RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is the driving force behind the growth of the Middle East region and plays a pivotal role in shaping regional and global policies, according toa senior World Bank official.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency on the sidelines of a conference of the Arab world at Harvard University in Boston, Yaarub Al-Yaarubi, the senior adviser to the executive director of the World Bank, emphasized the Kingdom’s global significance.

Al-Yaarubi said the Saudisupport of the WB International Development Association for low-income countries is proof of its significant and rapidly expanding role in the world.

He underscored Saudi Arabia’s pioneering efforts to tackle climate change and applauded the Kingdom for its global initiatives.