Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have officially signed an agreement to enhance collaboration in the railway sector, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to expand its transport infrastructure and logistics capabilities.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed in Riyadh
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Areas of Cooperation
The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration on railway technologies, specifications, and innovation. It also promotes the exchange of expertise in the design, operation, and maintenance of rail projects. Both countries will cooperate on infrastructure development, engineering standards, and rail safety, while exploring ways to reduce the environmental impact of the sector.
Key provisions include support for research and development activities, facilitation of technical knowledge exchange, and encouragement of advanced technologies to improve railway network efficiency and performance.
Focus on Talent Development
A central focus of the partnership is the development of national talent through specialized training programs and railway academies. Efforts will also be directed at localizing industries linked to the rail sector and strengthening its competitiveness.
Alignment with Vision 2030
Saudi officials stated that the agreement supports the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Vision 2030 plan, which aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. This pact comes amid growing cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, including transport, infrastructure, technology, and investment.
