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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry said that rumors about the presence of foreign forces at King Fahd Air Base in Taif were false, Al Arabiya reported early on Friday, citing Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki, the ministry’s spokesperson.
RIYADH: The world is facing mounting challenges in the water sector, including rising drought rates that lead to multiple crises represented by a shortage of usable water, the exacerbation of desertification, and the subsequent threat to human life and societies, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Tuesday.
He was speaking while inaugurating the One Water Summit in Riyadh in the presence of several presidents and top officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and several ministers and officials were also present.
The crown prince said the summit was being held in conjunction with the Kingdom hosting the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which aims to reduce land degradation and drought.
He said that the Kingdom had contributed $6 billion in supporting 200 water-related projects in more than 60 developing countries around the world.
The summit is being jointly chaired by Saudi Arabia, France and Kazakhstan, and supported by the World Bank.
It underscores Saudi Arabia’s pioneering international role in confronting water challenges across the world and its commitment to sustainable environmental issues.
The crown prince also confirmed that Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Water Forum 2027, in cooperation with the World Water Council.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, he called on UN member states and international private sector organizations to join the World Water Organization that the Kingdom will establish to develop and integrate efforts to address water challenges.
The crown prince expressed his hope that the efforts of the international community to address water challenges will contribute to achieving the goals to which all aspire.
The Saudi-French Investment Forum in Riyadh, also on Tuesday, marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding and investment agreements worth billions of dollars.
Held to coincide with the state visit of President Macron, the event brought together officials, policymakers, and business leaders from both nations, aiming to align their national visions for a prosperous future.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih welcomed French stakeholders in his opening remarks, emphasizing the strong ties between the two countries.
He praised Macron as a “good friend of the Kingdom, leading a strong delegation.”
Al-Falih highlighted the enduring economic partnership, the breadth of sectors covered, and the presence of French companies in Saudi Arabia.
“Every time there is an event involving Saudi Arabia and France, there is a special magic and attraction,” he said, noting France’s early support for Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030.
Macron highlighted in his remarks opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, mobility, technology, culture, and artificial intelligence, noting the synergy between Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.
He said: “For all the French business people and investors, I want to encourage them to invest more in this country because investing here is investing in the cornerstone of the whole region.”
Tuesday’s forum hosted six panels, featured 50 keynote speakers, and facilitated hundreds of bilateral meetings.
Marc Ferracci, French minister delegate for industry, underscored the forum’s importance in strengthening ties amid Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation. “The Kingdom is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in recent history,” Ferracci said.
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RIYADH: The Saudi-French Investment Forum that took place in Riyadh on Tuesday marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding and investment agreements worth billions of dollars.
Held to coincide with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, the event brought together officials, policymakers, and business leaders from both nations, aiming to align their national visions for a prosperous future.
In his opening remarks, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih welcomed French stakeholders, emphasizing the strong ties between the two countries. He lauded Macron as a “good friend of the Kingdom, leading a strong delegation.”
Al-Falih highlighted the enduring economic partnership, the breadth of sectors covered, and the presence of French companies in Saudi Arabia. “Every time there is an event involving Saudi Arabia and France, there is a special magic and attraction,” he said, noting France’s early support for Riyadh’s bid to host EXPO 2030.
Among the agreements signed were collaborations with French oil giant TotalEnergies and Al Jumeih Energy and Water for the Rabigh 2 solar power plant. Additionally, power purchase agreements for the Al Masa’a and Al Hnakia 2 solar projects involved EDF, SPIC, and the Saudi Power Procurement Company.
Another major deal involved the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and Veolia, focusing on waste management and recycling initiatives in the Kingdom.
In his own remarks at the Forum, Macron highlighted opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, mobility, technology, culture, and artificial intelligence, noting the synergy between Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.
“For all the French business-people and investors, I want to encourage them to invest more in this country because investing here is investing in the cornerstone of the whole region,” he said.
On Monday, Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership aimed at boosting cooperation in defense, energy, and AI.
The partnership aims at “multiplying co-operation and concrete achievements in all areas,” the Elesee Palace said in a statement. It also includes plans to co-host a Summit for Action on AI in Paris in February, according to the Elysee.
