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Yesterday, Wednesday, November 16, 2023, the General Authority for Statistics signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, on the sidelines of the Black Hat global conference and exhibition held in Riyadh. The agreement aims to enhance integration between the two parties in the field of cybersecurity through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and relevant information . It also aims to create opportunities for the development and implementation of joint programs and initiatives that contribute to the development of national human resources capabilities in cybersecurity. The memorandum was signed on behalf of the General Authority for Statistics by Mr. Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, Director-General of Cybersecurity and Data Governance, while it was signed on behalf of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones by Mr. Khaled Al-Sulaim, Deputy Executive President for Business Sector at the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity. The memorandum included the development and exchange of experiences between the two parties, providing opportunities for the employees of both organizations in the field of cybersecurity, exchanging support, technical experiences, and knowledge in areas of mutual interest, as well as providing consultations in each party's areas of expertise.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, received Mr. Jan Reinhold, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, in a meeting held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023,in Riyadh, to discuss ways to enhance joint work in the statistical sector and opportunities for developing cooperation in the field of statistical data. During the meeting, the two sides discussed enhancing the level of joint coordination between the their countries in the field of statistical data, working on continuous development of bilateral relations, and using modern technology in disseminating indicators, organizing statistical data and its governance, as well as a number of topics of mutual interest in the statistical field between the two countries. Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari emphasized the importance of the joint relations between the two countries and the importance of cooperation in the field of statistics. He opened broader and more welcoming prospects for cooperation with European countries, in addition to effective cooperation in the field of statistical information and data between the two countries. It is worth mentioning that the trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Estonia amounted to 133 million SAR until September 2023, with total exports to Estonia reaching 59 million SAR, while Saudi Arabia’s imports from Estonia amounted to 73 million SAR.

General Authority for Statistics and Health Insurance Council signed a cooperation agreement between the two parties at the headquarters of the Health Insurance Council. The agreement was signed by Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, and Dr. Shabab Al-Ghamdi, Secretary-General of the Health Insurance Council. The collaboration is a continuation of the significant role that both entities have played in supplying indicators and statistical data. The statistical data and indicators related to the health sector are of high importance to policymakers and decision-makers. Integrating the efforts of both entities enhances the quality and reliability of the data and indicators. Additionally, the agreement includes the exchange of technical and knowledge expertise and working together to improve statistical products and provide technical support in the statistical aspects related to the services of the Health Insurance Council. It also aims to enhance the level of joint coordination in the field of exchanging statistical data, which contributes to providing information and enhancing the services provided to beneficiaries of health insurance.

The 48th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS) was held in Jeddah. Heads of official Arab statistical centers participated in the meeting. In the opening session, Dr. Fahad Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, delivered an opening speech welcoming the participating delegations and wishing them successful meetings and a pleasant stay in their second home, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The 48th meeting began with a review of the activities carried out by the Institute during the year 2022, including training courses, studies, and technical consultations provided by the Institute to various Arab statistical agencies in the field of statistical work. The Board of Trustees discussed the Institute's work plan and budget for implementation during the fiscal year 2023/2024. In addition, discussions were held on statistical activities and initiatives in Arab countries and common statistical issues to contribute to providing accurate data necessary for implementing comprehensive economic and social development plans at the Arab regional level. It also aimed to support official statistical systems in Arab countries in fulfilling their developmental duties at both the national and regional levels by providing accurate data and indicators that contribute to enhancing opportunities for better policymaking. It is worth mentioning that the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics plays an important role in developing and building the capacities of human resources in Arab statistical agencies. This is achieved by meeting their training and technical consultation needs in the field of methodologies, concepts, and tools for managing official statistical work. The Institute also develops and implements research and statistical studies relevant to the interests of statistical agencies, in line with their needs. Additionally, it contributes to raising awareness of statistical work by participating in various seminars and conferences held at the regional and international levels.