Deputizing for Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji led today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation participating in the Council of Ministers meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), held in Colombo, the Republic of Sri Lanka.
El-Khereiji delivered a speech at the meeting in which he expressed the Kingdom's aspiration for further cooperation and work with the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association as a dialogue partner and in a manner consistent with achieving the common interests of countries and peoples.
He stressed that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 works to achieve comprehensive sustainable development goals. He added that the Kingdom's foreign policy works to advance regional and international development, affirming the importance of the participation of the IORA members in promoting stability, economic diversity and prosperity within and among their countries.
The Vice Foreign Minister expressed the Kingdom's aspiration to continue the joint coordination in various fields to overcome common challenges and realize the various opportunities provided by the partnership between the Kingdom and the IORA countries.
He renewed the Kingdom's support for the association's efforts to confront the challenges of maritime safety and global trade and to secure global freedom of navigation. He noted that these goals will be achieved by taking advantage of the great potential available through regional interconnection, focusing on empowering youth and protecting the future of planet Earth.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the Kingdom is fully aware of the challenges posed by climate and environmental change. It is committed to working with member states to exchange information, build expertise, and develop effective methods to protect coral reefs, biodiversity, and the marine environment, providing future generations with opportunities and sustainable development.
Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of Sri Lanka Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani attended the meeting.
Source: Saudi Press Agency