Tuesday’s Forum built on a long history of cooperation, highlighted by reciprocal delegations at major events like VivaTech in Paris and Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference. Al-Falih emphasized the shared history, values, and mutual respect underpinning the partnership.
“Saudis love anything French — French design, French furniture, French technology,” he said.
Al-Falih noted that Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council’s fastest-growing economy, achieved 3 billion euros in French investment in 2023. France is the Kingdom’s second-largest foreign investor.
“We are ahead of targets in overall investment, and (France) was a significant part in achieving our targets,” said Al-Falih.
“The value of our trade relations exceeded 10 billion euros last year; and with roughly 3 billion euros of French investment into the Kingdom in 2023, and the nation’s accumulated foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia reached 17 billion euros.”
He added: “We are proud to be hosting in Saudi Arabia close to 500 leading French companies. Significantly, around 30 of these companies have established their regional headquarters here in Riyadh because their target is not just the Saudi market but to use Saudi Arabia as a platform to reach further beyond.
“We stand today as the world is changing so fast in a new era of partnership. There is alignment of our interests and complementarity in our capabilities. And we also have shared worldviews that are lifting this partnership to a new height, culminating in the signing of our strategic partnership.”
Green energy was a central theme, with agreements supporting renewable energy projects and emphasizing sustainability’s role in economic growth. French biopharma leader Sanofi also signed agreements to expand its healthcare projects in Saudi Arabia.
French expertise continues to play a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s development, from Riyadh Metro to the innovative tram systems in AlUla. The historic region, home to Saudi Arabia’s cherished heritage sites, is set to welcome Macron on Wednesday, reflecting ongoing cultural cooperation led by the French Agency for AlUla Development (Afalula).
French experts have been deeply involved with development in the historic region of northwestern Saudi Arabia. “Sharaan” by Jean Nouvel and Villa Hegra by Lacaton and Vassal are just two examples of cultural and heritage cooperation.
Tuesday’s Forum hosted six panels, featuring 50 keynote speakers, and facilitated hundreds of bilateral meetings. Themes included net-zero policies, urbanization, technology, entertainment, and fostering innovation.
French Minister Delegate for Industry Marc Ferracci underscored the Forum’s importance in strengthening ties amid Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation.
“The Kingdom is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in recent history,” Ferracci told the Forum. “And as the second largest investor in the Kingdom, France supports the Kingdom in different sectors.
“Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030 are transformative blueprints designed to tackle the challenges of our time, creating sustainable growth for the future, and the development of smart inclusive cities,” he added.
The objectives of France’s National Vision include achieving carbon neutrality and cooperation on green energy.
Ferracci added that France views Saudi Arabia as a vital partner, emphasizing shared goals of carbon neutrality and innovation. “The forum is a testament to our economic relationship and an opportunity to shape the future of our partnership,” he said.
The French economy is viewed as a gateway, offering access to the wider European market, making it an attractive investment destination.
“The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is not new, rather dates back to centuries not decades,” Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the mayor of Riyadh, told the Forum.
He highlighted historical milestones, including the meeting between Saudi King Faisal and French President Charles de Gaulle in 1967, which marked the debut of stronger ties, evolving through personal contacts and visits at the highest levels.
King Khalid visited France in 1978 and 1981, and King Fahd visited twice when he was crown prince, in 1975 and 1981.
“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents an ambitious roadmap towards a more prosperous and sustainable future,” said Prince Faisal.
“Riyadh, as the capital of the Kingdom, plays a pivotal role in achieving that Vision. The city is undergoing an unprecedented economic developmental transformation. The city today stands as a workshop … the future is greater than what we can imagine.”
Prince Faisal highlighted the examples of King Salman Park, which aspires to be the largest urban park in the world, and New Murrabbaa, which is set to become the world’s largest urban development.
“It’s not our journey alone,” said Prince Faisal. “We invite everyone to join.”
RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron visited the historic At-Turaif district in Diriyah on Tuesday during his official trip to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Hosted by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the visit highlighted the district’s historical significance as the birthplace of the Saudi state and its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Macron and his delegation explored At-Turaif, attended a horse show, and toured the Diriyah Museum, SPA added.
