ROME — Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Bin Abdullah praised the Italian efforts and achievements during its presidency of the G20 in 2021, picking up from what was adopted during the Kingdom’s presidency last year to support the group’s efforts in achieving international cooperation in the face of the global challenges.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Faisal also underlined the importance of the Kingdom's membership in the G20, due to its great economic power and influence, which makes it an influential party in drawing global economic policies.

Praising the success that the Kingdom achieved while chairing the G20 last year under the "Seizing the opportunities of the twenty-first century for all" theme, the foreign minister stressed that the KSA’s participation this year during the Italian presidency is a continuation of the road map for joint collective action undertaken by all member states.

Prince Faisal stressed the international interest in multilateral cooperation to reach the sustainable development goals through global forums such as the G20.

This is in addition to doubling joint international efforts for faster recovery from the challenges ahead, restoring global economic growth, promoting global health, and restore stability in the all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in international trade and investment, to help increase economic growth, development, innovation and job creation in various countries.

Prince Faisal also stressed the importance of addressing climate change in the world and the need to protect the environment, bringing to the attention the great interest the Kingdom attaches to this aspect, citing the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives launched by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy prime minister and minister of defense.

This is in addition to the outcomes of the Middle East Green Initiative summit, which was held recently in Riyadh, which represents a launching pad for cooperation with the Kingdom’s international partners in raising the level of joint action in climate diplomacy.

He said the G20 this year, under the Italian presidency, discussed humanity, the planet, and prosperity, a matter that contributed to achieving global goals, advancing the wheel of prosperity in all countries, preserving people, the planet, and the environment to achieve the aspirations of all peoples.

It underlined the importance of taking the necessary steps and intensifying international efforts to provide safe and sufficient food for all countries, setting up faster mechanisms for adapting agriculture and food systems to climate change, and increasing investments that stimulate food security, sustainable food systems, and regional development.

Meanwhile, Prince Faisal reiterated the priority of peace and security in the African continent for the Kingdom, and the Kingdom's support for regional and international efforts in close cooperation with the African Union to lay the foundations for stability, security, and conflict resolution.

He expressed the Kingdom's aspiration to unite global efforts to advance the status of African countries and to increase investment in health, education, infrastructure, technology, public services, and development sectors to achieve prosperity, progress, and development in Africa.

Prince Faisal extended his appreciation to the Italian presidency for its keenness this year in rallying efforts to continue facing global challenges and working towards building a promising future for all countries.

He expressed his confidence that the success of the G20 Leaders Summit in the Italian capital, Rome, will yield many positive results that will serve the future of the world and its peoples, and contribute to solving the most important files, challenges, and international issues. — SPA