Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Steadfast Support for Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Steadfast Support for Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)

Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian cause, advocating for Palestinian rights in international forums. The Kingdom upholds its historic role in backing the Palestinian people, drawing on its global influence and leadership in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Representing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and joint Arab efforts to address them.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of any infringement on Palestinian rights, including settlement expansion, land annexation, or forced displacement.

Speaking at the Arab summit, he stressed the need for international guarantees to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

A consultative meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, along with Jordan and Egypt, held in Riyadh last month, welcomed the emergency Arab summit.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly joint efforts to support the Palestinian cause and developments in Gaza.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in a message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following last month’s meeting in Riyadh.

He commended the Kingdom’s prominent regional and international role, particularly amid the challenges facing the region, including the Palestinian issue and the hardships endured by the Palestinian people.

He expressed hope for a unified stance on key issues to secure a better future for the region and its people.

Observers note that Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian cause remains steadfast, rejecting compromise or political maneuvering.

They emphasize that the Kingdom insists on a clear path toward an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a prerequisite for any comprehensive peace or diplomatic ties with Israel.

Saudi officials have reiterated this stance in international forums and official statements.

Riyadh has repeatedly affirmed that the Palestinian cause is its top priority, stressing that the UN Security Council (UNSC) cannot evade its responsibilities. The Kingdom has urged the UNSC to take decisive action to ensure the Palestinian people receive their long-denied rights.

In a statement last month, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that the Palestinian people have a rightful claim to their land and are not migrants who can be expelled at Israel’s discretion.

It stressed that this right is inalienable, regardless of time, and that lasting peace can only be achieved through reason and a commitment to peaceful coexistence based on a two-state solution.

Observers noted that resolutions from the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh last November—particularly the rejection of Palestinian displacement—serve as a key reference for the Arab position on US and Israeli statements regarding the forced removal of Gaza’s population, the annexation of the West Bank, and placing Gaza under US administration.

In September, Saudi Arabia, alongside Arab, Islamic, and European partners, announced the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution during a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s high-level session in New York.

Analysts viewed the initiative as a step toward restoring credibility in multilateral diplomacy and demonstrating a serious commitment to achieving peace and establishing a Palestinian state.

Riyadh hosted the first meeting of the Alliance in late October, bringing together representatives from nearly 90 countries and international organizations.

Prince Faisal underscored the need for intensified global efforts to salvage the two-state solution and restore regional security and stability.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s and its regional partners’ commitment to peace through concrete steps and a clear timeline aimed at ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Since the start of the Gaza crisis, Saudi Arabia has swiftly provided urgent humanitarian aid through air and sea relief bridges and launched a nationwide donation campaign for Palestinians in the enclave, raising more than SAR 707 million ($188 million).

The Kingdom has also offered monthly financial support to help address the humanitarian situation in Gaza and surrounding areas.

 

Riyadh has repeatedly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syria and Israel’s ongoing violations of international agreements and laws.

It has urged the international community to take responsibility for halting Israel’s destabilizing actions and preventing a wider conflict in the region.

The Kingdom has also reaffirmed its support for Lebanon and its people, expressing confidence in the ability of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to take the necessary steps to safeguard the country’s security, stability, and unity.

The Kingdom emphasized the importance of preserving state institutions and achievements to restore Lebanon’s regional and international standing and bolster trust among its partners.

Riyadh is also actively working to resolve the Sudan crisis, pushing for a ceasefire agreement and efforts to restore stability.

The Kingdom seeks a political path that ensures Sudan’s security, unity, and sovereignty while preventing foreign interference. Meanwhile, it continues to provide humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

 



Saudi FM Receives French President's Adviser, Holds Phone Call with Portuguese Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi FM Receives French President's Adviser, Holds Phone Call with Portuguese Counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Foreign Minister (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received Dora Cattuti, the Adviser to the French President for the Middle East and North Africa, in Riyadh on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials reviewed bilateral relations between their countries, regional developments, and issues of mutual interest.

The Saudi FM also held a phone call with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel.

During the call, Prince Faisal congratulated Rangel on Portugal's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

He expressed his aspiration to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two countries in a manner that contributes to regional and international security and stability.

The two ministers also discussed regional developments and issues of mutual interest.


Saudi Crown Prince Unable to Attend G7 Summit Due to Prior Commitments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Unable to Attend G7 Summit Due to Prior Commitments

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sent a message on Thursday to France’s President Emmanuel Macron apologizing for his inability to attend the Group of Seven summit gathering citing prior commitments.

In his letter, the Crown Prince thanked Macron for the invitation to participate in the June 15–17 G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, on the shore of Lake Geneva.

Prince Mohammed said he would be unable to attend because of prior commitments, reaffirming the strength of bilateral strategic relations between the two countries and extending his best wishes for a successful summit.


