Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan has said that Saudi Arabia hopes that Norway, as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council, will make necessary diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in the region and to confront aggressive and provocative policies being pursued by some regional powers in the region in contravention with principles of international law and good neighborliness.

He also said that these regional powers are supporting terrorist organizations and working to fuel conflicts in the region, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen on receiving more support from the government of Norway for its initiative to end the Yemeni crisis, which will boost regional as well as global peace and security.

The Saudi foreign minister made the remarks during his virtual meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Ene Eriksson on Tuesday.

During the virtual meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed for political consultations between Saudi Arabia and Norway.

The MoU seeks to strengthen relations between the two countries and to further develop them to serve the aspirations of the governments and citizens of the two countries.

Highlighting the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Norway, Prince Faisal said: "The two countries share many areas of cooperation, most notably joint coordination in the oil and energy sector, renewable energy, climate change, investment and tourism, in addition to continuous consultations and constructive dialogue regarding developments in the Middle East and important international issues of the two friendly countries."

He added: "The two countries agree on the importance of encouraging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to international crises, adherence to the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness, and achieving international peace and security."

The Saudi foreign minister pointed out that the Kingdom is working tirelessly to achieve its Vision 2030, whose main axes are based on improving the quality of life, empowering women and youth, and providing an environment that unlocks business potential, expands the economic base and provides job opportunities.

He also said that the Kingdom's economic initiatives seek to achieve growth in sustainable ways that preserve the environment and that this is evident in the launch of the Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives, as well as the adoption of the concept of a circular carbon economy.

Prince Faisal stressed Saudi Arabia believes that Vision 2030 will have an impact in the region, paving the way for more development and prosperity, and will contribute positively to the global economy.

“The ambitious vision and the exploration of the great opportunities that it offers, and we are confident that friendly countries will provide appropriate investment facilities for Saudi investors to invest in Norway in a way that enhances the trade and economic relations of our two countries,” he added.

The meeting was also attended by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Norway Amal Yahya Al-Mouallimi.