Saudi FM Emphasizes Need for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum held in Beijing. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan stressed on Thursday the urgency of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring a steady flow of humanitarian aid, and charting a clear and irreversible path towards the two-state solution.
Farhan’s remarks came during his speech at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum held in Beijing, China.
Prince Faisal delivered his speech, marking two decades since the forum's establishment.
He emphasized the forum's role as a cornerstone of cooperation between Arab nations and China, built on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence. "The forum's cooperation mechanisms and its various initiatives over the years have embodied the principles of the UN Charter, striving for a global landscape of peace, security, prosperity, and progress," Prince Faisal said.
He added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the first Arab-China summit in 2022, alongside the successful visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Riyadh, marked a historic turning point. This collaboration in the political, economic, and social fields elevated the relationship to a level of strategic cooperation, aiming to fulfill the leadership's aspirations and serve the shared interests of both peoples.
The Saudi minister hailed China’s consistent support for ending the war in Gaza and achieving the two-state solution. He stressed the urgency of an immediate and permanent ceasefire, ensuring a steady flow of humanitarian aid, and charting a clear and irreversible path towards the two-state solution.
This path, Prince Faisal said, must guarantee the Palestinian people's inherent right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, adhering to the principles of the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and consultation to address regional issues peacefully and politically. He stressed the need to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of Arab nations and reject foreign interference in Arab affairs.
He called for continued efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the region to promote security and stability and safeguard national achievements.
Highlighting the urgency of global action on climate change, Prince Faisal commended Arab nations for their national climate plans. He pointed to Saudi Arabia's leadership role with the launch of the Middle East Green Initiative and the Saudi Green Initiative.