Month: May 2023

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Shura Council Speaker Arrives in Algeria

The Speaker of the Shura Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, has arrived in Algeria on an official visit accompanied by a delegation from the Council. He accepted an official invitation from the Speaker of the Algerian National Assembly, Saleh Goudjil.

Upon his arrival at Algiers International Airport, Al Al-Sheikh was received by the Speaker of the Algerian National Assembly, Saleh Goudjil, the Saudi Ambassador to Algeria, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Busairi, and several senior officials in the Algerian National Assembly.

In a press statement upon his arrival in Algeria, Al Al-Sheikh emphasized that this visit confirms the strong relationship between the Kingdom and Algeria and the fraternal relations between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Shura Council Holds 29th Ordinary Session

The 29th Ordinary Session of the Shura Council was presided over by its Deputy Speaker, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami.

The council discussed various reports presented by the Health Committee, the Hajj, Housing and Services Committee, the Human Resources and Social Development Committee, and the Financial and Economic Committee.

During the meeting, the Shura Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in the field of tax administration. Additionally, several issues on the council’s agenda were also discussed.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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The Popular Mobilization Forces carry out a security operation in Al-Baaj district, in Nineveh

A joint force from the Nineveh Operations Command of the Popular Mobilization Forces carried out a preemptive security operation northwest of Al-Baaj.

A statement by the Popular Mobilization Authority stated: “A force represented by the Mobile Command, Intelligence, Explosives Control, the Intelligence and Information Assistant Office of the Popular Mobilization Authority, and the 60th Brigade within the Operations Command and the Iraqi Army, carried out a preemptive security operation that included searching the villages of Marqab al-Tair and Bab al-Khair northwest of al-Baaj, in search of ISIS terrorist elements and its remnants.

The statement added: “The operation aims to impose and strengthen security and search for terrorist cells in Al-Baaj district, west of Nineveh Governorate.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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The arrest of 5 suspects wanted by the judiciary for various crimes in Baghdad and Kirkuk

The Federal Police Command forces arrested 5 suspects wanted by the judiciary for various crimes, including a woman of electronic blackmail in Baghdad and Kirkuk.

The Command’s statement stated: The security effort of the federal police units, within their sectors of responsibility in Baghdad and Kirkuk, resulted in the arrest of 5 suspects according to legal articles (impersonation, electronic blackmail, intentional assault, threat), in the areas of (Sadr City, Ur district, Hawija district in Kirkuk, and Al-Intisar neighborhood).

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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The Army Chief of Staff discusses with the NATO Mission Commander developing the capabilities of the Iraqi army

The Army Chief of Staff, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, met with the Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, General Giovanni M. Enochi, and a number of mission Advisors.

The meeting discussed, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defense, aspects of cooperation, coordination and expansion of partnership at the level of training between the two sides, in addition to providing advice and expertise in all aspects of the military institution, to develop the capabilities of the Iraqi army.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army for Training – Secretary of Al Meera Department – Director of Military Training – Director of Military Attachments – Air Adviser to the Army Chief of Staff.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Extinguishing a fire at a government fuel station in Diyala

A fire broke out at a government fuel station, northeast of Baquba, Diyala Governorate Center.

A security source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that a fire broke out at the government (Zain Al-Qaws) fuel station on the outskirts of Khanaqin, northeast of Baquba, as a result of the burning of a civilian vehicle inside the station.

He added that the firefighting teams were able to put out the flames without any casualties.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Al-Araji Discusses With Plasschaert The Political And Security Situation At The International And Regional Levels

The National Security Adviser, Qassem Al-Araji, received in his office today, Monday, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert.

Al-Araji reviewed, with Plasschaert, the political and security situation at the international and regional levels, in addition to discussing the files of the Syrian Al-Haul camp and Sinjar.

The importance of working to activate the measures to resolve the Sinjar file, to promote community reconciliation, and to create conditions to enhance the security and stability of the district was emphasized.

Plasschaert confirmed the continued support of the United Nations to the Iraqi government, with regard to the displaced and humanitarian fields.

For his part, Al-Araji indicated that the Iraqi government, headed by Al-Sudani, is working alongside the United Nations according to the approach of achieving social stability and investing this stability in consolidating security and peaceful coexistence.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Oman-Lithuania Business Forum Reviews Means of Expanding Businesses

The Oman-Lithuania Business Forum was held here today. The event, organized by Oman’s Embassy at the United Kingdom (UK) in cooperation with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), aimed to enhance business and investment relations between Oman and Lithuania.

