Saudi Diplomatic Exchanges and Technological Developments Amidst Political Shifts in North Africa
In a recent diplomatic exchange, the Crown Prince of Morocco, Prince Hassan bin Mohammed, received a verbal message from the Saudi Arabian King and Crown Prince, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The message reiterated the robust fraternal relations between the two nations, discussing how to further enhance and develop these ties across diverse sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Diplomatic Engagements
On another diplomatic front, Saudi-British talks centered on strengthening strategic defense relations. The discussions also concentrated on defense research and development, technology transfer, and localization, all aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. In the backdrop of complex international circumstances, Saudi and Russian diplomats and experts are deliberating on the future of Saudi-Russian relations.
Technological and Financial Developments
In the realm of technology, Eviq, a company specializing in electric vehicle infrastructure, announced the launch of an electric car charger research and development center in Riyadh. This center, the first of its kind in the region, signifies a significant stride in the electric vehicle industry. Additionally, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) issued regulations for postpaid payment companies, emphasizing its supervisory and regulatory role over the payment sector and financial technology.
Political Developments in North Africa
In Libya, the participation of Libyan parties in a meeting with the UN envoy to Libya, Abdullah Batelli, has sparked questions about the potential for Libyan elections. Despite the parties’ agreement to participate in the UN meeting, the outcomes are uncertain, with political maneuvers evident among the Libyan parties regarding the electoral laws prepared by a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed his re-election and called for an end to the Gaza conflict. Drawing attention to the vitality of Egyptian society, he stressed the need to tackle the challenges posed by the war. The Egyptian National Election Authority declared el-Sisi’s victory for another six-year term, with a sweeping majority of 89.6% of the vote.
Morocco’s Royal Influence
King Mohammed VI of Morocco, with a substantial business empire and an estimated net worth between US $2.1 billion and over US $8.2 billion, has introduced various reforms and changes during his reign. He has granted women more power and enacted a new constitution in response to protests against alleged government corruption. His reign has also seen efforts to address human rights violations and natural disasters, and the stance on Western Sahara continues to be a prominent issue.