Lebanon’s Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Decision on Exports Came after Beirut Met Standards

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Nov. 3, 2025 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Nov. 3, 2025 (SPA)
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Lebanon’s Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Decision on Exports Came after Beirut Met Standards

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Nov. 3, 2025 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Nov. 3, 2025 (SPA)

Lebanon’s ambassador to Riyadh said Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume imports from Lebanon came after Beirut met the required standards to ensure the goods posed no risk.

The diplomat said the fight against drugs had involved intensive work and high-level security and political coordination between the two countries.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday ordered the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom at the request of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The move followed what were described as positive steps by Lebanon’s government to rebuild state institutions, work by specialist teams over the past year, Beirut’s cooperation and the required pledges it had made.

In a phone interview with Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday, Ambassador Ali Karanouh welcomed the Crown Prince’s decision, saying it reflected “the depth of the brotherly and historic relations between the two countries, and the Saudi leadership’s keenness to support Lebanon, its institutions, economy, and people, especially in these difficult circumstances.”

‘A lifeline’

Karanouh said Lebanon was going through a period in which it needed “a lifeline,” adding that the step “is not surprising from Saudi Arabia, which has always stood by Lebanon.”

He cited Riyadh’s role in the Taif Agreement that ended Lebanon’s civil war, as well as its support during reconstruction and recovery.

The ambassador said Lebanese people were grateful for the decision, which he said would benefit agriculture, industry, trade, and services, and help Lebanon regain access to one of the most important Arab and Gulf markets at a time when it badly needs support.

He said the decision was the result of efforts that began with Aoun’s election and the formation of Salam’s government.

 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Makkah on March 30, 2025. SPA

Intensive security coordination on drugs

Karanouh said the new Lebanese government “showed from the first day its determination to return Lebanon to its natural place among its Arab brothers, after a period of distance caused by political choices that were not in its interest.”

He said the government had repaired relations with Arab states, especially Gulf countries, on the basis that Lebanon is an integral part of its Arab surroundings.

He said Beirut was determined from the start not to allow Lebanon to be used as a platform to harm Arab countries. The anti-drug file, he added, had seen intensive work and security and political coordination at the highest levels between Lebanese and Saudi authorities.

Karanouh said Saudi authorities had appreciated Lebanon’s efforts, including tighter controls at border crossings, airports and ports.

Those efforts, he said, continued for about 18 months and helped restore confidence in Lebanon and its institutions, turning the page on a period that had damaged the country’s reputation and foreign relations.

Lebanon, he said, was now on the right path.

Karanouh said the decision to resume Lebanese exports to Saudi Arabia was a major step that would benefit Lebanon’s economy and economic cooperation between the two countries. He said it came after Lebanon met the required standards, ensuring Lebanese exports posed no danger to brotherly countries.

The ambassador said Lebanese exporters were ready to enter the Saudi market and that the remaining technical and procedural issues were minor and could be resolved easily.

He said the Saudi decision would push bilateral ties into a broader phase, whether through the signing and activation of partnership agreements or through the Saudi-Lebanese Business Council, whose formation was completed months ago.

He expressed hope that the move would be followed by the return of Saudi flights and Saudi tourism to Lebanon when conditions allow.

Broad welcome in Lebanon

The Crown Prince’s decision was widely welcomed across Lebanon, nearly five years after Saudi Arabia halted all Lebanese imports, citing at the time “the importance of taking all necessary measures to protect the security of the Kingdom and its people.”

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conveyed the Crown Prince’s directive in a phone call with Salam on Wednesday. He affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty over all its territory and the well-being of its people, as well as Riyadh’s confidence that Lebanon would take all necessary measures to ensure it is not used as a platform to harm its brothers.

Aoun expressed deep gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the decision was “a sincere expression of the depth of Arab brotherhood that binds the two brotherly countries, and an embodiment of the wise Saudi leadership’s keenness to support Lebanon and its people during the phase of recovery and revival it is undergoing.”

Aoun said: “This kind step will make a tangible contribution to reviving the national economy and supporting broad segments of Lebanese producers and exporters.”

He added that the entire Lebanese people appreciates the decision, and “views it as a gesture that strengthens the path of Lebanese-Saudi relations rooted in the bonds of history and shared destiny.”

Salam said the decision to lift the ban on Lebanese exports reflected the depth of the brotherly and historic ties between the two countries. He said it embodied Saudi confidence in Lebanon and a shared desire to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

Salam said the move was an important step that would support Lebanon’s economy, open new opportunities for Lebanese producers and exporters, and help promote growth and stability.

He said Lebanon looked forward to continued work and coordination with Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation and partnership in various fields for the benefit and prosperity of both countries.