King Salman: Pandemic Not an Obstacle to Saudi G20 Presidency

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
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King Salman: Pandemic Not an Obstacle to Saudi G20 Presidency

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. SPA

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said on Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has not been an obstacle to the Saudi G20 presidency.

“Despite the severity of the pandemic we are currently facing, it did not create an obstacle to the continuity of the Saudi G20 presidency agenda,” Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said on behalf of King Salman as he received the final communique of the Think 20 (T20) Engagement Group.

The Saudi G20 “presidency led international collective efforts to work and seek solutions to this crisis, as the presidency program and Engagement Groups’ meetings have continued and adapted to a new normal with courage and creativity, hoping for a better world that enjoys stability, health resilience and food security,” he said.

King Salman stressed the importance of finding solutions to strengthening financial systems in the face of global crises, supporting the recovery of capital flows in emerging markets and developing countries, facilitating global trade routes and international investment, and resorting to digital economy to recover from recession.

He expressed his gratitude for the T20 Engagement Group represented by the Chair, Sherpa, and participants from around the globe who worked collectively to propose solutions for diverse global challenges, especially in light of the current conditions.

He also extended his gratitude to King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, and King Faisal Center for research and Islamic Studies for their “remarkable work” in leading the T20 Engagement Group this year.



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
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21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.