Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Foreign Ministers of the Group of 20 major economies have underlined the need to open international borders to stimulate economies, the Saudi foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The ministers held an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to strengthen international cooperation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chairing the meeting, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan said: “Reopening borders, in accordance with all the protective measures and nationals regulations, will help our economies to thrive, people to prosper, and will of course bring hope for humanity to have faith in cooperating to overcome the pandemic.”

The ministers discussed coordinating precautionary measures on cross-border management to protect lives and livelihoods.

They acknowledged the importance of precautionary measures on opening borders, uniting families and promoting measures to cross-border management to allow the economy to thrive.

They expressed their deep condolences for the huge loss of human life and the tragic impacts caused by COVID-19.

The ministers also acknowledged the efforts and commitment of frontline workers to public health and safety.