15 May 2017 – During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Dr M. Fikri, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, met with the Minister of Health of Saudi Arabia H.E Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. The meeting, also attended by WHO Representative in Saudi Arabia Dr Ibrahim Ziq, discussed areas of common interest and WHO’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia to meet the 2030 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals in line with the country’s health plan. They also discussed strengthening preparations and WHO support to the Ministry of Health during the hajj.

Dr Fikri also met with representatives of various agencies during his visit to the country, including Islamic Cooperation Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Secretariat of Gulf Cooperation Council, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the Saudi Fund for Development.

These meetings were aimed at developing WHO’s work and reviving partnerships with these organizations.