Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Joins Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Iran

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji participated in the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Tehran on June 24, 2024, deputizing for Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. The high-level engagement underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s active diplomacy and its commitment to multilateral cooperation across Asia.

Context and Background

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) is a continent-wide forum established in 2002 to promote cooperation among Asian countries across diverse fields. The 19th Ministerial Meeting convened in Tehran, bringing together representatives from member states to address shared challenges and opportunities. Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its strategic priority to strengthen ties with Asian nations and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

As the world’s largest continent, Asia encompasses a wide range of economic, security, and environmental issues. The ACD provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify partnerships and enhance its global role.

Key Details

In his address, Al-Khuraiji emphasized the need to increase joint efforts and enhance cooperation to tackle challenges including conflicts, food security, and energy security. He noted that Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties, including children, women, and the elderly. He warned that the continuation of these operations threatens regional security and could lead to a broader conflict, which Saudi Arabia had previously cautioned against due to the ongoing occupation and denial of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.

Al-Khuraiji urged an immediate halt to Israeli military operations, protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, and intensified efforts to achieve a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, including the establishment of an independent state with its capital in east Jerusalem within the 1967 borders.

The vice minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continued coordination between countries and the development and expansion of cooperation in various areas, including economic development, technology, trade, investment, regional security, energy, and culture. He also stressed the Kingdom’s belief in enhancing cooperation in emerging fields such as climate change and strengthening global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. Al-Khuraiji highlighted the significance of collective efforts within multilateral frameworks to reduce tensions, promote dialogue, and encourage joint action.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in the ACD Ministerial Meeting reinforces its role as a bridge-builder and responsible global actor. By advocating for dialogue and cooperation, the Kingdom contributes to regional stability and addresses pressing issues like food and energy security. The meeting also provides an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to exchange views with other Asian nations on economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainable development.

The focus on AI governance and climate change aligns with Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision and its efforts to lead in emerging sectors. The Kingdom’s stance on the Palestinian issue reflects its consistent support for a two-state solution and a just resolution to the conflict, which remains a key priority in its foreign policy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of strengthening international partnerships, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global influence. By engaging in multilateral forums, Saudi Arabia advances its commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development, both regionally and globally. This aligns with the leadership’s vision of a prosperous and interconnected Asia, where cooperation and dialogue pave the way for shared prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs participate in?

A1. Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji participated in the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial Meeting held in Tehran, Iran, on June 24, 2024, deputizing for Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to the ACD Ministerial Meeting?

A2. The Saudi delegation was led by Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, who represented the Kingdom on behalf of Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Q3. What is the Asia Cooperation Dialogue?

A3. The Asia Cooperation Dialogue is a continent-wide forum established in 2002 to promote cooperation among Asian countries across diverse fields such as economic development, technology, trade, investment, regional security, energy, and culture.

Q4. What key challenges did Al-Khuraiji highlight in his address?

A4. He emphasized the need to address conflicts, food security, and energy security, urging increased joint efforts and enhanced cooperation among Asian nations to tackle these pressing issues.

Q5. What did Al-Khuraiji say about the situation in Gaza?

A5. He noted that Israel continues military operations in Gaza, causing numerous casualties including children, women, and the elderly, and warned that these operations threaten regional security and could lead to a broader conflict.

Q6. What solution did Al-Khuraiji propose for the Palestinian issue?

A6. He urged an immediate halt to Israeli military operations, protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian aid, and intensified efforts toward a just and lasting solution, including an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.

Q7. What areas of cooperation did Al-Khuraiji emphasize?

A7. He emphasized cooperation in economic development, technology, trade, investment, regional security, energy, culture, climate change, and the governance of artificial intelligence and new technologies globally.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia view multilateral frameworks?

A8. Saudi Arabia believes in the significance of collective efforts within multilateral frameworks to reduce tensions, promote dialogue, and encourage joint action among nations.

Q9. What is Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Palestinian right to statehood?

A9. Saudi Arabia supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem within the 1967 borders, as part of a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

Q10. Why is Saudi Arabia’s participation in the ACD important?

A10. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a bridge-builder and responsible global actor, strengthens ties with Asian nations, and contributes to regional stability and prosperity through dialogue and cooperation.

Q11. What did Al-Khuraiji say about climate change?

A11. He highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in emerging fields and challenges, such as the climate change crisis, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global environmental issues.

Q12. How does the ACD align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A12. The ACD aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of strengthening international partnerships, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global influence through multilateral engagement.

Q13. What is the significance of the ACD Ministerial Meeting being held in Iran?

A13. The meeting in Tehran provides a platform for Asian countries to engage in dialogue and cooperation, and Saudi Arabia’s participation demonstrates its commitment to regional diplomacy and constructive engagement.

Q14. What did Al-Khuraiji say about AI governance?

A14. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in the governance of artificial intelligence and new technologies globally, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking approach to emerging technologies.

Q15. How many countries are members of the ACD?

A15. The Asia Cooperation Dialogue includes 35 member countries from across Asia, representing a diverse range of economies and cultures working together for mutual benefit.

Q16. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in the ACD?

A16. Saudi Arabia is an active member of the ACD, participating in ministerial meetings and contributing to discussions on economic development, security, and cooperation in various fields.

Q17. What did Al-Khuraiji urge regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza?

A17. He urged the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by the ongoing military operations.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation reflect its foreign policy?

A18. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy of active engagement, dialogue, and cooperation to promote peace, security, and development in the region and beyond.

Q19. What did Al-Khuraiji say about regional security?

A19. He warned that the continuation of Israeli military operations threatens regional security and could lead to a broader conflict, which Saudi Arabia had previously cautioned against.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the ACD Ministerial Meeting?

A20. The meeting aims to enhance cooperation among Asian countries, address shared challenges, and promote joint action in areas such as economic development, security, and emerging technologies.

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