Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said on Friday that the G20 Summit is not limited to politics, but it will also tackle the economy and the empowerment of the youth and women.
Speaking at the International Media Center for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Riyadh, he said that the economy of Saudi Arabia was a factor of stability in the region.
He also underlined the importance of collective work to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic, underscoring international efforts to develop a vaccine for the virus that has upended lives the world over.
The G20 has taken a series of significant steps aimed at confronting the pandemic, he remarked, noting its pledge of billions of dollars to develop a vaccine.
The G20 will continue to take preemptive measures to counter the disease, he added, revealing that new cooperation protocols between countries to fight future pandemics will be established.
Moreover, Jubeir hailed Saudi Arabia’s efforts in fighting the impact of the virus, highlighting its establishment of government work groups dedicated to protecting the lives of the citizens.
Authorities have been transparent in everything related to combating the virus and assessing its repercussions, which have led to lockdowns and several preventive measures that have helped stem the outbreak, he went on to say.
On technological advancement, the minister cited major challenges such as Artificial Intelligence and the need to provide job opportunities for the coming generation with the rapid development of technology.
Furthermore, Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia has exerted great effort to empower society, invest in technology and communicate with the world in confronting the pandemic.
The Kingdom has practically dealt with the outbreak and enabled society to confront the challenges, he remarked.
It has also, though its Vision 2030, improved the living standards of its people and empowered the youth through innovation and technology and a focus on recreation and tourism.
He predicted the G20 Summit will issue a positive communique, noting that over 400 work group meetings have been held and their proposals will be presented to world leaders. This, in turn, will ensure a smooth transition to Italy, which will assume the 2021 presidency of the G20.
The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, hailed Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20 and its positive role in preparing for Saturday’s summit amid the pandemic.
The pandemic, she noted, has not impacted the way countries communicate with each other. On the contrary, it has bolstered relations and response to any development that may take place in any part of the world.
