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Saudi-African Summit Underlines Need to Stop Gaza War

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the necessity to stop the war in Gaza and create the appropriate conditions for the return of stability. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the necessity to stop the war in Gaza and create the appropriate conditions for the return of stability. (SPA)
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Saudi-African Summit Underlines Need to Stop Gaza War

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the necessity to stop the war in Gaza and create the appropriate conditions for the return of stability. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the necessity to stop the war in Gaza and create the appropriate conditions for the return of stability. (SPA)

Leaders at the Saudi-African Summit on Friday stressed the need to stop the war in Gaza, and to find a just, comprehensive and equitable solution that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people, denouncing the serious Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.

In an opening speech on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the keenness of Saudi Arabia and African countries to enhance cooperation in a way that contributes to establishing security and peace in the region and the entire world.

Prince Mohammed also condemned “the military aggression and targeting of civilians in the Gaza Strip, and the continued violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupying authority,” noting the necessity of stopping the war and forced displacement, and creating conditions for the return of stability and peace.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, said that the Palestinian issue was at the heart of the problem of peace and security in the world.

“We are required to develop a very urgent practical plan that embodies the position of Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab world, guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, dignity and independence, as well as security and stability for countries and peoples of the whole region,” he stated.

The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, said that Gaza was experiencing a new Nakba, adding that the seriousness of the current situation requires “an immediate response and a strong donation, to help our people and brothers in Gaza by all possible means.”

Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, described the developments in Gaza as “unfortunate,” expressing his concern over the violation of international humanitarian rights, and reiterating the call to revive the political process towards lasting peace in the region.

In turn, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu voiced his concern about the situation in Palestine, praising Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, and affirming his country’s support for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in accordance with the principles and charters of the United Nations.

Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, said that everyone was concerned about the destruction, killing and displacement taking place in Gaza. He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to establish their legitimate state on the borders of June 1967.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.