Al-Sawahah discusses boosting the digital economy with 5 ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a leading force in the global digital landscape, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, held a series of intensive bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Digital Economy and Communications Ministers of the member states of the Digital Cooperation Organization. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the organization’s fifth General Assembly, where discussions focused on ways to enhance international partnerships, accelerate growth in the digital economy, and adopt the latest artificial intelligence technologies.
Strengthening Gulf and Arab partnerships
Al-Swaha began his technical diplomacy activities with a strategic meeting with the Kuwaiti Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Omar Al-Omar. The meeting addressed activating strategic partnership prospects within the framework of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council, focusing on supporting innovation and building human capacity, in line with the two brotherly countries' visions for digital transformation.
At the Arab level, Minister Al-Swaha discussed with Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Smirat, promising opportunities for developing a shared digital economy and the importance of enabling technology entrepreneurs to access markets. He also held an important meeting with Lebanese Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, where they explored avenues for cooperation in the age of artificial intelligence and how to leverage these technologies to serve sustainable development.
International transcontinental cooperation
In the context of expanding international cooperation, Al-Swaha met with the Minister of Information and Communications Technology of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The two sides focused on vital areas including artificial intelligence and developing digital skills for youth, reflecting the deep historical ties between the two countries and their desire to keep pace with modern technological advancements. The meetings also included a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of the Republic of The Gambia, Lamin Gbebe, to explore the development of digital government services and expanding partnerships in digital infrastructure.
Digital Cooperation Organization: Context and Importance
These meetings come at a crucial time, as the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), of which Saudi Arabia is a founding member, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global digital economy. The organization aims to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy.
Minister Al-Swaha’s initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and innovation at the heart of its economic diversification strategy. These partnerships are expected to open new markets for Saudi technology companies, facilitate the exchange of expertise in digital governance, and bridge the digital divide, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global hub for technology and innovation.