The forum also targeted exchanging expertise and experiences between the two sides, as well as expanding businesses.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI said that the forum comes within the framework of establishing business relations between Omani and Lithuanian businesspeople. It also contributes to introducing investment opportunities in a bid to augment trade exchange.

On her turn, Ausrine Armonaite, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation pointed out that 30 Lithuanian companies operating in various fields attended the forum. She pointed out that clean energy technologies will be the focus of investments.

On the sidelines of the forum, several B2B meetings were held between Omani and Lithuanian businesspeople.

Source: Oman News Agency

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OCCI Organizes Forum to Outline Government Efforts in Improving Business Environment

Activities of a forum on improving business environment and enhancing competitiveness in Oman began here today. The forum is organized by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), with the participation of more than 100 companies of different sizes (large, small and medium). It was opened by Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI Board of Directors.

In the opening speech, Al Rawas pointed out that, besides highlighting business-enhancing efforts, the forum seeks to explore the views of the private sector to help upgrade services to global competitive levels.

The forum is scheduled to draft proposals on the best mechanisms to improve the business environment and developing solutions to address challenges facing business practice. The proposals cover ways to realize economic mobility and lend support to all segments of the private sector.

The first session of the forum will target executive directors of large companies operating in various sectors in Oman. The second session, due to be held on 3 May, will target business owners of small and medium companies.

Source: Oman News Agency

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Oil Production in Oman Increases 2.6pc by March 2023

The production of oil in the Sultanate of Oman recorded a rise by 2.6% till the end of March 2023 to stand at 95,741.7 million barrels compared to 93,304.4 million barrels during the corresponding period in 2022, according to the data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Crude oil production increased by 2.2% during the same period. The production of condensates also rose by 4.1% till the end of March 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Average oil price increased by 3.2% till the end of March 2023 to reach USD 81.5 per barrel compared to USD 79 per barrel at the end of March 2022. Average daily production also rose by 2.6% by the end of March 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Oman’s oil exports recorded a decline by 6.8% till the end of March 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

As far as exports are concerned, Oman’s oil exports to China recorded a rise by 8.6% to reach 69,818.1 million barrels compared to 64,290.2 million barrels till the end of March 2022. During the same period, oil exports to South Korea, India and Japan dropped by 100%, 85.8% and 22.9%, respectively.

Meanwhile, gas production (including imports) in Oman registered a growth of 7.4% to reach 12,924.7 million cubic metres compared to 12,034.4 million cubic metres till the end of March 2022.

Consumption of natural gas at industrial areas went up by 14.2 till the end of March 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Further, natural gas consumption increased by 9.1% in electricity power plants, 7.5% in industrial projects and 6.2% in oil fields.

Source: Oman News Agency

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MSX Gains 34 Points

Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (34) points, comprising a rise by (0.72%) to close at (4752.04) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4718.08) points.

The trading value today stood at (RO 1,519,226), comprising a drop by (40.3%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 2,543,925).

The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.469%) to reach about (RO 23.86) billion.

The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO 322,000), comprising (21.16%). The value of shares sold by non-Omani investors reached (RO 162,000), comprising (10.68%). The net non-Omani investment increased by (10.49%) to (RO 159,000).

Source: Oman News Agency

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OPAZ Holds workshop on Supply, Cold Chains Initiative in Economic, Free and Industrial Zones

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) held a workshop on the Supply and Cold Chains Initiative. The event was participated by specialists from the National Program for Economic Diversification, the National Employment Program (NEP) and the Industrial Innovation Academy (IIA).

The workshop aims to promote integration between large investments and supplier projects in the supply and cold chains, and create opportunities for new industries that contribute to economic diversification. It also reviewed the infrastructure and logistical factors available in economic zones, free zones and industrial zones.

A team from the Ministry of Economy and the Academy of Industrial Innovation provided an overview on studying economic diversification in cold chains in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm as a first stage and circulating it to the other zones at a later stage.

The seminar discussed opportunities to enhance this study including additional capabilities that enhance the diversification of manufacturing industries in the fish sector and boost the local added value achieved from those projects and the highly competitive investment milieu provided by the Authority in the areas under its supervision.

Source: Oman News Agency