RIYADH: The Saudi-French Investment Forum that took place in Riyadh on Tuesday marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding and investment agreements worth billions of dollars. Held to coincide with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, the event brought together officials, policymakers, and business leaders from both nations, aiming to align their national visions for a prosperous future. In his opening remarks, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih welcomed French stakeholders, emphasizing the strong ties between the two countries. He lauded Macron as a “good friend of the Kingdom, leading a strong delegation.” Al-Falih highlighted the enduring economic partnership, the breadth of sectors covered, and the presence of French companies in Saudi Arabia. “Every time there is an event involving Saudi Arabia and France, there is a special magic and attraction,” he said, noting France’s early support for Riyadh’s bid to host EXPO 2030. Among the agreements signed were collaborations with French oil giant TotalEnergies and Al Jumeih Energy and Water for the Rabigh 2 solar power plant. Additionally, power purchase agreements for the Al Masa’a and Al Hnakia 2 solar projects involved EDF, SPIC, and the Saudi Power Procurement Company. Another major deal involved the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and Veolia, focusing on waste management and recycling initiatives in the Kingdom. In his own remarks at the Forum, Macron highlighted opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, mobility, technology, culture, and artificial intelligence, noting the synergy between Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030. “For all the French business-people and investors, I want to encourage them to invest more in this country because investing here is investing in the cornerstone of the whole region,” he said. On Monday, Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership aimed at boosting cooperation in defense, energy, and AI. The partnership aims at “multiplying co-operation and concrete achievements in all areas,” the Elesee Palace said in a statement. It also includes plans to co-host a Summit for Action on AI in Paris in February, according to the Elysee. Tuesday’s Forum built on a long history of cooperation, highlighted by reciprocal delegations at major events like VivaTech in Paris and Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference. Al-Falih emphasized the shared history, values, and mutual respect underpinning the partnership. “Saudis love anything French — French design, French furniture, French technology,” he said. Al-Falih noted that Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council’s fastest-growing economy, achieved 3 billion euros in French investment in 2023. France is the Kingdom’s second-largest foreign investor. “We are ahead of targets in overall investment, and (France) was a significant part in achieving our targets,” said Al-Falih. “The value of our trade relations exceeded 10 billion euros last year; and with roughly 3 billion euros of French investment into the Kingdom in 2023, and the nation’s accumulated foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia reached 17 billion euros.” He added: “We are proud to be hosting in Saudi Arabia close to 500 leading French companies. Significantly, around 30 of these companies have established their regional headquarters here in Riyadh because their target is not just the Saudi market but to use Saudi Arabia as a platform to reach further beyond. “We stand today as the world is changing so fast in a new era of partnership. There is alignment of our interests and complementarity in our capabilities. And we also have shared worldviews that are lifting this partnership to a new height, culminating in the signing of our strategic partnership.” Green energy was a central theme, with agreements supporting renewable energy projects and emphasizing sustainability’s role in economic growth. French biopharma leader Sanofi also signed agreements to expand its healthcare projects in Saudi Arabia. French expertise continues to play a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s development, from Riyadh Metro to the innovative tram systems in AlUla. The historic region, home to Saudi Arabia’s cherished heritage sites, is set to welcome Macron on Wednesday, reflecting ongoing cultural cooperation led by the French Agency for AlUla Development (Afalula). French experts have been deeply involved with development in the historic region of northwestern Saudi Arabia. “Sharaan” by Jean Nouvel and Villa Hegra by Lacaton and Vassal are just two examples of cultural and heritage cooperation. Tuesday’s Forum hosted six panels, featuring 50 keynote speakers, and facilitated hundreds of bilateral meetings. Themes included net-zero policies, urbanization, technology, entertainment, and fostering innovation. French Minister Delegate for Industry Marc Ferracci underscored the Forum’s importance in strengthening ties amid Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented transformation. “The Kingdom is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in recent history,” Ferracci told the Forum. “And as the second largest investor in the Kingdom, France supports the Kingdom in different sectors. “Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030 