Saudi–Tunisian Joint Committee Reviews Ways to Deepen Strategic Cooperation
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The 12th session of the Saudi–Tunisian Joint Committee was held in Riyadh on Sunday, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in a range of strategic sectors, including industry, mining, transportation and logistics, the judiciary and justice system, and media.
Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the session brought together representatives of government entities from both countries to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation and developing strategic partnerships across key economic and development fields.
The meeting was co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh, with the participation of official delegations and representatives from relevant government sectors of the two countries.
In his opening remarks, Minister Alkhorayef underscored the strength of Saudi–Tunisian relations and the deep-rooted economic ties between the two nations, which span more than seven decades. He noted that these relations are reflected in shared visions and ambitious work programs that align with the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of both countries, as well as their mutual interests.
He highlighted that the Saudi–Tunisian Joint Committee, established in 1998, serves as an institutional framework aimed at translating bilateral cooperation into practical programs and initiatives. Alkhorayef expressed hope that the 12th session would mark a new starting point for launching joint strategic projects and concluding more impactful agreements that contribute to the economic development of both countries.
The minister emphasized that convening the current session comes at a critical time that calls for intensified coordination in sectors that drive economic growth. He urged companies in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia to build practical partnerships in promising industries and value chains. He also referred to the outcomes of the third committee meeting held in Tunisia in July 2025, particularly agreements on the mutual recognition of product conformity certificates, which contributed to a 38 percent increase in trade exchange through September 2025 compared with the same period last year.
Discussions during the session focused on enhancing cooperation mechanisms, identifying investment opportunities, and exchanging expertise in priority sectors, including industry, mining, tourism, transport and logistics, as well as the judiciary and justice sectors. These efforts aim to improve trade efficiency, facilitate Saudi products’ access to international markets, and strengthen overall economic and investment cooperation.
On the sidelines of the session, Minister Alkhorayef held official talks with Tunisian Minister Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh, during which they discussed ways to enhance economic and industrial integration between the Kingdom and Tunisia. The talks addressed expanding cooperation across strategic economic sectors, overcoming challenges facing exporters and investors, and identifying suitable solutions to boost bilateral trade and support sustainable development goals in both countries.
The meeting also highlighted the role of the joint committee in reinforcing economic and industrial integration. The efforts of the working groups and government representatives from both sides were commended, resulting in the inclusion of nearly 100 items in the committee’s minutes. These items cover 15 areas of cooperation across key sectors, notably energy, industry, mining, logistics, trade, and human resource development.
