Doha: Qatari newspapers have highlighted the eighth meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council held on Monday in Riyadh.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Arab newspaper reported that the meeting, chaired by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, signals a shift from traditional cooperation to a structured partnership between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This partnership is being managed according to a shared long-term vision. The visit by HH the Amir was seen as a pivotal moment for evaluating the partnership and expanding its scope to leverage the capabilities both nations have in various sectors.
The newspaper noted the increasing significance of energy, logistics services, modern transportation, and the digital economy. The partnership is viewed as a framework for enhancing Gulf competitiveness, supporting regional security, and developing a diversified economic structure. One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting was the signing of an agreement for an electric high-speed railway linking Riyadh and Doha via Dammam and Al-Hofuf. Spanning 785 kilometers, the railway will have trains that exceed speeds of 300 km/h, reducing travel time between the capitals to about two hours. This project is expected to accommodate over ten million passengers annually and is regarded as a significant advancement in Gulf infrastructure.
Al-Watan newspaper also commented on the evolving relationship between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, noting that it has seen remarkable development in recent years. The coordination meeting is seen as a step forward in fostering this relationship by addressing regional developments and reinforcing principles of constructive cooperation. Economic integration remains a key focus, with efforts to boost trade exchange, enhance mutual investments, and develop partnerships in energy, logistics, tourism, and industry.
The newspaper emphasized that economic integration between Qatar and Saudi Arabia presents a promising opportunity, contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030. Both countries possess significant capabilities in infrastructure, resources, and various sectors, making this integration beneficial.
Al-Watan concluded by highlighting the growth in economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade reaching 930.3 million dollars in 2024, a 634% increase compared to 2021. The importance of joint efforts to diversify and increase trade exchange, facilitate commercial activity, and invest in priority sectors was underscored. These efforts aim to transform the Saudi and Qatari national visions into tangible partnerships, supporting economic and trade integration for the benefit of both nations and their peoples.