Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the fields of statistics and information at the center’s headquarters to strengthen the partnership between the two brotherly countries.

The memorandum was signed on the Omani side by His Excellency Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah al Barwani, CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information, and His Excellency Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah al Dosari, President of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The memorandum aims to develop the statistical system and enhance its efficiency through cooperation in areas including the exchange of expertise and information to develop statistical work, the implementation of awareness programs that enhance statistical culture, and facilitating access to and understanding of data. It also aims to organize reciprocal visits between experts and specialists, hold joint seminars, conferences, and workshops, and explore new areas of future cooperation.

His Excellency the CEO of the Center emphasised that this memorandum represents an important step toward building an integrated Gulf statistical system that contributes to the production of accurate and reliable data that supports decision-makers. He noted that cooperation with the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will open broader horizons for exchanging expertise and developing national competencies to serve common interests.

For his part, His Excellency the President of the General Authority for Statistics explained that this partnership is an extension of the strong relations between the two brotherly countries and enhances joint work through the exchange of expertise in the field of statistical work between the two parties.

The signing ceremony featured a visual presentation by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, which showcased its most prominent statistical and information projects, within the framework of an integrated vision aimed at developing the national statistical system in line with the best international standards and practices.

This step embodies the two countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and integration in vital sectors, most notably the statistics and information sector, given its pivotal role in supporting decision-making and guiding development policies based on accurate and reliable data.