Saudi G20 Presidency Supreme Committee Overcomes Pandemic Challenges

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi G20 Presidency Supreme Committee Overcomes Pandemic Challenges

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Asharq Al-Awsat

G20 countries, on Sunday, will conclude the international forum’s Leader’s Summit and produce the Riyadh Declaration, a communique that wraps up the group’s work for 2020, a year rife with challenges during unprecedented times.

Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of the G20 for the 2020 Riyadh Summit was faced with considerable challenges, especially in terms of a global shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

For this extraordinary session, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Supreme Committee overseeing preparatory work of the G20.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority had laid the ground work for the Kingdom to host over 125 G20 meetings with the participation of over 8,000 individuals through videoconferencing tools and on virtual platforms.

The G20 Summit for 2020, under Saudi Presidency, proved the keenness of Supreme Committee Chairman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to establish communication and bolster the continuity of rapid cooperation and solidarity in the face of all challenges.

This outlook has resulted in averting coronavirus impact on G20 work, whereby the only effect the pandemic had on the 2020 Riyadh Summit was the absence of physical presence.



Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences over Tragic PIMS Hospital Fire in Pakistan

People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)
People gather outside a nursery in the gynecology ward following a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of those who died, as well as to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, which claimed the lives of several newborn babies, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with the victims' families and the government and people of Pakistan following this tragic incident, wishing Pakistan and its people security and safety.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Integration of SDF into Syrian Military Institutions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's welcome of the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Arab Republic's military institutions, noting that the move would contribute to enhancing security and stability in Syria and for its brotherly people, SPA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Kingdom reiterates its support for the steps taken by the Syrian government to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people and continue the path toward unity and development.

The Kingdom also wished the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people security, peace, and prosperity.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional De-Escalation with Qatari, Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional De-Escalation with Qatari, Turkish Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate telephone talks on regional de-escalation efforts with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

The calls were held as part of the constant coordination and unified efforts to bolster regional security and stability.