Saudi Arabia + Canada restore diplomatic ties: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry plans to restore diplomatic relations with Canada for the first time since 2018, according to a Saudi governmentstatement.This would end a five-year rift with Canada, which began when it accused Riyadh of human rights violations over jailed activists, damaging relations — including trade — between both countries. The decision followed discussions held between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the APEC Summit in Bangkok last November.

Saudi Arabia + Iraq discuss establishing special economic zone: Iraqi and Saudi officials said they intend to work on establishing a special economic zone on the border between the two countries, Union of OIC News Agencies reports. The officials, who spoke at a meeting of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, also agreed to strengthen their trade, security, political, cultural, educational, tourism, and energy cooperation.

Also from the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council: Saudi Arabia will double the number of flights it has with Iraq by the end of the year, Iraqi News Agency reported, citing statements by KSA Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Qatar and Oman look to boost trade: Qatar FreeZones (QFZ) Authority Chairman Ahmad Al-Sayed and an Omani Commerce Ministry official discussed enhancing trade and investment during Mssen’s visit to QFZ. (Statement)
  • Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Qassim Al Thani met with KSA’s Economy and Planning Minister Faisal bin Fadel Al Ibrahim to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and industry. (Statement)
  • Saudi Arabia’sTransport and Logistics Deputy Minister Rumaih Al-Rumaih inked an agreement with Chilean Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz to enhance cooperation in air transport. (Statement)
  • Governor of China’s Yunnan province Wang Yubo andOman’s Commerce, Industry, and Investment Minister Qais Mohammed Al Yousef discussed boosting trade and cooperation in business, industry and investments in Oman’s freezones, Oman News Agency reports.
  • Iran and Uzbekistan are looking to remove trade barriers through a Preferential Trade Agreement. (Tasnim News Agency)
  • Saudi Deputy Transport Minister Rumaih Al-Rumaih and SpanishTransport Minister discussed boosting cooperation between the two nations. (Ministry statement)
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