Saudi Arabia Launches Global Alliance to Establish Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Global Alliance to Establish Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Thursday on behalf of the Arab and Islamic countries and European partners, the launch of a new Global Alliance dedicated to advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The "Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" initiative was announced during Prince Faisal's speech at the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian cause, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In his speech, Prince Faisal emphasized that the war on Gaza triggered a humanitarian disaster, alongside the serious violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, and the threat to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and religious sanctities, further entrenching the policies of occupation and violent extremism.
“Self-defense can never justify the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, the systematic destruction, forced displacement, and the use of starvation as a tool of war, incitement, dehumanization, and the systematic torture in its most horrific forms, including sexual violence and other documented crimes according to United Nations reports," said the Saudi Minister.
He added, pointing to Israel’s escalation in Lebanon: “These days we are witnessing a serious rise in tension affecting our sister the Republic of Lebanon and poses a significant risk of igniting a regional war, threatening both our region and the world at large."
Demanding an immediate end to the ongoing war and all violations of international law, he said that those obstructing the peace process must be held accountable.
"We question the credibility and legitimacy of the global system when we stand powerless to stop the machinery of war, while some persist in selectively applying international law in blatant violation of the most basic standards of equality, freedom, and human rights," he said.
The Minister emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is an inherent right and a fundamental basis for peace, rather than a final outcome to be negotiated within an elusive political process.
“We affirm our appreciation for the countries that have recently recognized Palestine, and we urge all nations to show the courage to make the same decision and join the international consensus represented by the 149 countries that recognize Palestine," he stated.
“Implementing the two-state solution is the best way to break the cycle of conflict and suffering, creating a new reality where the entire region, including Israel, can enjoy security and coexistence," Prince Faisal underscored.
He concluded his speech expressing hopes to ending this conflict and safeguarding international security and peace.
“We invite all nations to join this initiative, assuring you that we will spare no effort in creating a credible and irreversible pathway toward a just and comprehensive peace," Prince Faisal said.



Al-Hujailan: King Khalid Asked Me to Announce King Saud’s Removal

Saudi statesman Sheikh Jamil Al-Hujailan (PHOTO CREDIT : Mohammed Othman)
Saudi statesman Sheikh Jamil Al-Hujailan (PHOTO CREDIT : Mohammed Othman)
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Al-Hujailan: King Khalid Asked Me to Announce King Saud’s Removal

Saudi statesman Sheikh Jamil Al-Hujailan (PHOTO CREDIT : Mohammed Othman)
Saudi statesman Sheikh Jamil Al-Hujailan (PHOTO CREDIT : Mohammed Othman)

In the second installment of the memoirs of Saudi statesman Sheikh Jamil Al-Hujailan, Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Information, he recounts the historic moment he was asked to announce the deposition of King Saud and the pledge of allegiance to Crown Prince Faisal as the new king.

Al-Hujailan was summoned by Prince Khalid, who would later become Crown Prince, along with Prince Fahd, the Interior Minister, and Prince Musaid, the Finance Minister, to deliver the statement.

Years later, Al-Hujailan recalls King Faisal’s reaction to the news of King Saud’s death in Athens in 1969.

Asharq Al-Awsat is exclusively sharing excerpts from Al-Hujailan’s memoirs, titled “Jamil Al-Hujailan: A Journey Through the Era of Seven Kings,” which will be available at the Riyadh International Book Fair.

Saudi Arabia’s First Information Minister

In March 1963, King Faisal called Al-Hujailan from Kuwait to appoint him as Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Information, marking the start of a new media policy in the Kingdom.

The Yemeni revolution and the Saudi-Egyptian conflict that followed posed a major challenge for Saudi media, leading the government to reassess its press and media strategy.

It soon became clear that the existing media was not up to the task, and there was a need for a stronger, more capable media to meet the demands of the time.

