RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, November 13, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO meets with the presidents of Gabon, Tanzania, Malawi, and Tajikistan

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, met with the presidents of the Republic of Gabon, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi, and the Republic of Tajikistan on the sidelines of the Saudi-African Summit held in Riyadh.

The CEO met with the Transitional President of the Republic of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema in Riyadh to discuss opportunities for development cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the key sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, and education. He also met with President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to discuss the progress of development projects and programs funded by SFD in Tanzania.

The CEO also met the President of the Republic of Malawi, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, at the SFD’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the development projects and programs funded by the Fund in Malawi. President Chakwera praised the existing development relations with the SFD, noting that they have helped to improve the lives of millions of Malawians and boost the country’s economy.

The CEO also met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, , at his residence in Riyadh, accompanied by H.E Waleed Alreshiadan, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Tajikistan. The two sides discussed the development projects and programs funded by the SFD in Tajikistan.
Highlighting a key outcome of the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) signed 14 development loan agreements with 12 African countries, worth over $580 million USD.

These agreements include a development agreement to finance the Construction and Rehabilitation of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road Project in Malawi for $20 million and the Benaco to Kyaka Transmission Line Project in Tanzania for $13 million. These agreements build on the Fund’s ongoing development efforts to support and promote social growth and economic prosperity in Africa.

In line with its mission to promote global sustainable development since 1975, SFD has funded more than 800 development projects worth $20 billion in over 100 countries around world. In Africa alone, SFD has financed over 400 projects worth $10.7 billion in 46 countries. This accounts for 57% of SFD’s funding in developing countries worldwide.
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About the Saudi Fund for Development
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a government entity that provides soft development loans and grants to finance development projects and programs in developing countries.

Since 1975, SFD has financed over 800 development projects worth US$20 billion in over 100 countries around world across various sectors such as transportation and communications, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industry and mining, and others. The projects support generating socio-economic development and help to improve the living standards of disadvantaged communities in countries most in need. SFD’s activities are aligned with the international development principles and contribute towards realizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, it unifies its efforts in development support through partnerships and cooperation with regional and international organizations.

Source: EIN News

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Kazakhstan and the WHO Regional Committee for Europe signed a two-year cooperation agreement on Wednesday, October 25, during the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Kazinform News Agency reports via the Kazakh Ministry of Healthcare.

“Under the agreement signed today with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the World Health Organization will allocate 1.8 million US dollars to Kazakhstan for the development of its healthcare sector. These funds will be spent on provision of expert, methodological and technical support to improve medical staff’s potential, protection of health of mothers, newborns,children and teenagers, fight with cancer and other non-infectious diseases, HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, medical personnel training, communication with the population and other areas,” Minister of Healthcare of Kazakhstan Azhar Giniyat said a briefing.

She pointed out the importance of the Global Primary Healthcare Conference and the 73^rd session of the WHO Committee for Europe, which brought together healthcare ministers, WHO experts, professionals from more than 80 member-countries of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, as well as the representatives of partner organizations and civil society.

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highly praised the level of digitalization in healthcare of Kazakhstan, which helps address personnal shortage problems in the sector. He also commended the inclusion of psychologists to the country’s primary healthcare system. 

Source: Kazinform

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On October 6, a delegation led by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov paid a visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

The Kazakh delegation first visited the graves of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor and laid flowers.

In the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) the guests laid flowers at the graves of Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. They laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.

Then the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry hosted a solemn welcoming ceremony, and Azerbaijani and Kazakh Defense Ministers passed along the guard of honor. The national anthems of both countries accompanied by the military orchestra were performed. In accordance with the protocol, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov signed the “Book of Honor”.

At the expanded meeting, Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov welcomed the guests and expressed his satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. The Minister emphasized that the bilateral military cooperation between the two countries is based on friendship and fraternal relations.

The Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality. The Kazakh Defense Minister congratulated his colleague on the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan prayed Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the Shehids (Martyrs) and expressed deep condolences to their relatives.

Colonel General R. Zhaksylykov expressed satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of the “Khazri-2023” Joint Tactical Exercises held in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea with the participation of warships and military personnel of the Naval Forces. The importance of the conducted exercises in terms of increasing the professionalism of servicemen was noted.

It was pointed out that the exchange of mutual experience in the army development of both countries is of special importance.

The sides discussed the development prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the military, military-technical, and military educational fields, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

In the end, the “Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024” was signed.

After the meeting, the delegation attended the Cybersecurity Hub of the Azerbaijan Army’s General Staff, the Central Command Posts of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry, and the Air Force. The visitors got acquainted with the general work done there.

Source: Azer News

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SHAHRINAV: The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Al-Marshad, officially inaugurated today in Tajikistan, Shahrinav School, with the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, Abdullzoda Ziyodullo.

