Rohde, despite growing pressure on the global economy, the bilateral economic partnership has demonstrated resilience and continues to strengthen year after year.

He also expected Germany’s economy to witness noticeable improvement starting next year, driven by the domestic economy. He revealed that Germany plans to invest 500 billion euros ($574.4 billion) in infrastructure and climate protection over the next 12 years.

"Germany has made important decisions by investing 500 billion euros in infrastructure and climate protection over the forthcoming twelve years. The gross domestic product is expected to rise by 1.3 percent next year (2026) and by 1.4 percent in 2027."

Rohde acknowledged that global developments have affected Germany’s economy due to their impact on markets and increased volatility.

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Business

Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
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Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan stressed Sunday that the world economy is going through a “profound transition,” saying emerging markets and developing economies now account for nearly 60 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power terms and over 70 percent of global growth.

In his opening remarks at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla, the minister said these economies have become an increasingly important driver of global growth with their share of global economy more than doubling since 2010.

“Today, the 10 emerging economies in the G20 alone account for more than half of the world growth. Yet, they face a more complex and fragmented environment, elevated debt levels, slower trade growth and increasing exposure to geopolitical shocks.”

“Unfortunately, more than half of low income countries are either in or at the risk of debt distress. At the same time global trade growth has slowed at around half of what it was pre the pandemic,” Aljadaan added.

The Finance Minister stressed that the Saudi experience over the past decade has reinforced three lessons that may be relevant to the discussions at the two-day conference, which brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics.

“First, macroeconomic stability is not the enemy of growth. It is actually the foundation,” he said.

“Structural reforms deliver results only when institutions deliver. So there is no point of reforming ... if the institutions are unable to deliver,” he stated.

Finally, he said that “international cooperation matters more, not less, in a fragmented world.”

Business

Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Sunday that world growth still lacks pre-pandemic levels, expressing concern as she expected more shocks amid high spending and rising debt levels in many countries.

Georgieva spoke at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla.

The two-day conference brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics to deliberate on policies to global stability, prosperity, and multilateral collaboration.

Georgieva said that the conference was launched last year in recognition of the growing role of emerging market economies in a world of sweeping transformations.

“I came out of this gathering .... With a sense of hope for the pragmatic attitude and determination to pursue good policies and build strong institutions,” she said.

Georgieva stressed that “good policies pay off,” and said that growth rates across emerging economies reached four percent this year, exceeding by a large margin those of advanced economies that are around 1.5 percent.

Business

Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
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Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)

Saudi budget carrier flynas has signed an agreement with the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport to establish a new commercial airline under the name "flynas Syria," with operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Saturday’s agreement comes within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria, as well as the strategic investment agreements between the two countries, coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards, meeting the highest safety and aviation security requirements. All licensing and operational procedures will be completed in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The carrier will be established as a joint venture, with 51% ownership held by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and 49% by flynas.

The new airline will operate flights to several destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This expansion aims to bolster air traffic to and from Syria, enhance regional and international connectivity, and meet growing demand for air travel.

"This step is part of our commitment to supporting high-quality cross-border investments. The aviation sector is a key enabler of economic development, and the establishment of 'flynas Syria' serves as a model for constructive investment cooperation,” said Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.

“This partnership enhances economic integration and market connectivity and supports development goals by advancing air transport infrastructure, ultimately serving the mutual interests of both nations and promoting regional economic stability,” he added.

President of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari also stated that the establishment of flynas Syria represents a strategic step within a comprehensive national vision aimed at rebuilding and developing Syria's civil aviation sector on modern economic and regulatory foundations.

“This will be achieved while balancing safety requirements, operational sustainability, investment stimulation, and passenger services. The partnership reflects the state's orientation toward smart cooperation models with trusted regional partners, ensuring the transfer of expertise, the development of national capabilities, and the enhancement of Syria's air connectivity with regional and international destinations, in line with global best practices in the air transport industry."

flynas Chairman Ayed Al-Jeaid stated that the company continues to pursue strategies aimed at growth and international expansion, describing the agreement as a historic milestone in the company's journey and a promising investment model in partnership with Syria.

flynas CEO Bander Al-mohanna said the step represents a qualitative leap in the company's strategy and financial performance, highlighting the transfer of the company's low-cost aviation experience to the Syrian market to support regional and international air connectivity.

flynas currently operates 23 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Damascus, including two daily direct flights from Riyadh, one daily flight from Jeddah, and two weekly flights from Dammam.

The airline made history on June 5, 2025, by adding the Syrian capital to its network, becoming the first Saudi carrier to resume scheduled flights to Damascus.