Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said that the world is seeing an increase in crises, and unfortunately the international community is only trying to manage them, rather than finding concrete solutions.
“In this context of tensions between countries, we would like to warn against political polarization,” he said, underlining the need for dialogue and cooperation.
He said Saudi Arabia categorically rejects “all crimes committed by Israel against the related Palestinian people,” with the war in Gaza representing just the latest chapter in their suffering.
Last November, the kingdom hosted the joint Arab-Israeli summit on the crisis, and is working “to adopt resolutions and decisions that reflect the will of the Arab and Muslim people and to stop the bloodshed, ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid and the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people – in particular the establishment of an independent state.”
Saudi Arabia therefore welcomed the adoption on May 10, 2024 of a UN General Assembly resolution stating that the State of Palestine meets the conditions to become a UN member state.
Prince Faisal said his country has provided more than $5 billion to help the Palestinian people since the start of the war in Gaza last October, and is working with international and UN aid agencies to secure $106 billion in humanitarian projects . Together with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, approximately $106 billion in services, food, medicine and other needs are provided.UNRWA).
He stressed that it is essential to find a fair solution to the Palestinian crisis, adding that “the prevailing impunity and lack of compliance with legal obligations encourage Israel to continue its escalation.”
Turning to the broader region, he said Saudi Arabia has taken steps to ensure “reconciliation and development,” such as concluding an agreement with Iran on restoring diplomatic ties.
“We hope that Iran will cooperate with the international community, especially regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs,” he added.
The kingdom has resumed relations with war-ravaged Syria to strengthen cooperation on common issues “as we are convinced that finding a solution to this crisis will allow us to achieve peace and stability in our region anchor,” he continued.
In addition, Saudi Arabia supports all efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Yemen and in the Red Sea, where attacks by Houthi rebels in the country threaten international shipping.
“In Sudan, we reaffirm our unwavering stand to maintain peace and stability,” he said. The involvement included organizing peace talks in Jeddah, with a third round in the works.
Meanwhile, “Afghanistan cannot be left on the sidelines of its region and the international community or fall prey to terrorists,” he said.
“Therefore, it is necessary to put an end to the humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan, which provides fertile ground for various groups and militias to continue their activities.”
The foreign minister said the international community must put an end to “the Russian-Ukrainian crisis” and the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince is continuing his efforts in this regard.
“We have announced the release of several prisoners of different nationalities. We organized a meeting of several officials from different countries, with the participation of several states and international organizations. We stand ready to continue our mediation efforts between the parties to the conflict,” he said.