Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif on Wednesday stressed that international cooperation is vital for preventing, managing, and curbing the dangers of disasters. Affirming that it is no longer an option but a necessity, Prince Abdulaziz noted that international cooperation is needed to ensure a safe, secure, and stable life for people around the world. Prince Abdulaziz’s remarks came as he virtually headed the Saudi delegation participating in the ministerial forum for international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, organized by the Ministry of Emergency Management in China. In his speech, Prince Abdulaziz clarified that the world is facing many disasters affecting humans and their capabilities, public health, and their economies, the most recent of which is the coronavirus pandemic with its ongoing painful effects. He also stressed that if the world does not enhance its readiness with all its capabilities to confront disasters of any kind, their risks may be dire for life in general, indicating the importance of this forum to enhance disaster risk prevention and build capacity for emergency management. The minister said that his country still realizes the paramount importance of disaster prevention and capacity-building for emergency management. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches special importance to this issue, whether it is related to the prevention of disasters, combating them, or dealing with their consequences,” said Prince Abdulaziz. He noted that that the Kingdom pays special attention to cooperation with the international community to ensure the exchange of experiences and the success of efforts across institutions and competent authorities, starting with the United Nations. Saudi Arabia is always working on everything that can achieve the necessary capabilities to combat and confront disasters and address their effects, “whether in terms of modernizing relevant systems in this regard, or building capacities for confrontation and management.” Prince Abdulaziz pointed out that the Kingdom has established its very own National Risk Council and worked on preparing the national strategy for disaster risk reduction in accordance with what was included in its national plan for transformation, “Vision 2030.”