are transformative blueprints designed to tackle the challenges of our time, creating sustainable growth for the future, and the development of smart inclusive cities,” he added. The objectives of France’s National Vision include achieving carbon neutrality and cooperation on green energy. Ferracci added that France views Saudi Arabia as a vital partner, emphasizing shared goals of carbon neutrality and innovation. “The forum is a testament to our economic relationship and an opportunity to shape the future of our partnership,” he said. The French economy is viewed as a gateway, offering access to the wider European market, making it an attractive investment destination. “The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is not new, rather dates back to centuries not decades,” Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the mayor of Riyadh, told the Forum. He highlighted historical milestones, including the meeting between Saudi King Faisal and French President Charles de Gaulle in 1967, which marked the debut of stronger ties, evolving through personal contacts and visits at the highest levels. King Khalid visited France in 1978 and 1981, and King Fahd visited twice when he was crown prince, in 1975 and 1981. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents an ambitious roadmap towards a more prosperous and sustainable future,” said Prince Faisal. “Riyadh, as the capital of the Kingdom, plays a pivotal role in achieving that Vision. The city is undergoing an unprecedented economic developmental transformation. The city today stands as a workshop ... the future is greater than what we can imagine.” Prince Faisal highlighted the examples of King Salman Park, which aspires to be the largest urban park in the world, and New Murrabbaa, which is set to become the world’s largest urban development. “It’s not our journey alone,” said Prince Faisal. “We invite everyone to join.”What Will It Take to Close the Mortality Gap For Black Women With Breast Cancer?
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Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.Police lodge six FIRs for sharing ‘edited’ videos of Kejriwal in LudhianaWeibo (NASDAQ:WB) Shares Gap Down – What’s Next?
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Sirkka joins the executive team to elevate recruitment strategies and advance growth in travel nursing and healthcare staffing nationwide OMAHA, Neb. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Solutions , a leader in healthcare staffing and talent innovation, has appointed Kerry Sirkka as Chief Recruitment Officer to spearhead transformative recruitment strategies and drive growth. She has more than 20 years of experience as a seasoned, award-winning healthcare executive with a proven track record in expansion, progress, and operational transformation across healthcare staffing and technology sectors. Sirkka has deep experience in travel, local, per diem, locums, and digital staffing. She has held key roles, foundationally spending nearly two decades leading recruitment operations at AMN Healthcare and taking on key transformational initiatives. She later moved to Head of Caregiver Experience at TheKey, where she drove operational efficiencies across 100 locations, and most recently, to Chief Delivery Officer at IntelyCare, where she managed operations and services to grow the company's healthcare platform. "We're happy to welcome Kerry to our team," said Rebecca Rogers Tijerino , CEO of Medical Solutions . "She brings extensive expertise in recruitment strategy and a proven ability to drive innovation. Her success in building high-performing teams and fostering growth will play a key role in connecting top clinicians with healthcare systems and advancing patient care nationwide." Her professional accomplishments extend beyond the workplace. She is an active member of the American Staffing Association , the American College of Healthcare Executives, and other influential organizations. Her accolades include multiple President's Forum Awards for exceptional performance and nominations for the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Staffing and The American Staffing Association Volunteer of the Year. "I'm excited to join Medical Solutions and contribute to its mission of connecting healthcare facilities with exceptional talent," said Sirkka. "I look forward to working with this talented team to create solutions that meet the changing needs of clients and clinicians." Sirkka's appointment underscores Medical Solutions' dedication to leading the healthcare staffing industry by delivering comprehensive solutions that empower clinicians and support healthcare systems nationwide. ABOUT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Medical Solutions is one of the nation's largest healthcare talent ecosystems — connecting nurses, allied health clinicians, and clinical leaders with healthcare facilities across the U.S. Its service offerings include contingent staffing, managed services, strike staffing, local contract, PRN, and domestic and international direct hire. For more information, visit www.medicalsolutions.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kerry-sirkka-joins-medical-solutions-as-chief-recruitment-officer-302321558.html SOURCE Medical Solutions LLC
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