Saudi Arabia hoped on Wednesday that its preliminary talks with Iran could lead to tangible results for building trust.
This in turn will lead to establishing ties of cooperation that are built on commitment to international principles and resolutions and respecting sovereignty, said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz before the 76th United Nations General Assembly.
The relations should also be based on refraining from meddling in the internal affairs of others and stopping all forms of support to terrorist groups and sectarian militias, he stressed during the speech that he delivered virtually.
Moreover, he underscored the importance of a Middle East that is devoid of all forms of weapons of mass destruction, underlining the Kingdom’s ongoing fight against of extremist and terrorist ideology.
King Salman said the challenges facing the world today demand bolstering international cooperation, while highlighting the pivotal role Saudi Arabia has played in leading the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s support to efforts to fight the pandemic, stressing the Kingdom’s keenness on the recovery of the global economy.
He added that the Kingdom will continue to play a major humanitarian and development role in helping countries that are most in need and most affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
On Yemen, he emphasized that the Saudi initiative was sufficient to end the conflict and bloodshed and put a stop to the suffering of the people. The Iran-backed Houthi militias, however, continue to reject peaceful solutions.
The militias are banking on the military option and are committing violations against the people on a daily basis, he added.
The Kingdom, he declared, reserves its legitimate right to defend itself against any attacks and it vehemently rejects any attempt to meddle in its internal affairs.
On Vision 2030, he said that it aims for prosperity and creating a better future.
“We have made great leaps in the past five years since the ambitious vision was launched,” King Salman said. These achievements include supporting local industries, developing infrastructure, communication technology and energy solutions, investing in several sectors, empowering women and the youth and improving quality of life.