Saudi Arabia Stresses Need to Speed up Reform Process at UN Security Council

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Need to Speed up Reform Process at UN Security Council

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government underlined on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call for speeding up the process of reforming the United Nations Security Council to bolster its credibility and efficiency given the challenges and mounting conflicts in the world and the wavering trust in the international system.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet session in Riyadh.

The cabinet welcomed the formation of the "International Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution", proposed by the Kingdom in partnership with the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, Norway, and the European Union.

It underlined the Kingdom's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The cabinet reiterated the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and all violations of international law, demanding accountability for those hindering peace efforts.

Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the cabinet on the recent written message he received from Jordan’s King Abdullah II that covered relations between their countries.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments. It commended the Kingdom's delegation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which delivered Saudi Arabia's unwavering principles and positions on Arab issues, and international peace and security, and its commitment to join efforts to address global challenges.

Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary said the ministers noted the Kingdom's announcement that it will provide monthly financial support to Palestinians, as well as medical and relief aid to the Lebanese people.

The gestures are proof of the Kingdom's efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip and its surroundings, and to help Lebanon as Israel intensified its attacks on Hezbollah in the country.

Moreover, the cabinet said the Kingdom hopes for active international participation in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) that will be held in Riyadh in December.

The Kingdom hopes the event will mark a significant shift in the convention's trajectory and will serve as an important global platform for collaborative efforts to tackle major environmental challenges.

The cabinet also deemed the Kingdom's unanimous victory in the elections for the presidency of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies (GlobE Network) as a reflection of the international community's appreciation for the Kingdom's efforts to combat transnational corruption, and for its continuous support for achieving international goals in this respect.

On domestic level, the cabinet praised Crown Prince Mohammed’s announcement of the launch of Riyadh Foundation, which reflects the state's efforts to support and develop institutional and social work, and consolidate the community's contribution to the implementation of the non-profit sector programs.

The cabinet reviewed the Pre-Budget Statement for Fiscal Year 2025, which emphasized the government's continuous promotion of spending directed at essential services for citizens and residents, and the execution of strategic projects meant to secure economic growth and achieve sustainable development.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.