Saudi Arabia promotes ‘détente and development’ in the Middle East and beyond
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said the world is witnessing increasing crises and unfortunately the international community is only finding ways to manage them, not finding concrete solutions can.
“Amid tensions between countries, we wish to warn against political polarization,” he said, stressing the need for dialogue and cooperation.
He said Saudi Arabia firmly rejects “all crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” and the war in Gaza is just the latest chapter in their suffering.
Last November, the kingdom held a joint Arab-Muslim Summit on the crisis and attempted “to adopt resolutions and decisions that reflect the will of the Arabs and Muslims, while preventing bloodshed, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and fulfilling the people’s legitimate demands.” the Palestinian people – especially the establishment of an independent State.”
Saudi Arabia therefore welcomes the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on 10 May 2024, which states that the State of Palestine meets the conditions to become a Member State of the United Nations .
Prince Faisal said his country had provided more than $5 billion to support the Palestinian people since the start of the war in Gaza last October and was cooperating with international aid agencies and the United Nations. United Nations to bring $106 billion to humanitarian projects. About $106 billion in services, food, medicine and other needs are being provided with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
He emphasized that it is essential to find a just solution to the crisis in Palestine, adding that “the prevalence of impunity, the lack of respect for legal obligations is encouraging encourage Israel to continue to escalate.”
Turning to the wider region, he said that Saudi Arabia had taken measures to ensure “détente and development,” such as signing an agreement with Iran to restore diplomatic relations.
“We hope that Iran will cooperate with the international community, especially regarding its nuclear program and ballistic missile program,” he added.
The kingdom has renewed ties with war-torn Syria to strengthen cooperation on common issues “because we believe that finding a solution to this crisis will help us consolidate peace and stability in our area,” he continued.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is supporting all efforts towards a solution to the crisis in Yemen and the Red Sea, where attacks launched by Houthi rebels in the country are threatening international shipping.
“In Sudan, we reaffirm our steadfast stance to maintain peace and stability,” he said. Involvement includes holding peace talks in Jeddah and a third round is underway.
Meanwhile, “Afghanistan cannot be abandoned by the region and the international community or fall prey to terrorists,” he said.
“That is why it is necessary to end the security and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is providing fertile ground for various groups and militias to continue operating.”
The Foreign Minister said the international community must end the “Russia-Ukraine crisis” and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is continuing to make efforts in this regard.
“We have announced the release of a number of prisoners of different nationalities. We organized a meeting of many officials from different countries, with the participation of a number of different countries and international organizations. We are ready to continue mediation efforts between conflicting parties,” he said.
