Saudi Cabinet: Exit of foreign militias a must for Syria peace

King Salman chairs the Cabinet Session in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Updated 01 January 2020
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Saudi Cabinet: Exit of foreign militias a must for Syria peace

  • Saudi Arabia wants resolution of Rohingya issue

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday called on the international community to take steps for a complete withdrawal of foreign forces and militias, backed mainly by Iran, to ensure lasting peace in Syria and the social cohesion of the war-torn country.

The weekly session, chaired by King Salman in Riyadh, reviewed the final statement of a recent meeting between Syrian stakeholders. The ministers stressed the importance of continuing the political process in accordance with international decisions.

The Cabinet welcomed an agreement between the Kingdom and Kuwait to resume pumping at two major oilfields in a shared neutral zone.

The meeting also reviewed the latest global and regional developments.

Saudi Media Minister Turki Al-Shabanah, in a statement issued to the Saudi Press Agency, said the ministers praised the adoption of a resolution on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, which was presented by Saudi Arabia at the UN General Assembly. They said the Kingdom wants a solution to this problem and recognition of their basic rights.

The Cabinet hailed the Saudi security forces for their continued efforts to keep terrorists and terrorism at bay. The ministers lauded the forces for thwarting a terror attack in Dammam by swiftly taking action against the terrorists.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Cabinet approved an agreement for the establishment of the Gulf Payments Company.

• The ministers approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iraq to promote and protect mutual investments.

Condemning the terrorist operation carried out by the Iranian-backed militia on US forces stationed in Iraq, the Cabinet called for cooperation between the Iraqi government and the US-led international coalition forces to conduct a probe into the attack to help prevent such incidents supported by the Iranian regime in the future.

The Cabinet also condemned terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso and Somalia. 

The ministers approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iraq to promote and protect mutual investments. A royal decree to this effect has been prepared.

The Cabinet also approved an agreement for the establishment of the Gulf Payments Company.  The ministers also authorized different ministries to sign deals or memorandums of understanding with their foreign counterparts to boost cooperation in their respective fields.


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”