Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, made a phone call on Thursday to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the telephone conversation, they reviewed the Middle East Green Initiative, which the Crown Prince unveiled last week.
The campaign sees Saudi Arabia planting 10 billion trees in coming decades and working with other Arab states to plant another 40 billion trees, to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution and land degradation.
The initiative also aims to enhance the efficiency of oil production and increase the contribution of renewable energy, in addition to multiple efforts to preserve the marine and coastal environment, and increase the percentage of natural reserves.
The Russian President welcomed the Saudi initiative, affirming support for the Kingdom's efforts to achieve its objectives, SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed also held a similar telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the initiative.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab welcomed the initiative.
In a statement, he said: “The United Kingdom appreciates Saudi Arabia's plan to plant 10 billion trees, combat pollution and preserve marine life as an important step in its climate ambition.”
“As chair of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, we will work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their endeavors to protect the planet,” he added.
James Cleverly, British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, described as “positive” Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the environment.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said that London will work closely with the Saudi leadership towards a green environment.