The school was inaugurated as part of the fourth phase of the “Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools” project in Tajikistan, for which SFD had previously made a contribution of $35 million USD, and which will benefit 25,000 students in the country.
Attending the inauguration ceremony were the Representative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Akramzoda Mahmadyusuf, the Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan, Waleed Alreshiadan, the Chairman of Shahrinav district, Valizoda Abduqodir, and the Director of PIU, Vohidzoda Umeda, alongside other officials from both sides.

The new school will contribute toward meeting the country’s educational needs, and will accommodate 36 classrooms and 620 students. It is one of 34 new schools built as part of the fourth phase of the project.

Additionally, it will contribute toward the achievement of the UN SDGs, specifically SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, Abdullzoda Ziyodullo, said: “I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development support they have provided in the education sector, through SFD. Education is vital toward supporting Tajikistan’s development plans, and is closely tied to socio-economic growth in our country, and the prosperity of our people.”

On his part, the CEO of the SFD, Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “SFD believes in the importance of education, which is key to empowering all students. It raises their competencies, develops their skills, enhances their capabilities, and qualifies them for vital opportunities in their lives. This school’s inauguration is part of a broader educational project, aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of Tajikistan across the entire country.”
The school’s inauguration comes as a continuation of SFD’s support toward Tajikistan’s education sector. SFD has financed 4 development projects in the education sector to construct and equip 57 secondary schools across 4 phases, in different regions, with a total funding amount of $75 million USD. SFD has financed 12 development projects in Tajikistan, worth over $193 million USD, in different key sectors.

Source: Arab News

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The inaugural ceremony of the China Railway Express (Xi’an – Tashkent) freight train for exporting LONGi’s PV modules to buttress Shaanxi-Uzbekistan economic and trade cooperation was successfully held at Xi’an. With a clear train whistle, “Chang’an”, the freight train loaded with 20 MW PV modules (first batch of products for the 1 GW project in Uzbekistan), set off for Uzbekistan to support the green and low-carbon development of Central Asian countries.

The construction of a 1 GW project in Uzbekistan was signed during the visit of the Uzbekistan Energy Minister to China and currently is the largest PV project invested by Chinese enterprises overseas. According to the agreement, China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) will build two 500 MW solar power plants in Uzbekistan’s Qashqadaryo and Buxoro regions

As the most reliable and intimate partner of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), LONGi successfully won the bid and will exclusively supply all the 1 GW PV modules. As the largest overseas N-type PV plant, the 1 GW project in Uzbekistan will adopt LONGi’s latest product Hi-MO 7 and all PV modules will be successively transported by “Chang’an” in 60th shipments with 3,000 containers. When put into operation, it is expected to generate 2.3 billion kWh of electricity annually, reducing natural gas consumption by about 588 cubic meters per year.

The Hi-MO 7 modules used in the project in Uzbekistan, is LONGi’s latest product launched in May this year at the Shanghai SNEC exhibition. It is a next-gen high-efficiency module designed for the global utility market. The product uses LONGi’s HPDC cell technology based on N-type silicon wafers and incorporates SMBB welding technology on the module end. It maintains the standard module size of M10-72c (2278x1134mm) and can achieve a mass production module power of up to 580 W with an efficiency of 22.5%. The module is particularly suitable for application in deserts and Gobi with high surface reflectivity and high environmental temperatures.

Compared with mainstream bifacial modules, Hi-MO 7 can achieve a 3% increase in power generation. Based on high-quality silicon wafers, cells, and module packaging design optimizations, LONGi provides a linear power output warranty with an annual degradation rate of less than 0.38%, effectively ensuring long-term benefits for customers.

Over the years, LONGi has always been focusing on customer value, continuously reducing LCOE via technological R&D and innovations. Since April 2021, LONGi has broken the world record for solar cell efficiency in different technical routes 14 times, and it recently achieved a new 33.5% efficiency for its perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem solar cells based on commercial CZ silicon wafers. Facing the trend of the global energy transition, LONGi continues to innovate on products and services, allowing more people worldwide, especially those in developing and underdeveloped countries and regions, to enjoy affordable clean energy.

Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi stated that the shipment of modules to Uzbekistan is the first overseas PV power generation project after the China-Central Asia Summit. It represents the important responsibility and mission undertaken by Chinese companies in the global energy field under the “Belt and Road” initiative. Looking forward, LONGi will continue to cooperate with partners and engage in the construction of new energy projects in Central Asia, supporting the development of the PV industry along the B&R initiative with reliable and high-quality products.

LONGi has achieved great results since the implementation of this national initiative. In 2022, LONGi provided 1/3 of the core equipment for PV projects in five Central Asian countries. In Uzbekistan, it participated in several government-led projects, including PV projects of the State Tax Committee Building of Uzbekistan, Almalyk Mining-Metallurgical Complex, and Uzbek State University of World Languages. In February this year, the company signed three MOU cooperation agreements with Uzbekistan and will also be deeply involved in the country’s green energy transition in the years to come.

