Saudi Crown Prince, Qatari Amir co-chair 8th meeting of joint coordination council

RIYADH, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday co-chaired the eighth meeting of the joint coordination council, the official Saudi Press Agency said.
SPA citing a joint statement issued at end of the Qatari Amir's visit to the kingdom said the two sides, during a meeting at Al-Yamama Palace, examined the close bilateral relations and discussed means of enhancing these ties and cooperation in various spheres.
The statement said the two sides affirmed significance of pursuing support and overhaul of the joint coordination in prime sectors including the political, security, military, energy, industrial, economic, commercial, technological and cultural spheres.
It added that they praised the economic bonds between the two countries, noting that commercial exchanges between the two Gulf states reached USD 930.3 million in 2024 (excluding the re-exported commodities), growing by 639 percent compared to 2021.
The Crown Prince and the Amir affirmed significance of boosting joint action to diversify and increase trade exchanges, facilitate flow of the commerce, tackling challenges facing investments in prime sectors according to the two countries 2030 visions.
Moreover, the two sides applauded the bilateral investment cooperation through partnerships of investment funds and companies, affirmed necessity to organize reciprocal visits by officials of the private and public sectors and holding regular business forums.
The statement said the two sides agreed on boosting cooperation in the digital economy, innovation, industry and mining. They also agreed on bolstering the defense partnership and coordinating stands in the face of regional challenges.
Meanwhile, SPA said the Crown Prince and the Qatari Amir witnessed the signing of an agreement to implement a high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar, a step reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal and historical relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Minister of Transport of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani within the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, representing a strategic step aimed at enhancing cooperation, developmental integration, and sustainable development, and demonstrating a shared commitment to regional prosperity.
The high-speed railway line spans 785 kilometers, strategically connecting the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam, while also linking King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.
The train will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing mobility, boosting trade and tourism, and improving quality of life.
The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety. It is expected to have an economic impact of nearly SAR115 billion on the GDP of both countries, serve over 10 million passengers annually, and create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The high-speed railway will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns for smart and sustainable mobility in the region. This makes the rail line one of the most important strategic projects supporting regional development and strengthening connectivity and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. (end) as.rk