Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Thursday that reopening international borders, while taking protective measures “will help our economies to thrive.”
Such a move will also help “people to prosper, and will of course bring hope for humanity to have faith in cooperating to overcome the pandemic,” he told G20 Foreign Ministers, who held an extraordinary virtual meeting to discuss enhancing international cooperation to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as strengthening preparedness for future pandemics.
A statement issued by the G20 Saudi Secretariat said that the ministers and representatives of international organizations discussed the importance of coordinating precautionary measures on cross-border management to protect lives and livelihoods.
During the meeting, the ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive in light of the protective measures given by health organizations and national regulation during the pandemic, said the statement.
The ministers expressed their deep condolences for the huge loss of human life and tragic impacts caused by the coronavirus and acknowledged the efforts and commitment of frontline workers to public health and safety, it added.
