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![Saudi FM Al-Jubeir said that the summit supports the international sustainable development, within the framework of multilateral cooperation [Xinhua]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/243972067_8-e1447183048594.jpg)
Saudi FM Al-Jubeir said that the summit supports the international sustainable development, within the framework of multilateral cooperation [Xinhua]
In remarks made ahead of the opening ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said that such a partnership “would not only benefit both sides, but also support the international sustainable development, within the framework of multilateral cooperation”.
The summit of heads of state was preceded by the Fourth Businessmen Forum of the Arab-South American Countries on Sunday.
ASPA, which began in 2006, comprises the 22 members of the Arab League and the 12 members of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
While the summit looks at means to bolster trade and cooperation, it also has a political component – such as jointly pushing for United Nations Security Council reform to expand the number of its permanent members.
Brazil, a UNASUR member and attending the Riyadh Summit, has for years sought a permanent member seat at the UNSC.
Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira heads the Brazilian delegation in Riyadh with Agriculture Minister Katia Abreu in tow. Earlier in the week, Abreu was in Riyadh to attend an event marking the end of a boycott of Brazilian beef exports.
Saudi Arabia had in 2012 banned the import of Brazilian beef products after the outbreak of mad cow disease.
When the summits first began in 2006, trade between the two groups stood at $6 billion. In the eight years since, this has surged to $30 billion.
Both Arab and South American countries have said they want to see this figure grow in the next few years.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
