Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to Implement Int’l Resolutions on Palestine

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to Implement Int’l Resolutions on Palestine

King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)
King Salman chairs a virtual cabinet meeting. (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet reiterated on Tuesday its position at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting on the repercussions of Israel’s annexation of portions of the occupied West Bank.

The OIC had held an extraordinary meeting last week to address Israel’s annexation plans.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that was held virtually.

The ministers warned that Israel’s annexation plans are a blatant violation against international resolutions and a dangerous escalation that undermines chances for resuming the peace process and achieving regional security and stability.

They renewed Saudi Arabia’s position at the OIC for the need for a united Islamic stance against Israel’s plans and for exerting effective action that will lead to a serious and clear international position that forces Israel to respect Palestinian rights.

The cabinet underlined the OIC meeting’s commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers also reviewed the latest local and international developments linked to the coronavirus pandemic. They assessed the latest tally in the Kingdom and efforts to treat patients, carry out more tests throughout the country and ensure that preventive measures are respected to curb the spread of the disease.

On Saudi Arabia’s participation at the France-hosted G5 Sahel Joint Force summit, the cabinet said the Kingdom will spare no effort in backing all countries in their war against terrorism and extremism.

It also renewed its condemnation of the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militias’ continued firing of ballistic missiles and drones towards civilian installations in the Kingdom.



Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East and efforts to de-escalate tensions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

During a phone call, the two sides reviewed a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern, with particular focus on the latest developments related to Israeli military operations targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to promote de-escalation and enhance regional security and stability, SPA reported.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the commitment of the GCC member states to supporting international and UN-led efforts, as reflected in the statement issued following the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council on regional developments.

The council underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to preserve regional security and stability. It also called on all parties to work collaboratively to de-escalate tensions, prioritize diplomacy as a constructive means of resolving conflicts, and exercise maximum restraint to shield the region and its people from the dangers of war.

For his part, Guterres praised the GCC’s positive role in supporting de-escalation efforts and promoting regional security. He emphasized the United Nations’ desire to strengthen cooperation with the GCC across various areas of shared priority.

Also, Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas during a phone call.

During their talks, they discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and international efforts to advance the peace process, in addition to exchanging views on ways to elevate regional and international coordination to foster security and stability in the region.

Both officials stressed the need to move forward in supporting de-escalation efforts in the region to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world.