Al-Khereiji at BRICS meet: Gulf region remains a vital hub in global trade networks

NEW DELHI — On behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Saudi Arabia participated in the meeting, held under the theme “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability,” in its capacity as a BRICS member country. Addressing the meeting, Al-Khereiji said the Gulf region remains a vital hub in global trade networks, with a large share of global energy supplies andcommercial goods moving between Asia and Europe through maritime corridors in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.He stressed that any disruption affecting the security or stability of the region would have immediate and wide-ranging repercussions for global energy markets, inflation rates, sustainable development efforts, and global economic growth in general.Al-Khereiji said ensuring fair access to technology and digital capabilities will remain an essential element in achieving sustainable and balanced development for all. “The Kingdom affirms that stability in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea is not merely a regional matter, but a fundamental pillar for the resilience and stability of the global economy, particularly during periods of uncertainty and crises. Preserving this stability is a shared responsibility and a collective interest of the entire international community,” he said. Al-Khereiji stressed that the Kingdom expressed deep concern over the current situation and recent attacks targeting Gulf countries and Jordan. He said the Kingdom also stressed the importance of de-escalation, restraint, and adherence to international law, while emphasizing the need to avoid further steps that could exacerbate tensions in the region.