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Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Relations with Saudi Arabia, Region at Large

The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
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Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Relations with Saudi Arabia, Region at Large

The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, US, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

A distinguished US official expressed her country's strong and enduring bond with Saudi Arabia, thanking the Kingdom for its crucial role in important matters like the Sudanese crisis and its effective coordination in the global fight against ISIS.

Hala Ghrait, the regional spokeswoman for the US Department of State, emphasized in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia, that the notion of the US withdrawing from the region is inaccurate.

She highlighted the US’ commitment to its relationship with Saudi Arabia and the entire region.

Ghrait pointed out that the meeting between Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had highlighted the significance of bilateral relations and the cooperation and coordination between the two countries in various issues, such as Yemen, Sudan, and the defeat of ISIS.

Regarding Yemen, Ghrait emphasized the importance of achieving an intra-Yemeni political solution, urging Houthi insurgents to consider the Yemeni people and renounce violence to achieve stability in the country.

Ghrait stressed the significant cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in addressing the Sudanese issue, highlighting that key stakeholders remain present in Jeddah and expressing optimism for the revival of negotiations.

She further acknowledged that the sanctions implemented by the US, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and other entities, aimed to apply pressure on the parties that failed to comply with the ceasefire.

Ghrait clarified that the upcoming meeting of the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Thursday, will focus on Syria and Iraq.

The gathering, with participation from over 30 ministers and representatives from more than 80 countries, will address issues such as funding counterterrorism efforts, fostering stability, as well as tackling the ISIS threat in Africa and Central Asia.

The spokeswoman further reiterated her country’s opposition to normalizing relations with Syria.

However, she acknowledged the US’ understanding of its regional partners’ intentions to establish direct relationships with the Syrian regime, as the goal is to exert pressure on the Syrian government.

Ghrait also affirmed that Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship between the US and the Kingdom.

She explained that his meeting yesterday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman covered numerous bilateral, regional, and international issues.

Ghrait described the military relationship between her country and Saudi Arabia as “extremely strong,” noting that the Defense Department has “very strong ties” in all areas desired by the Saudis.

There is an exchange of ideas in the technological, weapons and logistical fields, she affirmed.

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FAO Official: Gulf States Shielded Themselves from Major Shocks

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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FAO Official: Gulf States Shielded Themselves from Major Shocks

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), told Asharq al-Awsat that global hunger increased sharply during the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the GCC countries were able to shield themselves from major shocks affecting food security.
Laborde added that global hunger affected over 152 million people, with no improvement in the past two years.
Today, 733 million people suffer from chronic hunger, and 2.3 billion face food insecurity, according to the UN annual report on “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.”

Laborde explained that the global economic crisis has worsened food insecurity, keeping hunger levels high.
Alongside this, climate shocks and conflicts are major causes of hunger. He also pointed out that food insecurity is closely tied to inequality, and the economic crisis, rising living costs, and high interest rates are deepening existing inequalities both within and between countries.
On whether economic diversification in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is boosting food security, Laborde said: “A move towards a more diversified economy and enhancing the ability to rely on various sources of food supplies are key drivers of food security resilience and stability.”
“GCC countries have managed to shield themselves from major shocks, primarily due to their high income levels and ability to cover import costs without difficulty,” he explained.
Regarding the FAO’s outlook on reducing global hunger, Laborde insisted that ending hunger will require a significant increase in funding.
When asked for suggestions on how governments could enhance food security, Laborde said: “Despite global figures remaining stable, improvements are seen in Asia and Latin America, showing that the right policies and conditions can reduce numbers.”
“Hunger is not inevitable. Investing in social safety nets to protect the poor, along with making structural changes to food systems to be more environmentally friendly, resilient, and equitable, is the right path forward,” emphasized Laborde.
The annual State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, published on Wednesday, said about 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 – one in 11 people globally and one in five in Africa.
Hunger and food insecurity present critical challenges affecting millions globally.
The annual report, released this year during the G20 Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty Task Force ministerial meeting in Brazil, warns that the world is significantly lagging in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2—ending hunger by 2030.
It highlights that global progress has regressed by 15 years, with malnutrition levels comparable to those seen in 2008-2009.
Despite some progress in areas like stunting and exclusive breastfeeding, a troubling number of people still face food insecurity and malnutrition, with global hunger levels rising.