The Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, recently concluded a productive visit to Tunisia, signaling a significant step in fortifying bilateral relations. The minister spearheaded the Saudi delegation’s participation in the 11th session of the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee.
While in Tunis, Alkhorayef’s agenda included co-chairing the Saudi-Tunisian Investment and Partnership Forum alongside various high-profile meetings with Tunisian leaders such as President Kais Saied and Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani. Discussions centered on nurturing cooperation and capitalizing on promising opportunities across diverse sectors, with a mutual goal to benefit both nations and strengthen their partnership.
Alkhorayef’s dialogues with the Tunisian leadership delved into key areas of mutual interest, including industry, tourism, and investment, and the conducive environment that entices investors. The minister’s discourse at the joint committee session underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming an integral player in Tunisia’s economic landscape, emphasizing partnership with the private sector to bolster trade exchange and investment prospects.
The visit was marked by the signing of seven memorandums of understanding between Alkhorayef and Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia, Tunisia’s Minister of Finance and Interim Minister of Economy and Planning. These agreements aim to augment collaboration in various fields.
Alkhorayef, who also chaired the Tunisian-Saudi Business Council meeting, highlighted the vast opportunities for a comprehensive partnership with Tunisia. He pointed out the strategic advantages possessed by both countries, such as their prime geographical locations and the forward-looking development strategies of their respective leaderships.
The investment and partnership forum was an opportunity for Alkhorayef to accentuate the shared vision of economic diversification, particularly in industries like renewable energy and agriculture, and to increase trade and exports. He also stressed the importance of utilizing natural resources to fortify bilateral cooperation.
Fostering collaboration in agriculture and water resources, Alkhorayef met with Abdel Monem Belati, the Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fishing, discussing an MoU to advance cooperation in the water sector. His meeting with Kalthoum Ben Rejeb, the Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development, focused on enhancing bilateral trade and increasing Saudi non-oil exports to Tunisia.
Furthermore, Alkhorayef engaged with Ahlam Al-Baji Al-Sayeb from the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy to explore avenues for expanding cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors, coupled with encouraging private sector investment.
The culmination of Alkhorayef’s visit marked a deepened strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, activating mechanisms for cooperation and bolstering investment opportunities, paving the way for a stronger economic bond between the two nations.