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Saudi FM: Our US Partnership is Continuous, No Military Cooperation with Israel

The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
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Saudi FM: Our US Partnership is Continuous, No Military Cooperation with Israel

The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)
The Saudi Foreign Minister speaks at a press conference at the conclusion of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit (AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the Kingdom’s hand is extended to Iran to reach normal relations, pointing out that the talks with Iran were positive, but did not reach any results.

“We are keen on finding a path to normal relations with neighboring Iran, and this is fundamentally linked to getting understandings that address sources of concern regarding Iranian activities, not only in Saudi Arabia, but with all countries in the region,” said the top Saudi diplomat in a presser at the end of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit.

The Summit was held in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, and the leaders of Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan.

Prince Faisal commended the role of Iraq in catalyzing the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh, and voiced Saudi Arabia’s hopes for “positive developments” in the future.

Furthermore, the Saudi FM said that no type of military or technical cooperation with Israel was raised or discussed and that there is no such thing as an “Arab NATO,” reiterating that there was no discussion of a “defensive alliance” with Israel.

Prince Faisal noted that Saudi Arabia had, five years ago, presented a proposal for establishing a joint Arab defense system.

Although the proposal wasn’t discussed at the Jeddah Summit, military and defense coordination among Arab countries remains a priority for the Kingdom.

The top diplomat also said that the US remains a main strategic partner, stressing that “the kingdom’s partnership with America is old and continuous... and the agreements we signed with America did not come to fruition overnight.”

He also noted that the joint Arab action system has reached a stage of “maturity”, saying: “We know what we want, and we know how to achieve it... We do not wait for anyone to fulfill our needs.”

Regarding the Yemeni crisis, Prince Faisal said: “We are working seriously to reach a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen, and the Houthis must understand that Yemen’s interest is in peace and stability.”

“Iranian weapons are part of the reasons for the continuing conflict in Yemen,” he added.

Moving on, he said that Saudi Arabia’s maximum oil production capacity is 13 million barrels and called for a balanced approach to reach “zero neutrality,” adding that many countries cannot convert to renewable energy quickly.

Regarding the global food crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine, Prince Faisal said: “At the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, we discussed the issue of food and grains, and we are working to increase the level of coordination between Arab countries to ensure food security.”

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185,000 Yemenis to Benefit from KSrelief-Funded Project

An active presence of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in all humanitarian aspects within Yemen (United Nations)
An active presence of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in all humanitarian aspects within Yemen (United Nations)
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185,000 Yemenis to Benefit from KSrelief-Funded Project

An active presence of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in all humanitarian aspects within Yemen (United Nations)
An active presence of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in all humanitarian aspects within Yemen (United Nations)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), launched a vital $2.25 million project to improve sanitation services for over 185,000 people in Maarib, including host communities and internally displaced persons.
This 12-month initiative aims to provide essential sanitation and hygiene support through enhanced facilities and strengthened local waste management capacity, fostering safer, healthier living conditions and building long-term resilience for communities heavily impacted by Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen said, “This project is a lifeline for the people of Maarib, who are facing some of Yemen’s most challenging conditions.”
He added that with hundreds of thousands struggling to access basic sanitation, this initiative provides immediate relief while laying the groundwork for lasting, community-led solutions.
“By providing critical support, we are not only meeting urgent needs but also helping communities regain a sense of dignity, safety, and stability,” Esoev said.
Largest concentration of displaced people
As the area with Yemen’s largest concentration of displaced people, Maarib has become the country’s largest host of internally displaced persons, sheltering nearly 1.6 million people who have fled conflict, insecurity, and deteriorating living conditions across the country.
Once a governorate of 350,000 people, Maarib’s population has now surged to over two million, placing an immense strain on its infrastructure and basic services.
This unprecedented magnitude of displacement has led to overcrowded displacement sites and heightened pressure on local resources, leaving many without access to adequate sanitation, clean water, and waste management systems.
Al Jufainah site alone, Yemen’s largest displacement settlement, hosts more than 73,000 people, many of whom rely on external aid to meet their most basic needs.
Coordinated Response
Recognizing the strain on local resources and the urgent need for expanded sanitation services, IOM, with KSrelief’s substantial funding, is implementing a coordinated response to address these critical needs.
Planned interventions include the construction of 200 household latrines, the rehabilitation of 600 cesspits, and the provision of essential equipment to enhance local waste management.
The project will further support Maarib’s Hygiene Improvement Fund (HIF) with the provision of garbage and vacuum trucks to strengthen waste collection and fecal sludge management, ensuring cleaner, safer environments.
By increasing local capacity and infrastructure, this initiative provides immediate relief and promotes long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for Maarib’s communities.
This partnership with KSrelief is a continuation of its sustained commitment to supporting IOM’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen, where millions face acute needs.
As the project progresses, IOM will continue working closely with local authorities to ensure the delivery of effective, sustainable sanitation and hygiene solutions that protect public health, support social stability, and offer hope to those most affected by Yemen’s ongoing crisis.