Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
TT

Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza, De-escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file photo)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Tuesday a telephone call from David Lammy, the United Kingdom's newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role. The ministers discussed strengthening relations and cooperation between their countries, as well as developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of de-escalation in the region.

Separately, Prince Faisal on Tuesday in the 14th Gulf Research Meeting (GRM) in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the existing international order as a bulwark against chaos and conflicts, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.

He stressed the significance of this in light of the current global challenges and reiterated the need to adhere to the principles of international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"The looming conflicts cast a shadow over aspirations for prosperity and progress," the minister said, noting the importance of exercising restraint, wisdom, and foresight in all actions.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting stability and promoting cooperation, and its efforts to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend borders and divisions, aiming to create an environment conducive to innovation and prosperity for all the peoples of the region and the world.

Moreover, Prince Faisal underscored the urgent need for establishing a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, noting that the ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serve as a reminder of the high human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a lasting solution.

Additionally, he reiterated the Kingdom's continuous call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the commitment to dialogue and negotiations based on the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.



Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
TT

Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council in Bangkok on Thursday.
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand, aiming to enhance coordination and collaboration across various sectors to fulfill the aspirations of both nations' leaders and peoples. This aligns with the shared objectives of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, focusing on enhancing cooperation, connectivity, and integration between the two countries through the council and its subcommittees in areas such as politics, security, defense, energy, economy, investment, education, culture, tourism, and other mutual interests, SPA reported.
During the meeting, the co-chairs reviewed the bilateral relations and emphasized the significance of sustained joint efforts between the two friendly nations. They expressed contentment with the outcomes of the committee sessions, which produced over 70 joint initiatives spanning various fields.
They highlighted the importance of upholding and advancing the council's work and collaboration among its committees while reinforcing coordination to amplify its effectiveness as an institutional mechanism framing bilateral cooperation. They also underscored the importance of implementing the recommendations and initiatives of the committee heads with the support of the council's general secretariat, looking forward to the upcoming second council meeting in Saudi Arabia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation program between the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA).