Saudi Arabia's comprehensive reforms emphasized at international conference in Rome

Rome has witnessed a significant gathering of leaders from the Mediterranean region and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with numerous foreign affairs ministers and senior officials from Europe and beyond, who assembled for the International Conference on Development and Migration. The event, chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aimed to foster international cooperation in addressing critical issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, and climate change.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference was Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, acting on behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. In his address, Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Meloni for hosting this important forum.

The minister highlighted the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive and ongoing reforms, as outlined in the ambitious Vision 2030, which places the wellbeing of its people at the core of its objectives. Emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to upholding human rights and advancing sustainable development, Prince Abdulaziz stressed the nation’s firm stance in favor of international collaboration to tackle shared challenges.

During his speech, Prince Abdulaziz outlined several key initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has been actively working on developing the regular and institutional structure of its national human rights system, while also improving labor regulations and policies to safeguard labor rights and foster better contractual relationships.

Addressing the urgent issue of climate change, the minister mentioned the launch of two initiatives, “Saudi Green” and “Middle East Green,” aimed at combating the adverse effects of environmental degradation. Saudi Arabia further reaffirmed its support for the United Nations’ efforts in combating climate change.

Prince Abdulaziz also shed light on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian efforts through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). The Kingdom has implemented 30 projects to support refugees and migrants, with a cost exceeding $130 million. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial humanitarian aid to Ukraine, surpassing $410 million, and contributed $100 million to support the Sudanese people amidst their ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Calling for solidarity and cooperation from the international community, Prince Abdulaziz urged joint efforts to address the political, social, and economic aspects of irregular migration, combat exploitation and smuggling crimes, and confront cross-border organized crime networks. Acknowledging the efforts of those working for global stability and security, Saudi Arabia emphasized its commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of people worldwide.

The Kingdom’s delegation to the conference included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Dr. Hisham Al-Faleh; Director General of Passports and Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Civil Status Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, and representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, as well as KSrelief. Their presence underscored the Kingdom’s dedication to collaborating with the international community to achieve common goals and foster global prosperity.