The Two Kingdom's Dialogue (April 08, 2009)
Foreign Secretary David Miliband is in Saudi Arabia to attend the Two Kingdom's Dialogue in Riyadh on Wednesday 8 April 2009.
The Two Kingdom's Dialogue, which usually takes place annually, brings together a range of experts from academia, the public and private sector, to discuss issues that impact on both countries. The focus of this year's dialogue was on the current world economic situation.
During the dialogue the Foreign Secretary commented on the global financial situation and the importance of cooperation between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
He said:
"Today, in the fifth year of the Two Kingdoms dialogues, we meet in the midst of a global recession more severe than any we have seen for seventy years.
The foreign policy implications of this crisis have yet to play out. What is clear though is that the crisis has created a tension between the forces of protectionism and nationalism and those of cooperation and multilateralism.
We need collective action if we are to tackle the wide range of shared challenges we face, from climate change to conflict, or nuclear proliferation to terrorism.
The foundations of effective multilateral cooperation are of course strong bilateral relationships. Effective partnerships between countries likes ours that are outward looking and engaged on the world stage are the best basis for broader coalitions.
If we are to lead the development of multilateral cooperation for the 21st century, we need to step up our cooperation across the range of shared interests that we have."
UK foreign policy news
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- Afghanistan is number one foreign policy priority (November 24, 2009)
- FCO appoints Head of Digital (November 24, 2009)
- 'A golden opportunity for Cyprus' (November 24, 2009)
- Climate change high on Commonwealth agenda (November 23, 2009)
- Be on the Ball for World Cup 2010 (November 23, 2009)
- Queen's Speech debate 2009 (November 23, 2009)
- Human Rights resolution on Iran (November 20, 2009)
- Change of Ambassador to Mozambique (November 20, 2009)
- Cluster munitions ban will make world a safer place (November 20, 2009)
We need collective action if we are to tackle the wide range of shared challenges we face, from climate change to conflict, or nuclear proliferation to terrorism.