Riyadh: The 12th session of the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee began today in Riyadh, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. This session brings together representatives from government entities of both countries to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation and developing strategic partnerships across economic and development sectors. According to Saudi Press Agency, the committee session is co-chaired by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh. The session is attended by official delegations and government sector representatives from both countries. In his opening remarks, Alkhorayef emphasized the strength of Saudi-Tunisian relations and the brotherly and economic ties between the two countries, which span more than 70 years. He noted that these ties are reflected today in shared visions and ambitious work programs aligning with the aspirations of both countries' leaderships and peoples, as well as their mutual interests. He pointed out that the Saudi-Tunisian Joint Committee, launched in 1998, represents an institutional framework aimed at translating cooperation into executable programs and initiatives. He expressed hope that this session would serve as a new starting point for joint strategic projects and more impactful agreements contributing to the economic development of both countries. Alkhorayef stressed that the convening of the 12th session comes at an important time that requires intensified coordination in growth-driving sectors. The minister called on companies in both countries to build practical partnerships in promising industries and value chains. He also highlighted the outcomes of the third meeting, held in Tunisia in July 2025, particularly the agreements on mutual recognition of product conformity certificates, which positively contributed to a 38% growth in trade exchange through September 2025 compared with the same period last year. The committee's current session focu sed on boosting cooperation mechanisms, discussing investment opportunities, and exchanging expertise in key sectors, including industry, mining, tourism, transport and logistics, and the judiciary and justice sectors. These efforts aim to enhance trade efficiency, support the access of Saudi products to international markets, and strengthen economic and investment cooperation.