Al-Hujailan became Saudi Arabia’s first Information Minister during a challenging time, both domestically and regionally. He faced numerous crises as he established the new ministry. The Kingdom was dealing with increased internal responsibilities and a major political conflict with Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser over Yemen. It was also in a silent ideological struggle with the Arab left, supported by the Soviet Union, which opposed conservative regimes in the region.

The region was undergoing major changes that disrupted the balance of power and complicated Arab relations. Under King Faisal, Saudi Arabia openly condemned communism, a stance that surprised many observers.

The Soviet Union was frustrated by Saudi Arabia’s refusal to establish diplomatic relations, despite Moscow’s repeated efforts.

This stance also angered Soviet-aligned Arab leftist parties, who joined in a covert campaign against Saudi Arabia, accusing it of being too close to the United States and abandoning Arab nationalist goals. Yet, Saudi Arabia stood firm as a “fortress” against Soviet influence in the region.

The Story Behind the Broadcast Announcing King Saud’s Removal

Al-Hujailan recalls that one of the most difficult moments of his career was when he was asked to announce King Saud’s removal and Crown Prince Faisal’s ascension to the throne.

Ironically, the joint session where this decision was made took place in the same dining hall where Al-Hujailan had translated for King Saud and the Spanish foreign minister 12 years earlier.

Al-Hujailan recalled: “On the morning of November 2, 1964, a joint session of the Council of Ministers and the Shura Council took place at Al-Hamra Palace, better known as the Red Palace, in Riyadh.”

“Chaired by Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, the members reviewed a letter from the Al Saud family and a statement from religious scholars supporting the removal of King Saud and the pledge of allegiance to Crown Prince Faisal as the new king. The decision was unanimously approved.”

A statement announcing the removal and pledge was prepared for broadcast.

At the time, the only radio station in the Kingdom was in Jeddah, as Riyadh did not yet have one. Al-Hujailan remembers discussing the matter with Prince Khalid, Prince Fahd, the Interior Minister, and Prince Musaid, the Finance Minister. He was asked to handle the broadcast, to which he responded that he would send it immediately to the Jeddah station for an exceptional airing before the news bulletin.

Prince Khalid interjected, telling Al-Hujailan that he will be announcing the news. He was supported by Prince Fahd and Prince Musaid.

Al-Hujailan expressed his hesitation, noting that it was unusual for a Minister of Information to announce news about Saudi Arabia. However, the three princes insisted that Al-Hujailan take on this responsibility.

Al-Hujailan felt uncomfortable, as the removal of King Saud was a family matter, and he didn’t want his broadcast to imply any personal involvement, especially with King Saud waiting to hear the news. Al-Hujailan worried that King Saud would not forgive him for delivering such a significant announcement.

It was decided that Al-Hujailan would travel immediately to Jeddah with the statement for broadcast.

Around 11 a.m. Riyadh time, Al-Hujailan boarded a Boeing 707, the only modern plane in Saudi Arabian Airlines at the time. On the flight, Al-Hujailan wrestled with his thoughts about what he was about to do.

As Al-Hujailan prepared to read the statement announcing King Saud’s removal, he reflected on his life’s pivotal moments. This was a challenge he had not sought, and he felt a deep sense of embarrassment.

While Al-Hujailan viewed King Saud’s removal as a family issue, he understood the broader implications of announcing it. The world would be taken by surprise, and the announcement could lead to speculation and political misinterpretations. This is why it was vital for the Minister of Information to deliver the statement.

The removal of King Saud was not just another seasonal military coup that often draws skepticism and laughter in the Arab world. It marked a significant political event in a country known for its stability, where the royal family has upheld familial unity since its founding by King Abdulaziz.

The Al Saud family has always recognized the responsibilities of governance, prioritizing national stability and avoiding internal conflict. This was not simply news of a prince’s death or a minister’s dismissal; it was the ousting of a reigning king and the pledge of allegiance to a new monarch. Given its significance, such an announcement needed to be made by the Minister of Information.

On that historic day, Al-Hujailan announced the statement live from the radio studios in Jeddah on November 2, 1964.