Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support to International Legitimacy Principles, Calls for Security Council Reform

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN General Assembly (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN General Assembly (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support to International Legitimacy Principles, Calls for Security Council Reform

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN General Assembly (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN General Assembly (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed the Kingdom's commitment to the UN charter and its continuous support for the principles of international legitimacy aimed at maintaining international peace and security.

The Minister called for cooperation based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of states, resolving disputes by peaceful means, and not resorting to the threat of force.

Prince Faisal explained in the speech he delivered on Saturday before the 77th UN General Assembly that the Kingdom's participation in the founding of the United Nations and the signing of the San Francisco Charter is in line with the teachings of the true Islamic religion and authentic Arab traditions.

- Security Council reform

The Saudi minister renewed his country's call for reforming the Security Council to enable the organ to be fairer, more representative of today's world, and better able to address common challenges.

The Kingdom will continue to support multilateral international action within the framework of the UN principles to enhance international cooperation and actively participate and take the initiative in everything that contributes to a more peaceful and just world and achieve a promising future.

The Minister also renewed Saudi Arabia's emphasis on returning to the voice of reason and activating channels of dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful solutions to stop the fighting, protect civilians, and provide opportunities for peace, security, and development.

He stressed the need for dialogue to silence the guns, protect civilians, and provide prospects for peace and development, welcoming all efforts to reach a political solution to end the Russian Federation-Ukraine crisis.

He referred to his country's position supporting all international efforts, noting that the crisis needed to be resolved through a political solution to protect civilians.

He indicated that the Middle East is in dire need of combined efforts to ensure a future commensurate with the aspirations of the region's people, noting that the Jeddah Security and Development Summit "reflects our common affirmation" on the importance of "collective action for the stability of the Middle East."

The Summit also showed full support for the UN efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully, and joint determination to enhance regional and international interdependence and integration.

Bin Farhan stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation within the framework of the UN Charter, based on respect for states' sovereignty, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respect for independence.

- Middle East security

The top Saudi diplomat affirmed that the security and stability of the Middle East region require an acceleration in finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue following international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

"Middle East security relies upon a solution to the Palestinian issue according to the 1967 borders."

The Kingdom condemns all unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and calls for its immediate and complete halt.

On the Yemeni issue, bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting all efforts to consolidate the armistice and enable the Presidential Leadership Council to perform its roles.

He also underlined the importance of the truce in Yemen to bring peace under relevant Security Council resolutions and noted that the Kingdom continues to meet Yemen's humanitarian and development needs.

However, obstacles to importing basic foodstuffs and aid must be lifted, and the roads near the besieged city of Taiz must be opened.

Saudi Arabia also supports security and stability in Iraq and has worked to develop various aspects of cooperation bilaterally and collectively, and is currently working to reinforce their cooperation, particularly concerning electricity.

The Foreign Minister drew attention to the need to confirm adherence to Security Council resolutions to preserve Syria's unity and stability and supports the Special Envoy's efforts to bring about a political solution to the conflict in Syria under Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

He emphasized the need to prevent renewed violence, maintain ceasefire agreements, and allow humanitarian aid to reach all Syrians in need.

Bin Farhan affirmed his country's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, stressing the importance of implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms that ensure the country overcomes its political and economic crisis.

He said: "Lebanon should not be a starting point for the export of drugs and weapons."

On the Sudanese issue, he said Saudi Arabia continues to encourage dialogue between the Sudanese parties, wishing Sudan and its people stability and prosperity.

"We support the water security of Egypt and Sudan."

Saudi Arabia renewed its full support for the Libyan ceasefire agreement, calling for economic and structural reforms to help the country emerge from its current crisis.

He stressed that the country could not become a breeding ground for terrorism and drug trafficking, as this would destabilize the region.

Bin Farhan called for the departure of foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries without delay, per Security Council Resolution 2570.

He stressed the need to ensure humanitarian support for Afghanistan, which also must not become a base for terrorist operations.

- Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

The Saudi minister urged the international community to work to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, emphasizing that international peace and security cannot be achieved with weapons of mass destruction.

He called on the international community to counter the proliferation of weapons and to make the Middle East an area free from the same, noting that international peace and security cannot be achieved through an arms race or possession of weapons of mass destruction but rather through international cooperation to achieve development and progress.

The Minister called on Iran to urgently fulfill its nuclear commitments, cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and take serious steps to build confidence with its neighbors and the international community.

He pointed out that humanity faces common challenges threatening opportunities for economic recovery after the pandemic, most notably the security and adequacy of food and energy supplies, the resilience of supply chains, environmental challenges, and climate change.

"We're keen to support the global economic recovery by contributing to maintaining the balance of energy markets."

- Climate change challenges

The Foreign Minister affirmed the Kingdom's great interest and awareness of the importance of dealing with the challenges of climate change and the need to address its adverse effects and contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Kingdom effectively and responsibly supports the requirements of a gradual and responsible transition towards more sustainable and diversified energy systems and sources.

"Achieving these goals requires everyone's participation, taking into account the different national and regional conditions and the comprehensive economic and social goals of sustainable development, enhancing global energy security, and ensuring energy access for all."

