Ambassador Abdallah Al-Muallimi, UN Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said that the region was facing “major challenges”, adding that efforts were focused on the implementation of the recommendations of the recent Arab emergency summit in Makkah. "We will continue and expand the meetings with regional groups at the United Nations,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. His comments came following intensive meetings in New York between the Arab Troika (Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt) and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in addition to the permanent members of the Security Council including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and France. The Arab Troika, led by Saudi Arabia, also held meetings with representatives of Germany and UN Undersecretary General for Political and Peace-building Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo. A statement by the Saudi Press Agency noted that the meetings came in light of political challenges and security threats facing Arab countries, and reflected “the spirit of cooperation and solidarity in the Charter of the League of Arab States.” “These efforts also aim to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Arab states and the United Nations, members of the Security Council and influential members of the c, in order to serve Arab causes and enhance security and stability in the region,” the statement added.