Washington, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Finance and National Economy Minister, has stressed the importance of strengthening joint international cooperation, stepping up collective efforts and developing innovative solutions and strategic plans that support achieving economic growth and sustainable development goals, in a way that contributes to achieving development for all countries. He also highlighted the importance of optimal use of resources and enhancing capabilities to overcome various challenges efficiently and turn them into promising opportunities. The minister made the statements while addressing, on behalf of the Arab Group and The Maldives, represented by Bahrain, the 109th meeting of World Bank Group (WBG)'s Development Committee, on the sidelines of his participation in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Washington D.C. In his statement, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa highlighted the programmes and initiatives launched by the W BG and their role in meeting countries' needs and achieving economic development goals. He underlined the importance of carrying on developing programmes and initiatives, as well as allocating the necessary resources to support the public and private sectors, in addition to directing efforts to support various sectors in a way that contributes to enhancing economic growth. The Finance and National Economy Minister emphasised that security is the basis of development and prosperity, and one of the main pillars for continuing to achieve development goals. In this regard, he indicated that the lack of peace, security and stability in the world, especially in the Gaza Strip, has cast a shadow over the regional and global economy and created challenges for everyone. He called for concerted international efforts to reach diplomatic solutions to settle all regional disputes and conflicts, as well as find a sustainable source of financing to support the economy and development in the Gaza Strip to alleviate the s uffering of the civilian population there, in addition to working together to achieve regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. Source: Bahrain News Agency