Saudi-Syrian talks to enhance cooperation in the housing sector in Baku
The Azerbaijani capital, Baku, witnessed intense diplomatic activity on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum, where the Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, met with the Syrian Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdullah Abdul-Razzaq, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in the housing sector between the two brotherly countries. This meeting reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to building bridges of communication and exchanging development expertise with its Arab neighbors, serving mutual interests and supporting urban development.
This meeting is of paramount importance given the overall context of the event. The World Urban Forum (WUF), established by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. Since its inception in 2001, the Forum has brought together decision-makers and experts to discuss growing urban challenges. The Kingdom's participation in this edition in Baku highlights its unprecedented achievements in urban development and improving quality of life, providing fertile ground for discussion with the Syrian side.
Dimensions and importance of cooperation in the housing sector regionally
Strengthening cooperation in the housing sector between Riyadh and Damascus carries strategic implications and anticipated impacts at both the local and regional levels. Regionally, this rapprochement reflects a genuine desire to activate joint Arab action and support urban development efforts in Syria by leveraging successful experiences. Locally, it opens new horizons for the exchange of knowledge and institutional expertise, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading economic and developmental force in the Middle East, always striving to share its successful experiences with its brethren.
Review of the Saudi experience in urban development
During the talks, the two ministers reviewed Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in urban development, discussing the innovative real estate policies and legislation recently adopted by the Kingdom. The initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030 have emerged as a model to be emulated, particularly in facilitating homeownership for citizens, developing smart infrastructure, and stimulating real estate investment. These initiatives not only contribute to providing suitable housing but also play a pivotal role in improving quality of life and achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
Signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance institutional partnerships
As a culmination of these fruitful discussions, the Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing affirmed the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and sharing successful experiences to support development efforts in sister nations. The meeting also witnessed the signing of a formal memorandum of understanding between the Saudi and Syrian sides. This memorandum aims to establish a framework for institutional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technical and engineering expertise in the fields of municipalities and housing, which will directly contribute to developing and enhancing the efficiency of the housing sector.
Continued joint coordination to support quality of life goals
At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, both sides emphasized the necessity and importance of continued coordination and the activation of all areas of joint cooperation stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding. This approach clearly reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical relations that bind the two brotherly countries and effectively supports the housing and urban development objectives in both nations, thus ensuring a better and more sustainable future for generations to come.
