• FM affirmed the strength of Saudi-American relations during the conference
• Blinken expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s contributions to the coalition against Daesh

Arab News

RIYADH: The Kingdom is making great efforts to combat the financing of Daesh, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that threat of the terrorist organization is not limited to Sahel countries, but rather extends to the whole world.

Prince Faisal said the Kingdom is working with Africa to confront terrorist organizations and that it has a responsibility toward Africa as an important source of cooperation.

He added that it is unfortunate that developed countries are refusing to take back their citizens from Syria’s Al-Hol displacement camp that houses refugees and families of Daesh fighters, including thousands of foreigners.

The foreign minister affirmed the strength of Saudi-American relations during the conference and said the Kingdom continues to develop security and military relations with America.

In turn, Blinken expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s contributions to the coalition against Daesh, and said that the US is working closely with Saudi Arabia on the situation in Yemen.

Blinken added that Saudi Arabia is leading diplomatic campaigns for a cease-fire in Sudan and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He added that the Kingdom is witnessing remarkable development and has embarked on a huge and historic effort to modernize its economy.

The secretary of state said US relations with Gulf countries are important to America and countries in the region.