RIYADH: Germany is further reinforcing its relations with Saudi Arabia with a range of new projects, plans and innovative technology currently being discussed by the two sides especially in the fields of transportation, construction and urban development. Riyadh and Berlin have expressed "common interests" to cooperate in areas like railways and airports' operation and maintenance, while the two countries are also working together to finalize a maritime treaty soon.
Peter Ramsauer, German minister of transport, building and urban planning, said this while speaking to reporters after a roundtable meeting, which was attended by a large number of Saudi and German businessmen in Riyadh. The minister described Saudi Arabia as the leading regional power, which enjoys "political stability" and has therefore a key role to play in the region as a whole to ensure peace and stability.
Referring to his wide-ranging talks with senior Saudi officials including Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam, Minister of Transport Jabara Al-Seraisry, Minister of Housing Shuwaish Al-Dubwaihi, Prince Fahd ibn Abdullah, president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), and Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, chief of Saudi Ports Authority, Ramsauer said he discussed with Saudi officials how to promote sustainable business cooperation with Saudi Arabia. "The focus of my visit lies on promoting German economic policy based on a long-term partnership," he added.
The business meeting before the press briefing on Tuesday was attended by German Ambassador Peter Haller; Andereas Hergenrothe, delegate of the German Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom; Niko Warbanoff, chairman of the board of directors of DB International GmbH; Jamal Al-Kishi, managing director & chief executive officer of Deutsche Securities; Dieter Kaden, chairman & CEO of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung; and Hans Jorg Grundmann, CEO of Siemens Rail Systems Division.
Ramsauer said: "A maritime transport treaty is about to be finalized between the two countries soon against the backdrop of the growing bilateral relations and importance of maritime traffic between the two countries." Founded upon the principles of reciprocity, the draft treaty proposes regulations on the treatment of shipping companies, the use of ports and territorial waters, legal provisions, facilitation of maritime traffic and reciprocal recognition of shipping documents.
The minister pointed out that he would like to come back to Riyadh soon to sign the maritime agreement. "I have revitalized the whole agreement for mutual benefit," said the minister while referring to the negotiations going on in the field of maritime for the last several years between the two countries. The proposed maritime treaty also touches upon incidents at sea, recognition of the identity cards of the seafarers and technical cooperation between the two countries in this field.
Referring to the uprisings in the Middle East, he said that Saudi Arabia, a close ally of Germany, had been playing a constructive role. "Riyadh enjoys political stability, which encourages German businessmen to promote cooperation in economic sector," he added. He, however, voiced concerns over what is happening in Syria and other countries. "We are very close to the Mediterranean area...Libya is only about 2,000 kilometers from my home town, and hence we are keen to see the region to be secured and stable," added the minister.
Referring to his talks with Saudi officials, he said that he discussed some of the specific areas in which German companies can cooperate like railways, urban planning and even construction. He said that he also discussed the opportunities in the housing sector of Saudi Arabia. Germany has the potential to offer high-quality products and services with an aim to ensure sustainability and durability, he said, while replying a question about cheaper products currently flooding the Saudi market.
"We are a bit expensive than others when it comes to project execution or supplies, but that is a life-time investment, investment for over 100 years," said the minister, while referring to the high quality and highly innovative German technology. He said that the German and Saudi companies have evinced keen interest in joining forces to cooperate in sectors like seaports and airports. To this end, he noted that a number of German companies have had their presence in the Kingdom for the last several years and decades.
"Siemens," he said "has been here in this country for more than 70 years." He pointed out that another high-tech company DB International has been supervising the construction of railway projects including the first metro rail in the holy city of Makkah. In fact, DB International received a contract from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, to carry out design verification and construction supervision for all disciplines involved, including rolling stock.
In other Gulf countries as well as in the region, the DB is very active. Deutsche Bahn, with its subsidiary DB International, is the major strategic partner in the development and construction of a transport network in Qatar, he noted. An important part of this project is the planned subway network in Doha, which will connect the airport with the city center and the soccer stadiums that will host the 2022 World Cup in that Gulf country. This will greatly improve the transport situation in the Qatari capital.
Source: Arab News, 15.Mar.2012