Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Eqtisadiah, Al-Bilad, Okaz and Al-Yaum newspapers reported in their editorials that the Saudi-Omani relations at this historical stage, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman, are heading steadily to broader horizons of joint action and investment in national capabilities as an added value in various fields that would bring further prosperity to the two countries and achieve the aspirations of Saudi and Omani citizens. The newspapers added that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday (July 11-12, 2021) comes in response to the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It represents the first foreign visit of the Sultan since taking office in January 2020, reiterating the status of the Kingdom and its leadership at the political and popular level in Oman. The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes to press ahead with promoting the deep-rooted relationship and open up wide vistas of cooperation in different fields, bringing a wide range of benefits to the peoples of the two countries. The meeting of the Saudi and Omani leaderships, at this time for consultation and coordination in various affairs that serve the interests of the two countries and the region and its stability, reflects the wisdom and foresight the two leaders enjoy in dealing with the latest developments regionally and internationally. Therefore, the Saudi-Omani relations are ushering in a new era of wider prosperity and expanded cooperation. The Kingdom 2030 and Oman 2040 visions constitute a common denominator in the field of trade and contribute to promoting cooperation in many fields and programs. Additionally, the two sides aspire that the establishment of "the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council" will contribute to setting a common vision for deepening and sustaining relations and raising them to the level of integration in the political, security, military, economic, developmental and human fields, the newspapers further said. The newspapers concluded that relations between Riyadh and Muscat, for over half a century, have been featured by cooperation and mutual respect between the two leaderships and understanding on various regional and international issues, while the peoples of the two countries have long-standing bonds of fraternity, framed by common history, authentic Arab customs and traditions, and popular heritage. In another context, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported in its editorial that the Saudi economy is witnessing a new era of progress and prosperity in light of the continuous reform processes that aim to build a strong and solid economy, capable of facing challenges and crises. The newspaper added that the Saudi economy's progress has been commended by many institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF staff have reaffirmed the continued recovery of the Saudi economy and the slowdown of the inflation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stating that they project the non-oil GDP growth will reach 4.3% this year and 3.6 % in 2022. This progress and recovery comes as a result of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has been contributing to strengthening economic reforms, reducing dependence on oil income as well as creating and supporting other economic sectors to diversify the sources of income, the newspaper added. The Saudi leadership has insisted on establishing a stronger economy. Testimony to this is the government's unlimited support for the private sector in light of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the support being provided to the private sector, we are witnessing today a strong partnership between the public and private sectors, the newspaper concluded.
