IMF steering committee says Fund must continue to focus on core mandates

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund must continue to focus on its core mandates, including expanding trade and growth, the chair of the Fund's steering committee said on Friday.

"Addressing global debt vulnerabilities remains a priority for our members, especially for low income in vulnerable countries," said Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), during a news conference in Washington.

Gathering members to talk about Syria had also given a new sense of urgency and purpose to turn a conflict into a stable and economically successful country benefiting the region and the world, Al-Jadaan said.

"It is not just about the money, it's about the work that I and other partners can deliver and capacity development, quality data and timely advice."