UN-ESCWA Executive Secretary Bader Omar AlDafa began today his first official visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming his functions. Accompanying AlDafa in the visit, which extends from 23 until 26 March are Chief of Technical Cooperation Team in the Programme Planning and Technical Cooperation Division (PPTCD) Roula Majdalani, Chief of the Social Development Division (SDD) Frederico Neto, Officer-in-Charge of the Economic Development and Globalization Division (EDGD) Nabil Safwat, Regional Advisor on Environment and Water Ralf Klingbeil, Regional Advisor on Information and Communication Technology Saleem Zoughbi, and Regional Advisor on Macroeconomics Salaheddin Abosedra.
AlDafa today met with Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nizar bin Obeid Madani and Minister of Economy and Planning, Khaled bin Muhammad Al Gosaibi. He also had a meeting in the Gulf Cooperation Council, in addition to holding talks with Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General, Hussein A. Al-Athel.
At the Ministry of Planning, Gosaibi expressed pleasure over UN-ESCWA cooperation and activities with Saudi Arabia, and support for the Commission future work. On this first day of the mission, discussions focused on restructuring the chambers of commerce and industry to reach international standards, training Saudi youth and encouraging them to join the UN System, UN-ESCWA Technology Centre, establishing the United Nations Arabic Language Centre, and others. Talks also touched on the global financial crisis and UN-ESCWA role in this respect.
Tomorrow Tuesday 24 March, AlDafa is scheduled to meet with H.R.H Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz, founder of the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organizations (AGFUND), Minister of Transport Jibara bin Eid Al Sureisiri, and Minister of Trade and Commerce, Abdullah bin Ahmad Zeinel Ali Rida, before heading to Jeddah for the remainder of his trip.
