By Muhammad Ayub
The Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia highlighted the country’s work to support peace efforts in the region and beyond in his address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud remarked that the world is facing a growing number of crises, yet the international community tends to focus on managing these situations rather than pursuing real solutions.
He warned against political polarization amid rising tensions between nations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation.
The prince firmly denounced “all crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” stating that the ongoing conflict in Gaza is merely the latest instance of their suffering.
Last November, Saudi Arabia hosted a joint Arab-Islamic Summit to address the crisis, aiming to adopt resolutions that reflect the will of Arab and Muslim communities, halt bloodshed, ensure humanitarian access, and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, particularly regarding the establishment of an independent state.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on May 10, 2024, recognizing that the State of Palestine meets the criteria to become a UN Member State.
Since the onset of the Gaza war last October, the prince noted that Saudi Arabia has contributed over $5 billion in aid to the Palestinian people and is collaborating with international and UN agencies to deliver $106 billion in humanitarian projects. This support includes services, food, medicine, and other essentials, in partnership with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
He stressed the need for a fair resolution to the Palestinian crisis, pointing out that the ongoing impunity and disregard for legal obligations encourage Israel’s continued escalation.
On a broader scale, he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts toward “conciliation and development,” including a recent agreement with Iran to restore diplomatic ties. He expressed hope for Iran’s cooperation with the international community, particularly concerning its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Additionally, the kingdom has reestablished relations with Syria to enhance cooperation on shared issues, believing that resolving the Syrian crisis is crucial for regional peace and stability.
Saudi Arabia is also committed to addressing the crises in Yemen and the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks threaten international shipping.
In Sudan, the prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability, noting the kingdom’s role in hosting peace talks in Jeddah, with a third round planned.
He emphasized that Afghanistan should not be neglected by the international community or left vulnerable to terrorist exploitation, advocating for an end to its humanitarian and security crises.
Furthermore, he called for an end to the “Russian-Ukrainian crisis,” highlighting ongoing efforts by the Saudi Crown Prince. The prince noted the release of several prisoners of various nationalities and the hosting of discussions with officials from multiple countries and organizations, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s readiness to mediate between conflicting parties.
