Vision 2030: Norway is keen to share expertise

RIYADH: Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on Thursday that the Bashar Assad’s war machine is not abiding by the cease-fire rules and is in complete violation of the truce as the brutal regime’s aggression continues unabated.
Addressing a joint press conference here with visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, Al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia would welcome any lull in ongoing hostilities in Syria in order to restore an unraveling cease-fire and resurrect peace talks.
Al-Jubeir asserted that there will be a Syria without Assad as he cannot be a part of any political solution to the crisis created by him.
He expressed hope that the Yemeni talks in Kuwait would lead to an agreement, and also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to combat terrorism and fight against Daesh.
In reference to the ambitious Vision 2030, Al-Jubeir lauded the economic diversification program that aims to take the Kingdom to a new level with a series of structural reforms.
Speaking on Vision 2030, Brende said Norway has a sovereign wealth fund and would like to share its experiences with the Kingdom in implementing its economic reforms.
The Norwegian minister added that his country is committed to continuing its cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
The Norwegian minister supported the call for a political solution in Syria.
Al-Jubeir also said the Kingdom has made incredible accomplishments in the past 50 years toward increased development, and now Vision 2030 will take Saudi Arabia to another level to make a positive impact.

Commenting on the Syrian conflict, the Norwegian minister pointed toward the worsening humanitarian conditions in the war-torn country.
“There is a dire need to work on how we can make sure that all parties respect the agreement on a cessation of hostilities and restore the Geneva talks,” said Brende.
The Norwegian minister supported the call for a political solution on Syria saying Norway supports the UN-led Geneva talks and appreciates Saudi Arabia’s call to find a political solution with the involvement of the Syrian opposition.
In his call for lasting peace in Palestine, he said: “We need to get the political process back on track to find an amicable solution to the issue.”
Expressing his disagreement on Israel occupying Palestinian land he said: “We are concerned more on a one state reality unfolding in the area.”
He also appreciated the Kingdom for its crucial support for the economic stability of the Palestinians and all cooperation extended to Palestine.
He also said that Norway is increasing its humanitarian aid to Yemen.

During his Middle East tour, Brende made a new attempt to revive the stalled peace process between Palestine and Israel, which has been dormant since 2014 as he held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Norway chairs the donor coordination group for Palestine.