Riyadh, 13 June 2023 (TDI): On June 12, the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League member states and Pacific small island countries met in a ministerial meeting in Riyadh.
The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit.
The meeting discussed the cooperation between the Arab and Pacific small island developing states on matters of mutual benefit.
They reviewed the progress and outcomes of the first Joint Ministerial Meeting, which took place in 2010 in Abu Dhabi.
South-South Cooperation
The ministerial meeting stressed the cooperation between the two parties in the economic, development, and environmental fields. They noted that their collaboration will ultimately strengthen the South-South cooperation, which serves the interests of both sides.
Moreover, they expressed their full determination to promote the progress and development of their people, cultures, values, lands, and oceans.
Countering climate change
The meeting noted the Pacific Island Forum has officially recognized a climate emergency in the Pacific region. They agreed to increase their endeavours in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, the meeting strongly pressed for carbon reduction strategies to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
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The meeting also underscored the importance of technology transfers and mutual financing in the efforts of environment conservation. Additionally, these efforts will shift the current economic structure towards environmentally sound economic activities.
The meeting also discussed the bilateral cooperation between the League of Arab countries and Pacific small island states in countering global warming. For instance, Tunisia has provided the Climate Action Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2023-2024.
The ministerial meeting expressed its support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
Furthermore, they were determined to support each other in the United Nations and other International organizations on issues of mutual concern.
The meeting praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s initiative and efforts for a green Middle East. In addition, they stressed maintaining respect for the culture and people of their countries in these efforts.
The meeting expressed their strong determination to maintain cooperation between the League of Arab states and Pacific small island countries.