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia had launched the Saudi Green Initiative and Green Middle East Initiative to promote clean energy and plans to reduce its annual emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

- Balance of the energy markets

Prince Faisal said: "We're keen to support the global economic recovery by contributing to maintaining the balance of energy markets."

He stressed the importance of investing in fossil energy and its clean technologies over the next two decades to meet the growing global demand and spare the world the adverse effects of unrealistic policies.

"The unrealistic policies aim to exclude the main energy sources without regard to the negative effects on global supply chains, inflation, high energy prices, increased unemployment rates, and other social, economic and security effects."

Saudi Arabia is working with its international partners to mitigate the adverse effects of armed conflicts and their repercussions on food security.

He stressed the importance of facilitating the export of grains and foodstuffs because of the increased food prices, which will push many to face the threat of starvation.

The Kingdom has made significant contributions, with a total of $2.89 billion in food and agricultural security assistance.

Saudi Arabia and regional partners allocated $10 billion for food security in coordination with ten national and regional development funds.

- Countering Terrorism

The Foreign Minister indicated that the international community succeeded in countering terrorism and extremism and must continue to work to confront and eradicate this scourge that has nothing to do with any race or religion.

He reiterated the need for the international community to confront the countries that support and sponsor terrorism and extremism and seek to exploit their extremist ideologies for expansion, creating chaos and destruction.

Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to build and develop to meet the aspirations of its future generations, improve the quality of life, contribute to the empowerment of women and youth, develop creativity and innovation, and establish the values ​​of openness, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

"The Kingdom attaches great importance to human rights, and its regulations have included explicit texts aimed at promoting and protecting these rights," he said.

Prince Faisal said the request to host the Expo 2030 under the theme "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow" was inspired by the ambitious Saudi vision.

"If the Kingdom wins the organization of the Expo, it will work to restore this exhibition to its original idea for which the Expo was established and to explore the future of the planet and the advanced technology that this future hold, including the sustainable development goals."

Prince Faisal also thanked all countries that have announced their support for the Kingdom's bid.



Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Iraqi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia: We Are Looking Forward to Opening New Horizons in Cooperation

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail presents her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Iraq’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al Souhail said coordination between the two countries is advanced and effective on several security and political levels and in combating terrorism.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, she stressed that this coordination has helped in developing relations not only between Riyadh and Baghdad, but also countries in the region.

Al Souhail had presented her credentials to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in Jeddah on Tuesday.

She said Iraqi and Saudi relations were the foundations for security and stability in the region.

“We firmly believe in joint work to push these relations to new broader horizons to serve the interests of the peoples of both countries,” she went on to say.

“Our priorities are expanding to include deepening bilateral cooperation in all fields, such as energy, security, economy, trade exchange, culture, education, health, the environment and others,” she stated.

Moreover, Al Souhail underscored her country’s keenness on activating the outcomes of the coordination meetings between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, as well as boosting joint investments and supporting regional peace and security initiatives.

The ambassador stressed the importance of partnership and mutual understanding. “We are committed to partnership and emphasize the importance of the ongoing constructive dialogue to overcome any challenges that may arise,” she went on to say.

“With this approach, we are looking forward to opening new horizons of cooperation that would achieve sustainable development for our peoples and bolster peace in the region and world,” she added.

Deepening cooperation could take place through intensifying political dialogue, strengthening political, security, intelligence and counter-terrorism partnerships, Al Souhail explained.

Furthermore, she said bolstering economic and commercial cooperation, which would support joint investments and diversify sources of income, is an important factor for stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Developing cooperation in energy, the environment, developing sources of renewable energy and boosting cultural and educational exchanges will help build bridges of understanding and friendship between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, she continued.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ’s Measures to Increase Relief Aid into Gaza

The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat
The flag of Saudi Arabia. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the provisional measure of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to increase humanitarian and relief assistance into Gaza and to open more land crossings for aid to the Palestinian enclave to alleviate the suffering of the civilians.

The Ministry underlined the Kingdom’s support of all efforts seeking the delivery of more emergency aid into Gaza to avert a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

It renewed its demand from the international community to take more immediate measures to stop the Israeli violations of the international law and the international humanitarian law, and implement the United Nations Security Council resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.


KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
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KSrelief Delivers 7th Aid Shipment to Sudan Through Saudi Sea Bridge

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA
The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief. SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Thursday sent its seventh aid shipment through the Saudi relief sea bridge to Sudan.

The shipment consisted of 12 refrigerated trucks carrying a total of 14,960 food baskets, weighing 524 tons. It arrived at Sudan's Suakin Port after departing from Jeddah Islamic Port.

The aid is part of the second phase of the food-security project in Sudan, implemented by KSrelief, aiming to reach 1.5 million beneficiaries. The initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

It highlights the Kingdom's role in supporting friendly nations during times of crisis and underscores the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Sudan.


Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
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Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)

Kuwait has handed its annual $2 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Thursday.

UNWRA said on Tuesday it had sufficient funds to run its operations until the end of May after many donors paused their funding over Israeli accusations that some staff took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered war in Gaza.

UNRWA provides aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and across the wider region.


Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.