Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah underscored on Saturday the Kingdom’s call on the international community to translate its actions into words and to implement the two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, he added that the Kingdom and brotherly countries have consistently demonstrated a strong political commitment to fostering peace and addressing crises.
He emphasized the dedication of the Kingdom with its partners in the region to regional reconciliation, cooperation, and dialogue.
"However, ongoing crises and conflicts have pushed the region into a precarious situation, necessitating united and effective efforts to realign and restore the journey toward peace and coexistence," he said.
Prince Faisal said that the fundamental principle of the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts is to cultivate peace and overcome challenges as the region requires development and its people yearn for a brighter future.
This goal can be achieved through concerted efforts and dedication and a courageous political will to make decisions that transcend immediate interests and narrow perspectives, he went on to say.
Prince Faisal stressed that the establishment of peace requires global support and a resolute stance against all parties that stand in its way.
Moreover, he warned that the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its expansion in the region undermines international security and international laws and norms.
He highlighted the "concerning trend of allowing Israel to carry out its persistent actions without accountability, particularly in relation to the UN and its agencies".
He urged the international community to increase efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, facilitate the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages and detainees.
Furthermore, he cautioned against hate speech, among all parties, particularly threats to annex the West Bank, to expand settlements, and to the viability of the two-state solution.
"If the international community is genuinely interested in preserving what remains of the credibility of its rules and institutions, it must collaborate with the Kingdom and other regional countries committed to peace. This collaboration should turn words into tangible actions, bringing the two-state solution to fruition on the ground," he demanded.
He emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to peace as a strategic choice, a stance clearly articulated since King Fahd's peace initiative of 1981 through the Arab Peace Initiative, the recent Arab summit in Bahrain, and the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit held in Riyadh.
He highlighted the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, aiming to take practical steps to establish a Palestinian state, end the Israeli occupation and support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
Prince Faisal welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, hoping that international efforts in this regard will lead to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which will help safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability, and strengthen its institutions.
He expressed grave concern over the ongoing war and the disruption of humanitarian aid in Sudan, which has worsened the crisis, and stressed the need to urgently reach a sustainable political solution that preserves Sudan's sovereignty, security, and national institutions.
Turning to the Kingdom's domestic ambitions, the FM highlighted Vision 2030 as the foundation of Saudi Arabia's transformative development agenda. He said that the Kingdom's foreign policy mirrors the priorities of Vision 2030, which aims to foster economic and social progress whose benefits spread across the region.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in the region, he expressed optimism about the future of the Middle East: "Our region's strategic location, economic potential, and rich resources inspire confidence in what lies ahead."
He stressed that to realize the region's potential, there is need for a secure and stable foundation that helps boost regional cooperation, enables global partnerships, and leads to economic integration.
"We firmly believe that the insecurity in our region is not inevitable, but stems from political disagreements requiring political solutions. We look forward to a path where shared, comprehensive interests take precedence over narrow, short-term considerations. This shift could mark a turning point, offering hope for a brighter future for the people of our region," he said.
