RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal Bin Farhan participated in a virtual conference on Friday hosted by France of international ministers to support the security, political and development efforts for the Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The conference brought together defense and foreign ministers of a number of countries in a bid to launch the revamped G5 Alliance. During the conversation, Prince Farhan drew the attention participants to the plight of an important part of the world reeling the scourge of terrorism, stressing that the Kingdom is at the forefront of nations fighting terrorism. He said that the Kingdom believes in the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach within the framework of international law with an aim to eliminate terrorism, save the lives of innocent people and maintain countries' sovereignty, security and stability. The foreign minister said that Saudi Arabia has contributed $10 million to establishing the UN center to combat terrorism, which provides UN member states with great help, including the countries of the Sahel region, in this respect. Based on the Kingdom's historic relations with the member states of the Sahel Coalition and believing in the significant role played by such a grouping, in fighting terrorism, the Kingdom is coordinating and sharing data and information to combat terrorism, with all member states of the coalition, he stated. He added that the Kingdom is also keen to provide the G5 countries of the Sahel with technical backup and support in combating terrorism and its funding sources. The Minister concluded by reasserting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will spare no effort to support all nations, in the war against terrorism and extremism.
