MOU signed during the third session of the Maltese-Saudi Joint Commission

The third session of the Joint Commission between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Maltese Government was held with the aim of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The Saudi delegation was headed by Dr Adel bin Siraj Mirdad, Deputy Minister for Political and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Maltese delegation was headed by the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Dr Chris Cardona. Other representatives of ministries and concerned government bodies of both countries participated in the session.

Both sides reviewed the National Transformation Programme 2020 and 2030 Vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Maltese side praised the goals of the 2030 Vision that aims to diversify the economy, open up to foreign investment, enhance public services, rationalise expenditure and promote small and medium enterprises.

To this end, the Saudi side looked forward to engaging Maltese private sector and business people in the execution of its various projects and programmes.

Both heads of delegation conveyed their government’s desire to foster their bilateral relations in trade and investment, seek ways to enhance cooperation in various fields and seize every opportunity available for economic, cultural and technical cooperation. During the session, the Joint Commission discussed topics covered in the agenda such as trade and investment, health, environment, water and agriculture, education as well as transportation and tourism. In addition, they reviewed the last economic developments and bilateral relations related to those areas.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific and Educational Cooperation between the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Maltese Ministry for Education and Employment. In addition, the two sides expressed their appreciation for the role played by the participants in developing and strengthening cooperation between the two countries during the session meetings held by the Saudi-Maltese Joint Commission.

They also agreed that the fourth session will be held in Riyadh on a date to be determined later by the two sides through diplomatic channels.