Saudi Arabia Concludes Third IMFC Deputies Meeting

The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC is a testament to its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism and reflects its leading role in supporting regional and global economic growth. - SPA
The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC is a testament to its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism and reflects its leading role in supporting regional and global economic growth. - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Concludes Third IMFC Deputies Meeting

The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC is a testament to its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism and reflects its leading role in supporting regional and global economic growth. - SPA
The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC is a testament to its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism and reflects its leading role in supporting regional and global economic growth. - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded the third deputies meeting for the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), which was held under the Saudi chairmanship in Diriyah on April 6-7, and co-organized by the Ministry of Finance and the IMF.
During his opening speech, Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan praised the efforts of the IMF's leadership and the members of the IMFC in guiding the IMF during challenging times. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure global financial stability and strong, inclusive economic growth. "The IMF has shown resilience by adapting to the ever-changing global landscape," Minister Aljadaan said.
In her opening speech, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Dr. Kristalina Georgieva expressed her gratitude for Saudi Arabia's ongoing and robust support for the IMF and the strong leadership of the IMFC, SPA reported.
"Amid significant global policy changes, the IMF's mission to foster macroeconomic and financial stability remains just as essential as it was 80 years ago. Our 191 member countries can rely on the IMF as a trusted advisor," she said.
The IMFC deputies discussed several topics during the high-level discussion sessions, including ways to enhance global financial stability and inclusive development. They addressed the challenges facing the global economy due to uncertainty in trade flows and its impact on capital in both advanced and developing economies. Emphasis was placed on the effect of high debt levels on investments in infrastructure and jobs and the opportunities and risks arising from technological and demographic shifts.
Additionally, they discussed the IMF's role in supporting countries through financial stability programs and coordinating regional financial arrangements.



Trump Visits Al Udeid, Says Qatar Will Invest $10 Billion in Air Base

President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
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Trump Visits Al Udeid, Says Qatar Will Invest $10 Billion in Air Base

President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Qatar will invest $10 billion in the coming years in the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha, the largest US military facility in the Middle East.

Speaking at a meeting with business leaders in Qatar, Trump said his trip through the Gulf region could generate $4 trillion.

“This is a record tour. There’s never been a tour that will raise—it could be a total of $3.5, $4 trillion. Just in this four or five days,” he said.

He described his visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Emirates as a historic trip.

Later during a visit to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday, where he spoke to American troops, Trump said, “We almost lost the Middle East because of the policies of the Joe Biden administration. But we’re going to protect the Middle East.”

On the nuclear file, Trump revealed that the United States is “very close to making a deal with Iran,” stating that Tehran has “somewhat agreed to the terms” of a long-term agreement. He added, “We want to deal with the Iran problem in a smart way — but not violently.”

On the situation in Yemen, Trump said the US is prepared to return to military operations against the Houthis if provoked.

“We’re dealing with the Houthis, and I think that’s been very successful. But maybe an attack will be launched tomorrow — in which case, we’ll go back to the offensive,” he said.

Trump then praised US troops stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha.
“You are the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. We have the strongest military in the world,” he said.

Trump also touted plans for advanced US warplanes — including the Boeing F-47 announced in March as an update on the F-22 and named in honor of both the incumbent 47th president and the founding year of the Air Force.

“We’re going to do an F-55 and I think if we get the right price, we have to get the right price, and that’ll be two engines and a super upgrade on the F-35,” Trump said.

The US President also commented on his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh.

“I didn’t know Syria had been under sanctions for this long,” Trump said.