US Treasury Secretary John Snow said that Saudi Arabia's plan for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) "sets achievable targets for attaining an important milestone" in a statement following his visit to the Kingdom on September, 17, 2003.
Snow had a "fruitful day of discussion" with Saudi government officials during his stay in the country, reported Washington File. One of the nations targets is implementing economic reforms designed to diversify the Saudi economy.
Snow reported a "general agreement" among his interlocutors that the country needed more jobs and investment outside the energy sector "to withstand the uncertainties of global oil markets and accommodate high population growth."
Turning to the global war against terror, Snow said Saudi Arabia has been "a strong ally" in the fight against terrorist financing. "Their close oversight of charities to guard against money laundering and terrorist financing sets an example to all countries engaged in the war against terror," he said.
During his visit, Snow met with Saudi Finance Minister Al-Assaf, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) Governor Al-Sayari, and Commerce Minister Yamani, as well as with Foreign Minister Faisal. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
