Saudi Arabia: Ban, Deputy Crown Prince discuss Palestine refugees, Yemen and climate pact

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today met with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince, who is also Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, discussing the country's financial support for the UN Palestine refugees agency, the conflict in Yemen, protection of children, as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Meeting with Prince Mohamad Bin Salman Al Saud on the sideline of the G20 Summit in China, the Secretary-General thanked Saudi Arabia for its continuing financial support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), according to a readout issued by Mr. Ban's office.

The UN chief emphasized the urgency to close the current funding gap affecting UNRWA's operations for Palestinian children and the most vulnerable, the readout said.

The Secretary-General reiterated that a negotiated political settlement in Yemen remained the only viable solution for the country and expressed his continuing concern at the conflict's impact on civilian lives. He reminded all parties of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law, the readout added.

Regarding the Children and Armed Conflict report, the Secretary-General and the Deputy Crown Prince discussed the status of the ongoing review of measures to strengthen protection of children, the readout noted.

Finally, the Secretary-General hoped that Saudi Arabia would ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, the readout said.