Davos, 20 January 2023 (TDI): According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed global challenges with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
This discussion took place in a joint panel on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2023. According to the two sides, official dialogue is the only way to settle differences between Iran and Afghanistan.
Saudi Foreign Minister said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) sought dialogue with Iran as the best way to resolve differences.
He said Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States’ focus on economic development is a “strong signal to Iran and others in the region.
There is a pathway beyond traditional arguments and disputes towards joint prosperity.” It is pertinent to note that Saudi Arabia and Iran severed relations in 2016.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also discussed recent efforts by Doha to mediate with Afghanistan.
Qatar has expressed “its great concern and disappointment” over the interim government of Afghanistan’s decision to close schools for Afghan girls.
Further, he declared, “We will not stop our mediation efforts in Afghanistan, despite the recent disappointing actions taken by the Taliban government in that country.”
Al-Thani advocated for women’s employment and education. He stated that “these practices will have a deleterious impact on Afghanistan’s economy, development, and human rights.”
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Davos has always stressed global cooperation, but the Ukraine war heightened geopolitical discussions this year. Saudi Foreign Minister stated that the international community must find a solution to the Ukraine conflict.
He made Palestine a priority along with the Ukraine Crisis. According to him, the focus needs to be on ending this conflict because Palestine “remains a critical and emotive issue in our region and remains unresolved.”
