Saudi Arabia Confirms Total Condemnation of Houthi Targeting of Civilians

King Salman bin Abdulaziz while presiding over a Council of Ministers' session via videoconference (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz while presiding over a Council of Ministers' session via videoconference (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Confirms Total Condemnation of Houthi Targeting of Civilians

King Salman bin Abdulaziz while presiding over a Council of Ministers' session via videoconference (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz while presiding over a Council of Ministers' session via videoconference (SPA)

The Saudi Council of Ministers renewed on Tuesday its condemnation of both civilian targeting by Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militias in Yemen and their continued aggressive attacks launched from the coastal governorate of Hodeidah in violation of the UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement.

During a virtual session chaired by King Salman, the Council reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for the people of Yemen and the official state and called on all warring parties to accept political solutions presented to end the Yemeni crisis.

The push for a political settlement chiefly aims to unite ranks among all components of the Yemeni spectrum in a way that allows Yemen to complete its march towards restoring the state, its security, and stability.

Acceptance among parties would also support efforts to reach a comprehensive political resolution within the framework outlined by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative, the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue, and UN Security Council resolution 2216.

Separately, the Council reviewed efforts made by Saudi state agencies to enhance development gains and achieve more progress through the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The vision's programs are based on increasing and sustaining economic growth in all fields and developing new sectors based on the prominent location and leading position of the Kingdom.

As for the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics launch by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Council deemed it as the beginning of a new phase of improving services and integrating systems in a vital sector.

The strategy will consolidate the Kingdom's position as a global logistics center linking the three continents through a package of qualitative initiatives and projects that will contribute to achieving economic and social goals and enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness regionally and globally.

More so, the Council touched on the Kingdom's views around the two special sessions on Africa, multilateralism, and international governance to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The two extraordinary sessions were held on the sidelines of the meeting of the Foreign and Development Ministers of G20 under the Italian Presidency in Matera City.

Saudi Arabia had expressed its support for international and regional efforts that seek to lay the foundations for stability, security, and conflict resolution in Africa, where it looks forward towards a show of global solidarity, promotion of investment in various fields, and enclosure of partnerships and effective cooperation in the face of challenges that threaten the world and humanity.

The Council also stressed the Kingdom's firm stance about clearing the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and supporting cooperation that stands to ban WMDs and condemn their use.

During the 97th session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Kingdom showed great interest in the convention banning weapons of mass destruction, which affirms its role in strengthening international peace and security.



Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Wednesday from Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

Discussions stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and addressed regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.