US State Department Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Ranking In Trafficking in Persons Report

 General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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US State Department Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Ranking In Trafficking in Persons Report

 General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

For the second year in a row, Saudi Arabia saw an upgrade in its classification in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons index, according to the annual report issued by the US State Department.

According to the report, which was published on Thursday, Saudi Arabia was upgraded from a ranking of “Tier 2 Watch List” to “Tier 2.”

This reflects the Kingdom’s continued progress in protecting and promoting human rights in general, and in the field of combating trafficking in persons in particular.

Dr. Awad Al-Awwad, head of the Human Rights Commission and the Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons in Saudi Arabia, stressed that the Kingdom’s classification upgrade came as a result of the major reforms adopted by the Kingdom under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

“We are honored by the recognition we have received for our efforts to combat trafficking over the past two years. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to improving the quality of life not just for some — but for all. Today’s achievement is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to realizing this vision,” he stated.

He also pointed to the great interest the Kingdom attaches to combating human trafficking crimes through an integrated system, a dedicated strategy, and the signing of the relevant international conventions and protocols.

The head of the Human Rights Commission in Saudi Arabia stressed that this strategy contributed to building a comprehensive system that ensures the protection of all people from human trafficking crimes without discrimination and assistance and compensation to the victims.



Saudi FM Meets with US Secretary of State, US National Security Advisor

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met Wednesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met Wednesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Meets with US Secretary of State, US National Security Advisor

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met Wednesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met Wednesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met Wednesday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday. 

The two ministers reviewed the strategic relations between the two friendly countries and opportunities to strengthen and develop them in various fields. 

They discussed ways to intensify coordination and joint action on regional and international issues of concern to both countries, including developments in Gaza Strip, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as the Russia-Ukraine crisis. They exchanged views on these issues and efforts being made to achieve international peace and security. 

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan and several officials. 

The Saudi Minsiter has also met with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz at the White House in Washington, D.C. 

The two officials reviewed the strategic bilateral ties between their countries and explored prospects for promoting cooperation. They also addressed a number of issues and topics of mutual interest. 

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the United States and Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan.