Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has revealed that his country was preparing an integrated program for the G20 summit under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the continuous follow-up of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
The foreign minister told Asharq Al-Awsat that the next session of the G20 in Saudi Arabia would focus on 21st century challenges, mainly the global economy, in addition to enhancing international cooperation and coordination based on common principles and interests, empowering people, creating economic opportunities and promoting the sustainability of the planet.
Prince Faisal added that the Kingdom would host more than 100 meetings during its presidency of the G20 and expressed his country’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and communication to confront common challenges and build a better future for all people everywhere.
Official activities for Saudi Arabia as head of the G20 are due to start in a week’s time by early December.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said he looked forward to Saudi Arabia’s continued success through the G20 portfolio, noting that his country would cooperate with the Kingdom as the next chair of the group.
He added that the G20 foreign ministers agreed on Saturday that the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was urgent amid a growing US-China tariff crisis.
G20 foreign ministers continued their meetings on Saturday in the city of Nagoya, for the second consecutive day, during the current session presided by Japan.
The officials discussed reforms at the WTO, where Japan, the United States and other countries are pushing to improve the dispute settlement system.
Motegi said that the 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, including Japan, China and India, was an important framework for stimulating free trade worldwide.
The minister pointed out that the ongoing negotiations on the free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific Organization (Asia-Pacific) was expected to be concluded by all the 16 original members even after the withdrawal of India.
