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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is on track to bolster cooperation with Germany and Sweden amid top ministerial meetings to achieve sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of the 2023 SDG Summit in New York, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim met with Germany’s State Secretary for Economic, Finance and European Affairs Jörg Kukies to discuss ways to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Ibrahim also met with Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell to explore bilateral economic and investment relations between the two countries.
The meetings focused on the potential for increased international cooperation to accelerate the implementation of their SDGs. Both sides also engaged in discussions on various areas of mutual interest.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is closely aligned with the UN’s SDGs, Al-Ibrahim revealed earlier this month.
Speaking at the SDG Summit on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, the minister highlighted the national transformation program, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, boded well with the SDGs.
He also commended the launch of the Global Water Organization, describing it as a “monumental step” that will champion international innovation. The minister added that it serves as “a call to action for nations worldwide to come together.”
“We have contributed more than $87 billion in international aid to combat poverty and kickstart development,” Al-Ibrahim added at the time.
A recent report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development revealed that achieving global SDGs will require annual investments ranging from $5.4 trillion to $6.4 trillion until 2030.
The research, which assessed 50 indicators related to the SDGs in 90 countries encompassing three-fourths of the global population, underscored the substantial financial challenges that lie ahead, particularly in emerging economies.
The report outlined a plan for sustainable development, offering guidance on social protection, quality employment, education, and food system reforms.
Additionally, it focused on climate action, biodiversity preservation and pollution reduction as well as the transition to clean energy, and the promotion of inclusive digitalization.