Riyadh, 29 April 2024 (TD): US Secretary Antony Blinken visited Riyadh to attend the World Economic Forum today. On the sideline of this, he met with Saudi officials and other world leaders in Riyadh to strengthen bilateral relations.
In the World Economic Forum, US Secretary Blinken, Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif, Saudi Foreign Minister Farhan, and many other leaders gave remarks today in Riyadh
Secretary Blinken remarks on the Ukraine crisis with Borge Brende. He said that we are working with many countries, including Europe because these countries recognize that, “there is aggression not only against Ukraine but against some of the foundations of the International System.”
Further, Blinken said, “We are working on collective efforts to fight against Russia. “We repel the aggression in Ukraine.”
Moreover, he said that the US has an alliance with Europe, which can make Ukraine a strong, successful country militarily, economically, and democratically.
Secretary Blinken said, “We have to find cooperative, collaborative responses because none of us can effectively deal with these challenges alone. So we put a primer on that more than anything else.”
On the question of the humanitarian catastrophic situation in Gaza by Brende in the WEF session, Secretary Blinken said, “We strongly support Israel, and it happens on Oct 7, never happens again. But at the same time, “We are determined to do everything we can to bring an end to terrible human suffering in Gaza.”
Moreover, he said, “The quickest way to bring it to an end is to target a cease-fire and release hostages.”
Further, Secretary Blinken thanks his Friends from Qatar and Egypt for their instrumental role in trying to reach a Ceasefire and release hostages.
In his concluding remarks, Blinken said, “There is only one thing standing between Gaza people and Ceasefire is Hamas.” Hamas has to decide quickly because their right decision plays a fundamental role in these dynamics.
Also Read: Gaza dominating World Economic Forum 2024
Secretary Blinken’s remarks on China
On the question of China’s visit and China’s support to the Russian defense industry by Brende. Secretary Blinken said we engaged with China from the start when Russia started its aggression on Ukraine as we urged China to not support them with missiles and arms.
Secretary Blinken said, “It is fair to say that China is not directly involved in providing missiles and arms as Iran and North Korea did.
However, China is providing invaluable support to the Russian defense industry, and that helps Russia during massive pressure through sanctions. Blinken said China provides 70% of machinery and 90% of microelectronics, optics to Russia.
“President Biden said, we would manage responsibility for the relations between the two countries. We have Sustained engagement with our Chinese counterparts,” Blinken added.
In response to Brende’s query regarding Congress passing $62 billion to Ukraine, Blinken emphasized that this support is both psychological and practical, aimed at aiding Ukrainians who have endured significant hardship.
