Saudi FM: Situation in Syria Not Tenable, We Are Open to Dialogue with Iran

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank in London. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank in London. (SPA)
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Saudi FM: Situation in Syria Not Tenable, We Are Open to Dialogue with Iran

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank in London. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank in London. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah denied on Tuesday divergence between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying reports that have made such claims are “overdramatized” and “far from the truth.”

Speaking to the press in London, he said: “All decisions in OPEC and OPEC+ are made through very extensive dialogue between all the partners ... Every statement I see that is made on the record from all of the partners in OPEC+ reflects that consensus.”

“We always say that we are committed to a stable market ... (the minister of energy) feels the market doesn't need any production changes until the end of the year,” Prince Faisal said.

He made his remarks on the sidelines of his participation at roundtable talks organized by Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank.

On the Iranian nuclear deal, Prince Faisal said it was “not ideal” and must address the concerns of neighboring countries.

“We are open to dialogue with Iran,” he added.

On Saudi ties with the United States, he described them as “very good”, remarking that China was “one of our greatest trade partners, as it is with the rest of the world.”

Moreover, the FM revealed that dialogue is ongoing about Syria’s return to the Arab fold, “but it is too soon to talk about that.”

“An engagement in order to address these concerns is necessary. And that may well lead eventually to Syria returning to the Arab League et cetera. But for now, I think it's too early to discuss,” he told reporters.

Syria was largely isolated from the rest of the Arab world following Bashar al-Assad's deadly crackdown against protests that erupted against his rule in 2011.

The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in 2011 and many Arab countries pulled their envoys out of Damascus.

But Assad has benefited from an outpouring of support from Arab states following the devastating earthquake on Feb. 6, which killed thousands of Syrians.

“I can say that ... that there is a consensus building in the Arab world, that the status quo is not tenable. And that means we have to find a way to move beyond that status quo,” said Prince Faisal.

On the developments in the Palestinian Territories, the FM stressed: “Our position is clear towards the Palestinian cause and it prioritizes the stability and security of the Palestinians.”

“We are facing the possibility of greater violence” if the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not resolved, he warned.

The London roundtable discussed the historic and strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK. It also tackled Saudi Arabia’s development through its Vision 2030.

Participants also tackled the Russian-Ukranian crisis and the Iranian nuclear file.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in achieving peace in the Middle East and world and security and development in Yemen.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA

Saudi Arabia's cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to promoting global peace and security and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving international crises. This came during Tuesday's session chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session in Riyadh.
The Cabinet reviewed recent talks held by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations. The discussions, part of ongoing close relations and consultations, focused on various regional and international issues.
The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his positive remarks, conveyed in a phone call with the Crown Prince, regarding Saudi Arabia's role in hosting fruitful talks between Russia and the United States.
Following the session, the Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and Acting Minister of Media, Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Saeed told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia's participation in recent regional and international meetings, part of the Kingdom's ongoing support for multilateral efforts that promote sustainable development, prosperity, and address shared global challenges.
The Cabinet expressed hope that the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum will contribute to unifying efforts and developing innovative solutions for enhancing humanitarian response in light of increasing global disasters and crises. The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's longstanding commitment to providing aid and relief to those in need worldwide.
The Cabinet commended the success of the first annual global AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund. It highlighted the conference's strategic vision, which promotes international cooperation and paves the way for a promising global economic future.
Dr. Bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet deemed the Kingdom's presidency of the World Trade Organization's General Council (2025-2026) as confirmation of its international standing and leadership role in strengthening partnerships and achieving constructive outcomes toward a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive global trading system.
The Cabinet also noted the broad international participation in the fourth Saudi Media Forum held in Riyadh and the launch of initiatives including programs to enhance media business incubators and accelerators, support financial and regulatory transformation, foster talent development, and adopt modern technologies.