Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday, during which they held official talks and reviewed close bilateral relations, discussed prospects for cooperation, and explored ways to develop relations in various fields.
"Both sides commended the positive outcomes of their reciprocal fraternal visits, which have contributed to enhancing the level of cooperation between the two countries," read a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Qatari Emir's visit.
"In an atmosphere of cordiality, fraternity, and mutual trust, the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council was held during the visit, co-chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and the Amir of Qatar, with the council members in attendance. The two chairmen reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations, commended the achievements made within the framework of the council, and emphasized the importance of continuing to support and develop joint coordination in priority areas, including political, security, military, energy, industrial, economic, investment, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture, tourism, and education," the statement noted.
Both sides commended the strength of economic ties and the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which reached $930.3 million in 2024 (excluding re-exported goods), marking a substantial 634% increase compared to 2021.
They also stressed the importance of strengthening joint efforts to diversify and increase trade, facilitate its flow, overcome any challenges, and capitalize on available opportunities in priority sectors within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, SPA reported.
According to the statement, the two sides stressed the need to transform these opportunities into tangible partnerships that support the concept of economic and trade integration. They also welcomed sustainable bilateral investment cooperation through partnerships between investment funds and companies, emphasizing the importance of intensifying reciprocal visits between officials and holding investment meetings and business forums.
"The leaders stressed the importance of enhancing the reliability and stability of global energy markets and ensuring the security of supplies for all energy sources globally, serving the interests of both producers and consumers and supporting global economic growth. They expressed their desire to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and to develop mutually beneficial projects," the statement said.
They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in developing and sustaining energy supply chains and enabling collaboration between companies to maximize the utilization of local resources in both countries. Furthermore, they agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on climate policies within international agreements and regional and international bodies, working to ensure that these policies focus on emissions rather than sources, according to SPA.
The two sides also agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in the digital economy and innovation; industry and mining; accelerating joint efforts on industrial integration; youth, sports, and cultural programs and activities; education, including establishing joint high-quality academic programs; media, including raising the level of credibility of media content, joint media production, and media coverage of events; cybersecurity; and health.
On the defense and security front, both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening and developing the defense partnership, coordinating positions in confronting regional challenges, and enhancing security and stability at the regional and international levels.
They commended the existing level of security cooperation and coordination in all security fields, including the exchange of expertise, information in passenger security, holding training courses, participation in cybersecurity conferences, border security, combating drugs, extremism, terrorism and their financing, and combating crime in all its forms. They expressed their commitment to strengthening this cooperation to achieve security and stability in both brotherly countries.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the agreement for the high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting Riyadh and Doha, passing through Dammam and Hofuf. They emphasized the project's status as a major strategic initiative, aligning with the goals of both Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. This railway connection is anticipated to significantly facilitate tourism and trade, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
The two sides also welcomed the signing of several other agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit. These covered key areas including rail transport, investment promotion, food security, media, and cooperation in the non-profit sector.
On the international front, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Saudi side commended Qatar’s recent ratification of the Global Water Organization charter, recognizing its aim to strengthen global efforts to address water challenges and find comprehensive solutions.
According to SPA, at the conclusion of the visit, Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to the Crown Prince for the warm reception and generous hospitality. The Crown Prince reciprocated, conveying best wishes for the continued health of the Amir and for the further progress and prosperity of the Qatari people."
Later in the day, the Saudi Crown Prince bid farewell to Sheikh Tamim as he departed Riyadh.
