Saudi Arabia, US Sign Security Agreements
The agreements fall within the scope of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) and the Facilities Security Forces and focus on human capital development, knowledge transfer, and strengthening security agencies' capacities in drug control, training, and critical infrastructure security.
The deals are part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships with counterpart agencies.
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 10,897
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Arab News
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Saudi Arabia's holdings in US Treasuries rise to $131bn in June
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia increased its holdings of US Treasury securities to $130.6 billion at the end of June, up $2.9 billion, or 2.3 percent, from May, according to official data. The Kingdom's holdings stood at $127.7 billion in May, compared with $133.8 billion in April and $131.6 billion in March, according to the US Treasury Department. The increase comes as Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, manages its vast foreign reserves against a backdrop of shifting oil revenues, fluctuating global interest rates and ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030. Treasuries remain a key tool for Riyadh to park surplus funds in liquid, low-risk assets while balancing exposure to other currencies and asset classes. The report added that Saudi Arabia retained 17th place among the largest holders of such instruments in June. Compared with June 2024, Saudi Arabia's holdings in US Treasuries declined by 6.8 percent. The latest data also showed that the Kingdom is the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider Middle East region to secure a place among the top 20 holders of US Treasury securities. Saudi Arabia's holdings were split between long-term bonds worth $103.5 billion, representing 79 percent of the total, and short-term bonds amounting to $27.1 billion, or 21 percent. Top holders Japan remained the largest investor in June with holdings totaling $1.14 trillion, up 0.9 percent from May. The UK ranked second at $858.1 billion, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous month. China followed with portfolios valued at $756.4 billion, little changed from $756.3 billion in May. The Cayman Islands and Canada ranked fourth and fifth with $442.7 billion and $438.5 billion, respectively. Belgium held sixth with $433.4 billion, followed by Luxembourg at $404.7 billion and France at $374.9 billion. Ireland was ninth with $317.4 billion, while Switzerland came 10th with $300.9 billion. Taiwan ranked 11th at $298.1 billion. Singapore held the 12th spot with $254.4 billion, followed by Hong Kong at $242.6 billion and India at $227.4 billion. Saudi Arabia's Treasury holdings are closely watched as they reflect the Kingdom's strategy of balancing reserve diversification with strong US financial ties. Treasuries are among the world's safest assets, and changes in Saudi positions often signal how major energy exporters deploy surplus revenues amid oil price swings and global interest rate shifts.
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