So far, Chang’an has shipped LONGi’s modules overseas for export for over 100 times, totaling 5,000+ HC containers. It has been to Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and other different countries. As a global leader in solar technology, LONGi will continue to deepen cooperation with countries and enterprises in Central Asia, lead technological innovation during the “Belt and Road” construction and promote the development of the industry.

Source: Solar Quarter

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AKIPRESS.COM – The visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan B. Annamammedov to the Republic of Korea began on July 17, the Foreign Ministry reported.

The Turkmen delegation met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-soo during the visit.

B. Annamammedov conveyed greetings on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the People’s Assembly of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol.

The parties noted the high level of development of interstate relations between Turkmenistan and South Korea. They also exchanged views on promising areas of mutual bilateral cooperation, and discussed the increase in bilateral trade.

The active participation of Korean companies in the development and modernization of important sectors of the economy of Turkmenistan was noted.

According to the Turkmen side, the country is ready for further development of cooperation with the Republic of Korea in spheres of the fuel and energy complex, the chemical and textile industries, the transport and communications sector, as well as agriculture.

The sides also discussed several important issues of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the field of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The great potential of the Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum for further development and strengthening of interaction between the two countries was noted.

Separate meetings were held between the heads of ministries and departments of Turkmenistan with representatives of leading Korean companies and business circles as part of the delegation’s visit to Seoul.

Source: Akipress

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Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 19th June 2023 – Today, The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and H.E. Mr. Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, held a highly productive meeting on the sideline of the GCC-Central Asia Summit. The esteemed leaders engaged in fruitful discussions, expressing their unwavering commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the IsDB Group and the Kyrgyz Republic, with a shared vision of fostering mutual development and growth in the region.

At the meeting, Dr. Al Jasser expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for its steadfast support to the IsDB Group over the years.

Dr. Al Jasser emphasized the potential for fruitful cooperation between the IsDB and the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly in light of the priority projects identified during the last ACG roundtable meeting. These projects, amounting to US$ 1.9 billion, offer significant opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the ongoing efforts of the IsDB in preparing the Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) for the Kyrgyz Republic. This strategy aims to align projects coherently with the IsDB’s new strategic direction and the national development agenda of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Dr. Al Jasser conveyed his congratulations to President Japarov on the signing of the financing agreement and Technical Assistance (TA) for the reconstruction of the Suusamyr-Talas-Taraz Road, Phase IV (km 104.6-197.6). The IsDB eagerly anticipates the commencement of this crucial project, which will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s infrastructure development.

Both leaders expressed great optimism about the future of the IsDB-Kyrgyz Republic partnership, reinforcing their commitment to working together for the collective prosperity and well-being of the project beneficiaries.

Source: Islamic Development Bank

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AKIPRESS.COM – Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov met with President and CEO of the South Korean company Samsung C&T Oh Se-chul, UzA reported.

The parties considered the implementation of current projects and promising areas for establishing cooperation in the development of energy and industrial infrastructure, as well as the development of new projects on the principles of public-private partnership (PPP).

The company is now exploring the possibility of participating in implementing several infrastructure projects in urban development and green energy.

The sides developed a format for further interaction to work out the implementation of joint projects following the meeting.

Source: Akipress

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ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to use all opportunities for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation with the European Union, particularly in green transition and strengthening transport connectivity, said Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at the 12th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU dialogue platform on July 1, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.

Expanding its partnership with the EU is one of Kazakhstan’s priorities, said Smailov. Considering the experience and achievements of the European countries in alternative energy, Kazakhstan is keen to implement new joint projects, as it sets an ambitious goal to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its energy balance from the current 4.5% to 15% by 2030.

Smailov mentioned Svevind Energy’s major project to produce green hydrogen, which was launched in the Mangystau Region on June 21. It is one of the steps toward the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed last year on the value chains of sustainable raw materials, batteries and green hydrogen.

With an increasing role of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Kazakhstan is working on the synchronous elimination of bottlenecks with other participating countries, Smailov said. The country is set to join efforts with European partners to connect the TITR with the Trans-European Transport Network and the Global Gateway initiative.

“Kazakhstan and the EU have a wide range of opportunities to further deepen its partnership in the green economy, transport and logistics,” he noted.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the agreements and signed contracts related to the TITR during his recent visits to Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, considers renewable energy and transport interconnections to be priorities for joint work, as the relations between the country and the EU continue to develop rapidly.

Amid rising climate change risks, the EU has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to a net-zero transition by 2050, Jankauskas said.

“We would also like to support Kazakhstan on this path with specific projects of our companies and banks,” he said.

Jankauskas also commended regional initiatives to develop transport infrastructure and optimize logistics processes aimed at increasing cargo turnover along the TITR.

Source: Astana Times

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