RIYADH — Human life is on top of Saudi Arabia’s priorities as it combats coronavirus, Minister of Culture Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan said during a UNESCO virtual meeting on Wednesday.

Prince Badr, who is also chairman of the National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, told the participants at the meeting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, has taken early, resolute and courageous decisions as part of the preventive measures to combat the pandemic, putting human life on top of its priorities

He said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has initiated innovative solutions to provide security and health for its citizens and residents alike, and to ensure a decent life for them.

Prince Badr briefed the member states on his country's experience in confronting coronavirus at all levels, especially at the cultural level. He also pointed out the initiatives taken to support the private sector to ensure its sustainability.

He also highlighted King Salman’s initiative to hold an extraordinary summit of Group of 20 major economies to coordinate efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prince Badr drew the attention of the representatives of the member states of the royal order granting free coronavirus treatment for all — citizens, residents and even residency rules violators.

He also said that the Kingdom has succeeded in investing its huge infrastructure in communications and the Internet, providing access to beneficiaries in several sectors, including culture and education.

He also pointed out the Ministry of Culture’s several initiatives under the slogan "Culture in isolation", in various sectors such as theater, literature, translation, reading and films, to promote cultural creativity in this exceptional circumstance and to create cultural activities that provide spaces for creators.

Prince Badr concluded his speech by saying, "We hope that our meeting today will contribute to the exchange of ideas and communication between us to promote the goals of the" UNESCO ", which correspond with the goals and vision of the Kingdom. — SPA