Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi humanitarian actions are based on a clear and stable strategy, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan has stressed. “It (Saudi Arabia) does not consider any political purpose or any religious or ethnic group,” in this regard, he said.

Prince Faisal made the remarks at the opening of the 2nd Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum here on Sunday. “The foreign policy of KSA is based on strong principles. It strives to establish international peace and security and support affected peoples through initiatives that lead to sustainable development with the international community,” the foreign minister said.

“The establishment of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), is one of the initiatives adopted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Through Saudi Vision 2030, KSrelief has achieved a global leadership that made it one of the pioneers in the humanitarian work,” he said.

Saudi Arabia, the minister said, is hosting the G20 summit, and the accompanying economic, political and humanitarian renaissance. “It reflects the Saudi keenness to be an active member in the international community to serve the common international interests,” Prince Faisal added.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock, said: “We face global instability and uncertainty. A warring world and a warming planet. We also encounter solidarity, collaboration, and a growing desire for change.”

“As the current president of the G20, Saudi Arabia can showcase the group’s resolve to take action on climate change and make progress on the SDGs,” Lowcock added.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al-Hashimy, said: “It comes as no surprise that the ‘Kingdom of Humanity’ is leading what we can describe as a humanitarian movement”.

“We highly value the efforts of KSrelief which has accomplished so much soon after its establishment and has placed itself firmly on the world map of humanitarian action. It has helped alleviate human suffering everywhere it has operated.

“We in the UAE, have been honored to work with KSrelief on a host of humanitarian issues, I wish to state here that developmental assistance offered by UAE to countries around the world over the past 10 years has neared 88% of our total foreign aid,” Al-Hashimy added.