The visit also showcased the growing cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France, which reached a milestone with the signing of nine executive programs aimed at advancing cultural heritage, museums, libraries, and cinema.
Among the agreements, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission partnered with French institutions to enhance site management, restoration, and archaeological research.
The Museums Commission also signed agreements to facilitate exhibition exchanges, provide training programs for professionals, and expand expertise in photography.
In the libraries sector, an agreement with the National Library of France will focus on preserving Islamic and Arabic manuscripts while sharing knowledge on their management.
In the field of cinema, Saudi Arabia’s Film Authority entered a partnership with the French National Center for Cinema and Moving Images to support the development of Saudi talent, preserve cinematic heritage, and encourage joint productions.
RIYADH: The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific opened in Riyadh on Tuesday, under the patronage of Mohammed Al-Jadaan, minister of finance and chairman of the General Organization for Social Insurance.
Organized every three years by the International Social Security Association, the forum addresses future challenges and opportunities in social security.
It aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and facilitate the exchange of experiences in various sectors.
Al-Jadaan said that the Kingdom is a leading model in developing a robust social insurance system, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.
“In recent years, we have launched innovative initiatives and services to enhance social protection and ensure financial and living stability for the community,” he said.
He also highlighted the merger of the Public Pension Agency and the General Organization for Social Insurance to unify systems, streamline policies, and strengthen financial sustainability.
The total assets of the organization, after merging with the PPA, exceed SR1.2 trillion ($319 billion), Al-Jadaan added.
He also pointed to the Citizen Account Program, which supports Saudi families against the economic effects of reforms, with total aid exceeding SR222 billion since its launch.
“Collaboration among government institutions has led to the launch of several digital platforms, enhancing citizen services. This effort positioned the Kingdom fourth globally in the E-Government Development Index, first regionally, and second among G20 nations,” he said.
Al-Jadaan said that Riyadh has become a global hub for gatherings and a leading platform for international cooperation, where key issues are addressed and solutions proposed for today’s challenges.
Mohammed Azman, president of the ISSA, said: “Today we gather in Riyadh, a city steeped in history yet looking boldly to the future. This forum is not just another meeting; it is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, inclusion, and resilience in insurance protection.”
Abdulaziz Alboug, governor of GOSI, said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia supported more than 480,000 employees with $2.5 billion through the SANED program. Additionally, 12 million workers benefit from the Occupational Hazards Branch.
The organization invested in digital infrastructure, completing 130 million electronic operations this year and securing second place in the Digital Experience Maturity Index. The organization prioritizes innovative insurance solutions for citizens, residents, and visitors, he added.
Amr Kurdi, assistant governor for financial sustainability and risk management at GOSI, said that social insurance implements strategies to address challenges and risks in insurance systems. It follows a systematic approach to managing investment funds, with a specialized team ensuring optimal returns to support financial sustainability.
Marwan Al-Ghamdi, assistant governor for strategy and transformation at GOSI, highlighted the opportunity to expand insurance coverage, particularly with the growing number of young workers. He emphasized the continuous evolution of insurance systems to enhance pension efficiency and provide optimal protection for participants and their families, aligning with labor market changes.
Abdulmohsen Al-Khalaf, vice minister of finance, said that social insurance is a vital component of the social protection system, offering financial support to private sector and government employees covered by labor laws, ensuring their insurance protection after service completion.
Ahmed Al-Omran, assistant governor for IT at GOSI, said that artificial intelligence is transforming work processes, recently surpassing doctors in diagnostic accuracy tests. However, AI also contributes to job losses, which the SANED program addresses by supporting the unemployed.
He also said that Saudi Arabia’s centralized database enhances personalized services and helps entrepreneurs provide tailored solutions to clients.
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir met UK Minister for Climate Kerry McCarthy and UK Special Representative on Climate Rachel Kyte at COP16 in Riyadh, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations on the environment, climate and desertification.
They also discussed key topics on the conference agenda.
UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton was among the officials present during the meeting.
