Saudi minister: We have much to learn from Turkey's experience in defense industries

Saudi Minister Al-Khorayef said his country has much to learn from Turkey's experience in defense industries, in a speech during the "Turkish-Saudi Defense Industries Days" hosted by Istanbul on November 11 and 12.

The event was organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), "SAHA İstanbul" and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries company (SAMI), with the participation of more than 100 Turkish companies and more than 25 Saudi companies, and on its sidelines bilateral meetings were held between companies from the two countries to discuss new cooperation opportunities.

Al-Khorayef, who previously served as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, said industrial relations between the two countries are expanding, and that defense cooperation has advanced after Riyadh announced its strategies in industry and mining.

He added: "We have much to learn from Turkey's experience in defense industries. The challenges facing the region require that we work together in close cooperation to localize several industrial fields."

The Saudi minister identified three areas in which governments support private sector companies: identifying priority areas of cooperation and investment, building an ecosystem that provides infrastructure and financing, and guaranteeing contracts and clarity regarding future demand.

He said Riyadh identifies the technologies it prioritizes in the current and near-term phase and focuses its investments there, noting that technological transformation in the defense sector is rapid, and that qualified human capital and education will be decisive in the future of this sector.

Al-Khorayef expressed his satisfaction at the convergence of the two countries' interests in defense industries, and said: "I am happy about the convergence of our interests in defense industries with this valued country. More importantly, I am happy about the convergence of our interests in this field with Mr. Haluk Görgün, whom I consider a friend. We hope to work together to develop this relationship."

He noted that SAMI and the "Rukn" program play an important role in introducing investment and cooperation opportunities in the Kingdom, and that the participation of about 100 Turkish companies reflects their keenness to understand the needs of the Saudi market and to work with companies such as SAMI.