UAE minister talks pressing challenges engulfing Middle East in six-party Arab Ministerial meeting in Riyadh

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, attended the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Monday, alongside his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The session delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East, especially the Gaza crisis, it’s humanitarian and security implications, efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and strategies to protect regional and international peace and security.

During the meeting, His Highness highlighted the pressing challenges engulfing the region, emphasising the need for improved regional and international collaboration in bolstering the comprehensive peace process based on the controversial 2-state solution.

UAE committed to advancing regional and global stability

Sheikh Abdullah noted the need to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and prevent the escalation of the conflict, underscoring the importance of fighting extremism, tackling tensions, limiting escalating violence, safeguarding civilian lives and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of aid.

In addition, the UAE minister also stressed his country’s commitment to advancing regional and global peace and stability, besides its endeavour to foster cooperative relations with different nations to ensure peace, development and prosperity for all.

The meeting convened on the sidelines of the 2-day World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development. Riyadh hosted more than 1,000 global leaders for the event, luring considerable attention from global media.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation inks crucial deals

Leading political, economics, energy and technology figures called for clear pathways to stability, prosperity and inclusive opportunities against a backdrop of cross-border challenges. It noted the highest-ever number of registrations for a WEF event hosted outside Davos.

The special meeting in Riyadh ensured the launch of several initiatives in the fields of artificial intelligence, sustainability, space and healthcare. A Saudi-led Sustainability Champions Network was launched on the sidelines to accelerate the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.

On the first day, the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all. It is one of the several deals the Foundation signed to improve global health systems.