Saudi Arabia, India Stress Global Energy Supply Security

11 September 2023, India, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman before their bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House. (dpa)
11 September 2023, India, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman before their bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House. (dpa)
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Saudi Arabia, India Stress Global Energy Supply Security

11 September 2023, India, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman before their bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House. (dpa)
11 September 2023, India, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman before their bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House. (dpa)

Saudi Arabia and India have affirmed their commitment to ensuring the security of energy supplies in global markets. They have also agreed on the importance of strengthening their cooperation to guarantee the security and integrity of maritime passages and the freedom of maritime navigation.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of a visit by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to India highlighted the significance of cooperation between Riyadh and New Delhi in the energy sector, considering it one of the cornerstones of their strategic partnership.

Additionally, the statement stressed the importance of supporting the stability of global oil markets and promoting dialogue and collaboration among oil-producing and consuming countries, all while ensuring the security of energy supplies in the international markets.

The Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to being a reliable partner and source of crude oil supplies for India.

As for climate change, both sides emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of the Climate Change Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement.

They also acknowledged pioneering Saudi efforts in addressing climate change challenges on both regional and international levels, underlining the Kingdom’s Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Saudi Arabia has also promoted the application of a comprehensive and balanced approach to carbon emissions management using various clean technologies. This approach was endorsed by the leaders of the G20 countries and includes measures to mitigate land degradation, restore vegetation cover, and preserve biodiversity.

Saudi Arabia and India are among the world’s major economies that have achieved robust growth.

In this context, India acknowledged the progress made by the Kingdom within the framework of its Vision 2030, including economic diversification and reforms.

It expressed hope for increased participation of Indian companies, professionals, and workers in development projects taking place in the Kingdom.

Saudi officials praised India’s forward-looking Vision 2047, which aligns with its celebration of 100 years of independence, reflecting the aspirations and ambitions of its nation.



Saudi Arabia to Host Donor Conference to Support Refugees in Sahel, Lake Chad Regions in October

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Donor Conference to Support Refugees in Sahel, Lake Chad Regions in October

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), announced on Friday that it will host a donor conference to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region on October 26.

The conference will be held in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The conference seeks to mobilize resources for humanitarian and development initiatives targeting affected populations, including displaced people and refugees, with a special focus on UN-coordinated humanitarian response plans. It will also raise awareness of the multifaceted crisis and address it by establishing strong partnerships to improve effective humanitarian response and build support for long-term solutions.

According to the UN, nearly 33 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection across the Sahel and Lake Chad region, including 11 million who are internally displaced and stay there as refugees in the region.

The countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions have been grappling with several crises for more than a decade and facing major challenges that have resulted in social and economic instability and the disruption of livelihoods. Moreover, the drought in Lake Chad, which is the main lifeline for millions of people, has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, requiring urgent intervention.

Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said the conference is a crucial step towards mobilizing the necessary resources and establishing partnerships to address the urgent humanitarian challenges and needs in these regions.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on the donor member states of the OIC, donor institutions and international partners to seize the opportunity of holding the conference to offer financial resources to improve the conditions of vulnerable communities in these troubled regions.

Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya said: “The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin are facing an unprecedented crisis. This conference represents a critical opportunity for the international community and affected countries to work together to mobilize more resources and support, not only for the immediate humanitarian response, but to assist the region emerge from the ongoing crisis and achieve its enormous potential.”

She added that conflicts, instability and violence continue to force millions to flee their homes in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, a region of the world which increasingly confront the destabilizing effects of climate change and food insecurity.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said: “We must strive to help forcibly displaced populations and the communities hosting them.”

He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the OIC for their efforts to address the severe shortage of funding in the region.