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.



Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the strong partnership between the Kingdom and UNRWA. They also reviewed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges related to these issues.
In a related context, Arab reactions continue after Israel’s publications of maps annexing parts of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Israel’s “extremist” acts that reflect Israel’s “intentions to consolidate its occupation and continue its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of those nations.”
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to fulfill its role in halting Israel’s violations against the countries and peoples of the region.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and borders of nations to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s maps publications, saying it “reflects a state of right-wing extremism and religious obsession prevailing within the Israeli government”.