Over the past 48 hours, Saudi Arabia has intensified diplomatic activity, holding a series of consultations aimed at easing regional tensions and coordinating positions.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah conducted a round of intensive political consultations following the talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, nine rounds have been publicly disclosed so far.
The effort began with a phone call the minister received early on Monday from his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, who attended the US-Iran talks.
The FMs reviewed the latest developments and stressed the need to sustain diplomatic efforts to restore regional stability. It was their third call in four days, underscoring a rise in coordination between the two countries amid fast-moving developments.
Backing the Pakistani mediation
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry voiced support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts to reach a lasting agreement that ensures security and stability and addresses the issues that have destabilized the region for decades.
Saudi Arabia had also held consultations in the days and hours leading up to the talks.
Earlier, Prince Faisal met Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the South Korean president and special envoy, to discuss regional developments and their impact on regional security and the global economy, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi minister also received a second call within 96 hours from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. They discussed post-talk developments and exchanged views.
Saudi-Arab coordination intensifies
Prince Faisal also held five calls with Gulf and Arab counterparts, including those of Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The discussions focused on the fallout from regional developments, ongoing efforts to address them, and ways to strengthen regional and international security and stability while reducing tensions.
The consultations included a Monday call with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev. The officials reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made in response.
Amid these developments, the Saudi Foreign Ministry summoned Iraq’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Safia Taleb al-Suhail, over what it described as “continued blatant attacks and threats” targeting Saudi Arabia and Gulf states through drones launched from Iraqi territory.
A Saudi deputy foreign minister, while delivering a protest note, condemned the attacks and stressed the need for Iraq to act responsibly in addressing such threats.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s firm rejection of violations of sovereignty and attempts to undermine regional security and stability, and said Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory.
The ministry also received Djibouti’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, dean of the diplomatic corps in Saudi Arabia, where both sides reviewed issues of mutual interest.
