Saudi Crown Prince: Kingdom Supports Establishment of Internationally Recognized Palestinian State

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrived on Thursday in Bahrain to attend the Arab League Summit
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrived on Thursday in Bahrain to attend the Arab League Summit
TT

Saudi Crown Prince: Kingdom Supports Establishment of Internationally Recognized Palestinian State

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrived on Thursday in Bahrain to attend the Arab League Summit
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrived on Thursday in Bahrain to attend the Arab League Summit

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for the establishment of an internationally recognized Palestinian state. This came during his speech at the Arab League Summit in Manama on Thursday.

In his statement, the Crown Prince stressed that Saudi Arabia prioritized Arab issues and strengthened joint Arab action. It focused on formulating common positions on regional and international matters, particularly the Palestinian cause.  

The Crown Prince highlighted the fundraising campaign launched by the Kingdom which exceeded SAR700 million to support the Palestinians.

"The Kingdom also operated air and sea bridges to deliver aid directly to Gaza and pledged continued support to international organizations working to alleviate the tragic situation there."

He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration to confront the brutal aggression against Palestine, urging the international community to fulfil its responsibility by demanding an immediate cessation of aggression from the occupying forces and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid.

"We stress the importance of pursuing a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on UN legitimate resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," SPA quoted the Crown Prince as saying.

Also, the Crown Prince said the Kingdom advocates peaceful conflict resolution, and emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining security in the Red Sea.

"Freedom of navigation in this vital waterway is an international imperative that serves the interests of the entire world. We call for the immediate cessation of any activity threatening maritime navigation's security and safety," the Crown Prince said.

In his closing statement, he affirmed that joint work can achieve sustainable development and prosperity, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people across the Arab region. He also congratulated Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on assuming the presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.