Saudi Arabia Voices Concern over Developments in Red Sea, Urges De-Escalation

An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
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Saudi Arabia Voices Concern over Developments in Red Sea, Urges De-Escalation

An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
An aircraft takes off to join the US-led coalition to conduct air strikes against military targets in Yemen, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. US Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS

Saudi Arabia said early Friday that it was following with “great concern” the military operations taking place in the Red Sea region and the airstrikes on several sites in Yemen.

“While the Kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region, in which freedom of navigation is an international demand [and of] interest of the entire world, [Saudi Arabia] calls for restraint and avoiding escalation in light of the events the region is witnessing,” a statement read.

Saudi Arabia underscored the imperative of upholding security and stability in the Red Sea, citing international laws that assure unrestricted passage, safety, and navigation for all nations and vessels.

The Kingdom aligns with a diplomatic resolution strategy, advocating for conflict containment and the creation of conducive conditions to foster global security and stability. This stance is consistent with its resolute position on crises and conflicts within the region and across the globe.

Saudi Arabia warned that any military escalation in the region could exacerbate the situation and intensify crises.

The Kingdom urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and collaborate in finding solutions to de-escalate tension.



Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
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Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)

The ministries of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan held the third round of political consultations at the Saudi ministry headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji and Tajik Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda headed their respective sides during the meeting.

Discussions focused on boosting bilateral relations between the two countries across various sectors, as well as intensifying bilateral and multilateral coordination on issues of mutual interest.

The consultation round was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Waleed Abdulrahman Alreshaidan, Tajik Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Akram Karimi, and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Asian Countries Director Nasser Al-Ghanoum.