Saudi foreign minister addresses Jammu and Kashmir meeting on sidelines of UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 21 September 2023
Follow

Saudi foreign minister addresses Jammu and Kashmir meeting on sidelines of UN General Assembly

  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Kingdom stands by Muslim peoples in their efforts to maintain their Islamic identity and preserve their dignity
  • He said the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a pressing challenge to the security and stability of the region and must not remain unresolved

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, took part in a meeting of the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday that was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Addressing the meeting, the prince said the Kingdom stands by Muslim peoples in their efforts to maintain their Islamic identity and preserve their dignity, and he reiterated his country’s support for people in areas affected by conflict or unrest, including those in Jammu and Kashmir region, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said.

Prince Faisal described the Jammu and Kashmir issue as a pressing challenge to the security and stability of the region, and warned that if it is allowed to remain unresolved it will contribute to further instability.

The Kingdom is unremitting in its efforts to mediate between the parties involved in the conflict, in an attempt to deescalate it and help bring about a peaceful settlement in accordance with international resolutions, the foreign minister said. Such efforts are in line with Saudi Arabia’s unwavering stance in support of Islamic peoples, he added.

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the deputy minister for international multilateral affairs, and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, director general of the Foreign Minister’s Office, also attended the meeting.


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

Updated 59 min 25 sec ago
Follow

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.”