PARIS — Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser has concluded an official visit to the Russian Federation and France, accompanied by a delegation representing various sectors of the Kingdom's transport and logistics system. In Russia, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and participated in its main session, which was addressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also took part in multiple dialogue sessions, including one titled "Partnership between the Public and Private Sectors to Achieve National Goals," where he highlighted the Kingdom's National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. The session underscored the need for active private sector involvement in financing and implementing major infrastructure projects, emphasizing transparency, trust, and equitable risk-sharing. In France, Al-Jasser participated in the Paris International Aviation and Space Salon — the world's largest event of its kind — held under the patronage of French Prime Minister François Bayrou. During the visit, he witnessed the signing of two significant agreements: one between Saudi Arabia and Panama on air transport services, and another between Saudi aircraft leasing company Avilease and aerospace giant Airbus. Al-Jasser also met with officials from the International Organization of Railways to gain insights into global efforts to modernize the rail sector. He visited the headquarters of French railway operators SNCF and Alstom to review cutting-edge technologies and projects in high-speed and urban rail transport. The minister's visit aimed to reinforce Saudi Arabia's bilateral ties with both Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics, promote investment partnerships, and open doors for Russian and French private sector companies to engage in the Kingdom's expanding transport and logistics ecosystem.
