Saudi Arabia, Qatar expand cooperation across key sectors

Saudi Arabia, Qatar to deepen cooperation in energy, digital economy, industry and other sectors

The Saudi–Qatari Coordination Council held its eighth meeting, co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during the Emir’s visit to the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the strong bilateral relationship and praised the progress achieved through the council. They emphasized the need to continue developing joint coordination in priority sectors, including political, security, military, energy, industry, economy, investment, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture, tourism, and education.

Both sides highlighted the strength of economic ties and the sharp rise in bilateral trade, which reached $930.3 million in 2024 (excluding re-exports), a 634% increase from 2021.

They stressed the importance of boosting joint efforts to diversify and expand trade, facilitate its flow, address challenges, and capitalize on opportunities in priority sectors under Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. They called for turning these opportunities into concrete partnerships that support economic and trade integration.

They also welcomed sustained bilateral investment cooperation through partnerships between investment funds and companies, underscoring the importance of increasing official visits and holding investment meetings and business forums.

The leaders affirmed the importance of enhancing the reliability and stability of global energy markets and safeguarding supply security across all energy sources to support producers, consumers and global economic growth. They expressed interest in expanding cooperation in electricity, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and in developing projects of mutual benefit.

They stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in developing and maintaining energy supply chains and enabling collaboration between companies to maximize the use of local resources in both countries. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on climate policies within international agreements and global forums, ensuring that such policies focus on emissions rather than energy sources.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the digital economy and innovation; industry and mining; industrial integration; youth, sports, and cultural activities; education, including establishing joint high-quality academic programs; media, including raising credibility, joint content production, and event coverage; cybersecurity; and health.

On defense and security, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the defense partnership, coordinating positions on regional challenges, and enhancing security and stability regionally and internationally.

They welcomed the signing of an agreement for a high-speed electric passenger railway linking Riyadh and Doha via Dammam and Hofuf. They underscored the project’s strategic significance and alignment with both countries’ national visions, saying the rail link will facilitate tourism and trade and reinforce bilateral ties.

The two sides also welcomed the signing of several other agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, covering rail transport, investment promotion, food security, media, and cooperation in the non-profit sector.