Saudi Arabia Welcomes World Court Decision Ordering Israel to Stop Military Offensive in Rafah

International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Nawaf Salam (C) stands during an ICJ ruling over the situation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in the Hague, Netherlands, 24 May 2024. EPA/Koen van Weel
International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Nawaf Salam (C) stands during an ICJ ruling over the situation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in the Hague, Netherlands, 24 May 2024. EPA/Koen van Weel
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes World Court Decision Ordering Israel to Stop Military Offensive in Rafah

International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Nawaf Salam (C) stands during an ICJ ruling over the situation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in the Hague, Netherlands, 24 May 2024. EPA/Koen van Weel
International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Nawaf Salam (C) stands during an ICJ ruling over the situation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in the Hague, Netherlands, 24 May 2024. EPA/Koen van Weel

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the Kingdom welcomed the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately stop military attacks or any other offensive actions in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, based on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“The Kingdom appreciates the ICJ decision, which is a positive step towards the moral and legal right of the Palestinian people,” it said in a statement on Friday.

The Kingdom reiterated its call on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to stop all forms of aggression against the Palestinian people.



GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi emphasized the strong and multifaceted relationship between the GCC and ASEAN countries during a roundtable discussion on "ASEAN's Journey Towards Unity: Lessons in Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation" at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The roundtable was held on Tuesday at the invitation of the ASEAN organization.

Albudaiwi described the GCC-ASEAN relationship as successful, having developed over time. He cited the 2023 summit, where leaders from both blocs expressed their desire to strengthen ties, as reflected in the final communique.

Albudaiwi attributed the enduring and growing relationship to shared interests since their respective formations, significant economic and trade opportunities, and strong bilateral relations among member states.

He commended ASEAN as a model for regional cooperation, economic growth, and diplomatic stability, praising its diplomatic approach and multilateral cooperation in fostering unity amidst regional and global diversity.