Saudi FM Says Establishing Palestinian State is Key to Ties with Israel

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (File photo: Reuters)
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Saudi FM Says Establishing Palestinian State is Key to Ties with Israel

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia said that forming diplomatic ties with Israel requires establishing a Palestinian state.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told Bloomberg Thursday that an agreement to create a Palestinian state would be a precondition to establishing formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

"We have said consistently that we believe normalization with Israel is something that is very much in the interest of the region," noted Prince Faisal.

"However, true normalization and true stability will only come through giving the Palestinians hope, through giving the Palestinians dignity."

Regarding Saudi Arabia's relations with China and the United States, bin Farhan reiterated that Washington remains the Kingdom's top security partner, even as ties warm with China.

The US is "the most active security partner in the region," he said, though "China continues to be an important trading partner."

Regarding Ukraine, Prince Faisal noted that an end to the Russia-Ukraine war could also be achieved "through negotiation."

Saudi Arabia is engaging with Russia over keeping the oil price "relatively stable," he said.

On Syria, the Saudi foreign minister said countries in the region should work together to find a "political solution" to an ongoing 12-year civil war.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.