RIYADH — In a significant development, the health ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh for a trilateral meeting aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the health sector and combating drug abuse.
According to official statements, the meeting brought together Afghan Minister of Health Maulvi Noor Jalal Jalali, Saudi Health Minister Fahd Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, and Pakistan’s Minister of Health, who discussed a wide range of health-related issues, including disease prevention, drug control, and pharmaceutical quality standards.
Emphasis on Polio Eradication and Disease Prevention
Afghan Minister Maulvi Noor Jalal Jalali emphasized the importance of regional coordination to completely eradicate polio from Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
“Regional cooperation is essential for eliminating polio and improving healthcare standards,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to enhancing joint health initiatives aimed at disease prevention and improving medical standards.
Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health of Afghanistan, met with Fahad Abdul Rahman al-Jalajal, Minister of Health of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the country. The Pakistani Minister of Health was also present at the meeting.
— RTA English (@rtaenglish1) October 29, 2025
According to the Ministry… pic.twitter.com/QUGByI6yiy
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Reaffirm Support for Afghanistan
The Saudi and Pakistani health ministers expressed continued support for Afghanistan’s healthcare institutions, pledging to assist in the fight against narcotics, infectious diseases, and the improvement of public health infrastructure.
Officials from all three sides agreed to maintain ongoing collaboration and to explore new avenues for capacity building, healthcare training, and regional health resilience.