NEW YORK: A group of former international diplomats has described as impressive Saudi Arabia’s social and economic reforms and called for a comparable level of commitment to establish meaningful dialogue with its neighbours, notably Iran.

A press statement released by the Elders group, on their first official visit to Saudi Arabia, held talks in Riyadh with King Salman about the security environment in the Middle East.

The group comprises Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari, Lakhdar Brahimi and Ernesto Zedillo.

Former UN chief Kofi Annan, who heads The Elders, said: “We applaud the vision and ambition of these reforms. A comparable ambition is needed to try to resolve the conflicts and tensions scarring the wider Middle East, from Yemen to Syria, Palestine and also Qatar.

“The key interlocutor is Iran and I urge both countries to put aside misgivings and grievances to talk and work together in the best interests of their peoples.”

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2018