The high-level session of the second Strategic Aid Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Aid between Saudi Arabia and Britain commenced today at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Riyadh. The session aimed to discuss strategic priorities, present progress from the previous dialogue, and launch joint initiatives.
The Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, along with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro-Fiscal Policies and International Relations, Abdulmohsen bin Saad Al-Khalaf, and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, attended the session. Also present was the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen and General Supervisor of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Fund for Development. On the British side, the delegation was led by Andrew Mitchell, British Minister of State for Development and African Affairs, along with Neil Crompton, British Ambassador to the Kingdom.
In his address during the session, Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the significant progress made since the inaugural meeting in March 2023. He highlighted the joint partnership's achievements across three main areas: technical exchange, joint program implementation, and diplomatic initiatives. Dr. Al Rabeeah cited successful examples such as the monitoring and evaluation workshop held in Riyadh and the joint project supporting food security in Somalia, which saw a notable increase in funding from $4 million to $22 million.
Furthermore, he underscored the collaborative efforts to address humanitarian challenges beyond financial commitments. He mentioned supporting initiatives like the plan to rescue the "Safer" storage tanker and facilitating peace talks in Sudan. Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities, particularly in countries like Sudan, Yemen, and with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, where health interventions, education infrastructure development, and livelihood programs hold significant potential.
The General Supervisor of the KSrelief also emphasized the partnership's commitment to innovation and leveraging new technologies to enhance aid delivery efficiency. He envisioned robust tripartite partnerships where international experiences merge to develop sustainable humanitarian programs.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Rabeeah reaffirmed both sides' commitment to the established courses of action, consolidating the Saudi-British partnership as a formidable force for global peace, security, and prosperity.
During the session, the progress achieved within the Saudi-British partnership on development and humanitarian aid since the previous dialogue in March 2023 was reviewed. Discussions also covered urgent support to affected countries, access to humanitarian and development work, the humanitarian situation in Sudan, support for Ukraine, and efforts to support Yemen's recovery and reconstruction.