Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in diplomatic discussions with both Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel on Tuesday, January 16, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland. The meetings, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional concerns, particularly the ongoing crisis in Gaza. These talks underscore Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement in international efforts to foster stability and find solutions to complex geopolitical challenges.
The discussions took place as world leaders gather in Davos for the annual forum, a key venue for high-level diplomacy and economic discussions. Prince Faisal’s meetings with both Mustafa and van Weel highlight the Kingdom’s multifaceted approach to foreign policy, balancing support for Palestinian statehood with maintaining strong ties with European partners. The timing of these meetings is significant given the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the search for a lasting ceasefire.
Saudi Arabia Focuses on Bilateral Relations and Regional Stability
Prince Faisal’s meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa centered on strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Palestine. According to a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two officials reviewed existing cooperation and explored avenues for increased collaboration. This included discussions on economic support for the Palestinian Authority and potential joint initiatives to improve the lives of Palestinians.
Gaza Crisis a Central Topic
The situation in Gaza was a prominent topic of conversation during the meeting with Mustafa. Both officials reportedly exchanged views on the latest developments and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians. Saudi Arabia has consistently called for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, and has been actively involved in mediation efforts.
Additionally, the discussions likely touched upon the challenges facing the reconstruction of Gaza following the conflict. Saudi Arabia has pledged significant humanitarian aid to Gaza and is expected to play a role in any future reconstruction efforts, contingent on a sustainable peace agreement. The Kingdom has emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Meanwhile, Prince Faisal’s meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. The two ministers reviewed the current state of their countries’ partnership and identified areas for future cooperation, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The Netherlands is a key European trading partner for Saudi Arabia.
The conversation also extended to broader regional and international developments. According to sources familiar with the meeting, they discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East and addressing shared security concerns, such as maritime security and counter-terrorism. The two officials also likely exchanged views on the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where both countries have a vested interest in finding peaceful resolutions.
In contrast to the focused discussion on Palestine with Mustafa, the meeting with van Weel appeared to be a more general review of the overall strategic partnership. However, the shared concern for regional stability likely underpinned both conversations. The Kingdom is actively seeking to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its diplomatic ties with key players around the world.
The World Economic Forum in Davos provides a unique platform for these types of high-level engagements. The annual meeting brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss pressing global challenges and explore potential solutions. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the forum demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation and its willingness to play a constructive role in addressing global issues.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, including these meetings in Davos, are part of a broader strategy to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The Kingdom has been actively involved in mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and find political solutions to regional conflicts. This commitment to diplomacy is rooted in Saudi Arabia’s vision for a more secure and prosperous region.
Looking ahead, further diplomatic initiatives are expected in the coming weeks as international efforts to address the Gaza crisis continue. The next steps will likely involve continued engagement with regional and international stakeholders to secure a lasting ceasefire and pave the way for a two-state solution. The success of these efforts remains uncertain, dependent on the willingness of all parties to compromise and prioritize the needs of civilians. Monitoring the progress of these international negotiations and Saudi Arabia’s role within them will be crucial in the coming months.
