Bandar bin Ibrahim al-Harif, Minister of State of Saudi Arabia and Deputy Chairman of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), evaluated the defense industry cooperation between the two countries and the opportunities in this field, in his statement within the scope of the Turkey-Saudi Arabia Defense Industry Days held in Istanbul on 11-12 November.
More than 100 Turkish and more than 25 Saudi companies attended the event organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), SAHA Istanbul and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) company.
At the event, new cooperation opportunities in the defense industry were discussed, and bilateral business meetings were held between companies from the two countries.
Stating that industrial relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have improved, Harif stated that he witnessed the strengthening of these relations during his previous term as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.
Stating that cooperation with Türkiye has progressed further after Saudi Arabia announced its industrial and mining strategies, Harif noted that the two countries are also carrying out important work in the defense industry.
Drawing attention to Türkiye's experience in the defense industry, Harif said, "We have a lot to learn from Türkiye's experience in the defense industry. The difficulties experienced in the region require us to work in close cooperation for the localization of many industrial areas." he said.
Stating that Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in attracting investments in the defense industry, Harif emphasized that they aim to increase these investments with partnerships to be established between Turkish and Saudi companies.
"PRIVATE SECTOR WILL LEAD INVESTMENTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY"
Emphasizing that the cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia is based on common interests, Harif stated that the main duty of the governments is to pave the way for the private sector.
Stating that the private sector will lead the investments in the defense industry and the development of the sector, Harif said that governments provide support to companies in three basic areas.
Harif noted that the first of these is the determination of priority cooperation and investment areas, and the second heading is the creation of an ecosystem that includes the infrastructure and financing opportunities needed by the private sector.
Noting that the third heading is to ensure the necessary contracts and predictability regarding future demand for companies to make investment decisions, Harif also stated that Saudi Arabia has determined the technologies it cares about in the current period and in the near future and concentrated its investments in these areas.
"HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING WILL BE DETERMINANT IN THE FUTURE OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY"
Pointing out that technological transformation continues rapidly in the defense industry, Harif stated that the use of new technologies in the military field and defense industry will significantly change the future of the sector.
Emphasizing that trained manpower, young people's potential and education will play a decisive role in this transformation, Harif said that Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have important opportunities in these areas.
Harif said, "The future of the sector is changing greatly. The penetration of technologies into the military and defense industry is an important topic. I believe that both Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have the potential of young people. Human resources and education in both countries will be one of the most important foundations on which the future of this industry will be built." he said.
Stating that Saudi Arabia focuses on attracting companies that are experienced in the defense industry and have the capacity to develop technology, Harif stated that the SAMI company and the Rukn program play an important role in promoting investment and cooperation opportunities in the country.
Harif stated that the participation of approximately 100 Turkish companies in the event shows the determination of these companies to understand the needs of Saudi Arabia and work together with companies such as SAMI.
"Türkiye AND SAUDI ARABIA'S INTERESTS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY OVERLAP"
Emphasizing that the common interests of the two countries in the defense industry offer important opportunities for the development of relations, Harif said, "I am pleased with the overlap between the interests of Türkiye and Saudi Arabia in the defense industry." he said.
Harif concluded his words by emphasizing that they want to further develop cooperation with Türkiye in the field of defense industry:
"I am happy that our interests in the defense industry intersect with this valuable country. More importantly, I am also pleased that our interests coincide in this field with Mr. Haluk Görgün, whom I see as a friend. I hope we will work together to develop this relationship."
